Dramatic increases in residential and tourist populations among North Carolina's coastal communities places new demands on traditional coastal businesses and creates the need for new ones.

For centuries, commercial fishing has been a cornerstone of coastal economies, but fluctuating stocks and new regulations have brought a variety of challenges to our fishing and seafood industries. As commercial fishing declines, recreational fishing businesses are on the rise. Local seafood remains popular, but many fishermen can't compete with cheaper imports from overseas. And, as the public's appetite for seafood continues to rise year after year, so does the state's aquaculture industry.

North Carolina Sea Grant's outreach staff in Raleigh, Manteo, Morehead City and Wilmington provides expert assistance to our diverse seafood and fishing industries. Some serve on state, regional or national advisory panels for specific topics, such as shrimp or red drum. They also link university researchers to those in the fishing, aquaculture, and seafood industries to improve fisheries research efforts.

	Commercial Fisheries Learn how Sea Grant's efforts help communities sustain fishing livelihoods and culture, reduce bycatch and encourage the long-term health of our fisheries.
	Recreational Fisheries Recreational fishing remains a popular pastime for coastal residents and visitors alike. Sea Grant's initiatives in this area target anglers, marinas and other business owners.
	Aquaculture Sea Grant helped put the aquaculture industry on the map in North Carolina. It is now thriving part of North Carolina's coastal economies, helping to meet the needs of increasing seafood consumption.
	Seafood Science & Marketing Sea Grant works with industry and local communities to help integrate the latest in science, technology and marketing into seafood preparation, safety and sales.

Photos: Paul Stephen, NC Wildlife Resources Commission, Scott Taylor