In North Carolina, we have 22 inlets, more than 300 miles of oceanfront and thousands of miles of estuarine shoreline along large sounds and tiny tidal creeks. Although these areas are often breathtaking in their beauty, they are also home to a variety of hazards. 

Severe storms, hurricanes and eroding shorelines are major threats that often cause large social and economic losses among coastal communities. Understanding the underlying geological framework that influences coastal processes is a critical first step in mitigating damage from storms and erosion. Sea Grant extension agents have surveyed over 20 inlets along the coast, conducted numerous studies to relate storm damage to building code requirements, and researched the effects of beach nourishment on ocean shoreline ecosystems.

Some of our standout initiatives regarding coastal hazards include: 

Hurricane-Resistant Building Construction — North Carolina Sea Grant has worked closely with South Carolina Sea Grant researchers and federal emergency management officials to develop recommended techniques for new construction as well as retrofitting existing structures. Some of our helpful hurricane preparedness information includes:

• Wooden Wind Anchors for Hurricane-Resistant Construction Near the Ocean
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• Evaluating Potential Hurricane and Erosion Damage to Buildings in Coastal North Carolina
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• Improving the Wind Resistance of Roof Systems: Asphalt Shingle Roofs (SC Sea Grant)
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Shoreline Erosion Causes and Controls — Our dynamic barrier island system includes the natural processes of erosion and acretion. Sea Grant provides property owners, businesses and policy makers information on particular erosion issues along the oceanfront, inlets and estuaries. Some erosion control information includes:

• Shoreline Erosion Control Using Marsh Vegetation and Low-Cost Structures
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• Soundfront Series – Erosion Management
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Coastal Planning/Management — The coastal zone, including oceanfront and estuarine areas, have various restrictions under the state's Coastal Area Management Act. Spencer Rogers, North Caroina Sea Grant's coastal erosion and construction specialist, serves on a technical advisory panel for the N.C. Coastal Resources Commission. Click on the publication below to learn more about coastal planning and management information. 

• Effects of Ocean Setback Standards on the Location of Permanent Structures in NC
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Photo: NCSG Stock