History
Our Inception
In response to an evident lack of accurate data and research needed to effectively manage North Carolina’s coastal resources, a coalition of business leaders, fishers, and concerned citizens devised plans for an innovative, science and education-focused 501(C)3 nonprofit organization.
The Foundation
On May 18, 2018, the North Carolina Marine & Estuary Foundation was founded and permitted to accept tax-deductible contributions from other nonprofits, charities, corporations, and individuals supporting to support its mission: build world-class fisheries and thriving economies.
Coastal Collaboration
The North Carolina Marine & Estuary Foundation partnered with the North Carolina Collaboratory and leading coastal researchers to develop a nationwide assessment of marine fisheries and coastal resource management.
National Survey
The Foundation and its research partners conducted in-depth interviews with high-ranking senior fisheries administrators from 20 out of 23 coastal states. This included seven chiefs or deputy chiefs, 12 directors, one assistant director, two commissioners, one assistant secretary, and six other distinguished senior administrators.
Digital Expansion
The North Carolina Marine & Estuary Foundation accomplished several remarkable feats, such as launching its website, establishing digital communication outlets, and securing a federal trademark for its tagline, Think Coastal®.
Atlantic Tarpon Advocacy
The Foundation disseminated peer-reviewed research and data on the migration of Atlantic Tarpon. As a result, on March 17, 2021, the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission amended rule 15A NCAC 03M .0509, prohibiting the possession of Tarpon and making it illegal to gaff, spear, or puncture Tarpon by any method other than hook and line.
Research Unveiled
On June 25, 2021, the Foundation reached a significant milestone by unveiling its Nationwide Assessment. This monumental step initiated comprehensive research into coastal resource management practices, covering key topics such as limited entry, gamefish designations, stocking programs, gear prohibitions, quota allocations, and dredging applications.
Marine & Estuary Map
On July 22, 2021, the Foundation debuted its ArcGIS Marine Map™, offering detailed insights into North Carolina’s coastal watersheds.
Enhanced Coastal Access
On June 1, 2022, the Foundation partnered with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to enhance public fishing and coastal access by improving five of the coast’s largest public boating facilities, including Manns Harbor (Croatan Sound, Dare County), Swan Quarter (Pamlico Sound, Hyde County), Beaufort (Taylor’s Creek, Carteret County), Snow’s Cut (ICW near Carolina Beach, New Hanover County), and Oak Island (ICW near Southport, Brunswick County).
Administrative Structure
The Foundation completed an internal research study on the administrative structure of fisheries management in North Carolina. The study sought to clarify confusion and examine decision-making processes involving a diverse range of entities at both the state and federal levels.
FINDEX
On February 8, 2022, the Foundation launched its proprietary stock status indicator, FINDEX®. This cutting-edge metric provides the public and policymakers with real-time data on North Carolina’s coastal fisheries, serving as an invaluable tool for achieving world-class fisheries.
Striped Bass Restoration
In 2023, the Foundation joined forces with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and the NC Division of Marine Fisheries to stock over 2 million fish and initiate a 3-year collaborative effort to revive one of the state’s most depleted coastal fisheries: the Roanoke River-Albemarle Sound Striped Bass.
Mandatory Harvest Reporting
On September 22, 2023, the NC General Assembly passed groundbreaking harvest reporting legislation aimed at filling data gaps to better understand how fish are harvested from our coastal waters. A key component of the Foundation’s policy is now poised to transform our fisheries landscape for the first time in more than two decades.
Red Drum Satellite Tagging
In the fall of 2024, the Foundation teamed up with the NC Division of Marine Fisheries on a two-year satellite tagging study. Adult Red Drum are equipped with SeaTag-GEO pop-up satellite tags that transmit daily positioning estimates. This study aims to develop a better understanding of stock structure, spawning migrations, and habitat preferences of our official state saltwater fish.
