Coastal Restoration in North Carolina
Coastal restoration and conservation of areas like mangroves, tidal marshes, and seagrass beds, is a critical strategy to safeguard infrastructure, boost local economies, and protect communities.
What difference do healthy coastal habitats make for North Carolina communities?
Coastal wetlands have a multi-billion dollar impact, from tourism to fishing
Economic impact on tourism: Coastal restoration projects have significantly boosted tourism in North Carolina. For example, the restoration of oyster reefs and wetlands has enhanced recreational opportunities, attracting tourists and generating millions of dollars in revenue. In 2019, coastal tourism in North Carolina generated over $3 billion in economic activity[1].
Fishing industry support: The restoration of oyster reefs has directly supported the fishing industry. Oyster reefs provide habitat for various fish species, enhancing local fisheries. The commercial fishing industry in North Carolina, supported by healthy coastal habitats, contributes approximately $95 million annually to the state’s economy[2].
Recreational fishing: Recreational fishing is a significant contributor to North Carolina’s economy. In 2015, 480,854 coastal recreational fishing licenses were issued, resulting in 4.6 million coastal fishing trips and generating nearly $1.6 billion in economic activity[2].
Coastal wetlands provide storm protection, reducing storm surge impact and saving on property damage costs
Economic impact on tourism: Coastal restoration projects have significantly boosted tourism in North Carolina. For example, the restoration of oyster reefs and wetlands has enhanced recreational opportunities, attracting tourists and generating millions of dollars in revenue. In 2019, coastal tourism in North Carolina generated over $3 billion in economic activity[1].
Fishing industry support: The restoration of oyster reefs has directly supported the fishing industry. Oyster reefs provide habitat for various fish species, enhancing local fisheries. The commercial fishing industry in North Carolina, supported by healthy coastal habitats, contributes approximately $95 million annually to the state’s economy[2].
Recreational fishing: Recreational fishing is a significant contributor to North Carolina’s economy. In 2015, 480,854 coastal recreational fishing licenses were issued, resulting in 4.6 million coastal fishing trips and generating nearly $1.6 billion in economic activity[2].
Coastal wetlands improve water quality
Economic impact on tourism: Coastal restoration projects have significantly boosted tourism in North Carolina. For example, the restoration of oyster reefs and wetlands has enhanced recreational opportunities, attracting tourists and generating millions of dollars in revenue. In 2019, coastal tourism in North Carolina generated over $3 billion in economic activity[1].
Fishing industry support: The restoration of oyster reefs has directly supported the fishing industry. Oyster reefs provide habitat for various fish species, enhancing local fisheries. The commercial fishing industry in North Carolina, supported by healthy coastal habitats, contributes approximately $95 million annually to the state’s economy[2].
Recreational fishing: Recreational fishing is a significant contributor to North Carolina’s economy. In 2015, 480,854 coastal recreational fishing licenses were issued, resulting in 4.6 million coastal fishing trips and generating nearly $1.6 billion in economic activity[2].
Coastal wetlands help naturally remove and store carbon
Economic impact on tourism: Coastal restoration projects have significantly boosted tourism in North Carolina. For example, the restoration of oyster reefs and wetlands has enhanced recreational opportunities, attracting tourists and generating millions of dollars in revenue. In 2019, coastal tourism in North Carolina generated over $3 billion in economic activity[1].
Fishing industry support: The restoration of oyster reefs has directly supported the fishing industry. Oyster reefs provide habitat for various fish species, enhancing local fisheries. The commercial fishing industry in North Carolina, supported by healthy coastal habitats, contributes approximately $95 million annually to the state’s economy[2].
Recreational fishing: Recreational fishing is a significant contributor to North Carolina’s economy. In 2015, 480,854 coastal recreational fishing licenses were issued, resulting in 4.6 million coastal fishing trips and generating nearly $1.6 billion in economic activity[2].
Americans overwhelmingly support public funding for
coastal restoration
92% of voters nationwide (88% GOP, 94% IND, and 96% DEM) support “restoring coastal wetlands to help reduce the risk of flooding to communities, provide wildlife habitat, and help address climate change.”
Source: Survey of 1000 registered voters conducted in June 2024 by bipartisan research team New Bridge Strategy (R) and FM3 Research (D). Commissioned by U.S. Nature4Climate.
What can be done with more funding for coastal restoration?
Purchase land for coastal conservation
Allocating funds to purchase land for coastal conservation can protect existing wetlands, prevent further development, and ensure sustainable land use. This benefits communities by enhancing flood protection, preserving natural habitats, and supporting local economies through eco-tourism and fisheries.
Expand coastal wetland restoration
Increased resources can support the restoration of degraded salt marshes by planting native vegetation, removing invasive species, and rebuilding natural hydrology[11].
Expand construction of living shorelines
More funding could expand the construction of living shorelines, which use natural materials like plants, sand, and rock to stabilize coastlines. These projects help reduce erosion, improve water quality, and provide habitat for marine life[11] .
Accelerate oyster reef restoration
Enhanced funding could accelerate oyster reef restoration efforts. Oyster reefs not only support marine biodiversity but also improve water quality by filtering pollutants and provide natural barriers against storm surges[11].
Enhance research and monitoring
Additional funding could enhance research and monitoring efforts to better understand coastal ecosystems and the effectiveness of restoration projects. This data is vital for adaptive management and ensuring long-term success[11].
There is a recognized need for more comprehensive data in coastal restoration research and monitoring. For example, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ) highlights the importance of accurate and up-to-date geospatial datasets for activities like vulnerability assessments and flood zone workshops[12]. However, there are gaps in data availability and quality, which can hinder effective planning and implementation of restoration projects.
[Click for References]
1 North Carolina Association of County Commissioners: North Carolina Counties: Spending From Tourism in 2023. https://www.ncacc.org/wp-content/ uploads/2024/09/09_2024_TourismSpending.pdf
2 North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries 2021 Coastal Habitat Protection Plan: https://files.nc.gov/ncdeq/Marine-Fisheries/coastal-habitat-protection-plan/ chpp-steering-committee-meetings/042021/Wetland-IP-final-Draft-CSC—4-7-21.pdf
3 Sea Grant North Carolina. Demand for N.C. Seafood and the Commercial Industry’s Economic Impact on the State (2021). https://ncseagrant.ncsu.edu/ demand-for-n-c-seafood-and-the-commercial-industrys-economic-impact-on-the-state/
4 (North Carolina Coastal Federation, 2015)
5 (Castagno et al., 2022)
6 (Smith et al., 2017)
7 (North Carolina Coastal Federation, 2023)
8 (USN4C, 2023)
9 (USN4C, 2023)
10 (Pew, 2023)
11 (North Carolina Natural and Working Lands Action Plan, 2020)
12 (NC DEQ)
Make the case for coastal restoration
Customize a PDF infographic to help you make the case for why coastal
restoration is essential to empower and protect communities in North
Carolina from the effects of the changing climate.
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Contact experts on coastal restoration:
Below is a list of organizations that specialize in coastal restoration within our coalition. Send us an email and we’ll direct you to the correct person to communicate with.
Explore our “Science for Decision-Makers” page
The “Science for Decision-Makers” section highlights key research on nature-based solutions in the U.S., including strategies like coastal restoration and peatland restoration, complemented by blog articles, case studies, videos, and infographics that summarizes the research and explain the impact it can have on real-world situations.
What is the science?
See the climate mitigation potential of coastal restoration in our Science page.
What else can be done?