North Carolina Sea Grant - Free Information & Guides

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Explore a wide range of free information about North Carolina's coastal habitats and the many activities it offers. From seashell guides to seafood cookbooks to rip current and shark safety, you'll find it all here. If you can't find what you're looking for, check out our low cost Coastal Products or contact us.

To order a Sea Grant product, you may download and fill out an order form or check the box next to the product and click "Order Checked Item" at the bottom of the page. Order forms for free products may be faxed to 919/515-7095 or mailed to:

North Carolina Sea Grant
N.C. State University
Box 8605
Raleigh, NC 27695-8605

Browse Topics

Aquaculture

Avoiding Ammonia and Nitrite Toxicity in Hybrid Striped Bass Hatcheries and Ponds. Hide by Harry Daniels \| Publication # UNC-SG-BP-00-03 \| Pages: 4 \| provides information on managing toxicity levels in hybrid striped bass aquaculture. Includes useful charts, tables and tips.
Blue Crab Aquaculture in Ponds Hide by Marc J. Turano \| Publication # UNC-SG-BP-12-01 \| Pages: 4 \| As North Carolina's number one fishery, blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus, are part of an important industry for numerous coastal communities. Continued demand for blue crabs, coupled with fishery concerns, have driven some to consider the species for aquaculture, either for restoration efforts or for food production. Also, crabbers have expressed interest in using farm ponds as holding areas for shedding operations and for growing smaller, lower-grade crabs for more profit. This blueprint discusses the potentials and pitfalls. View PDF.
Building and Using Crab Pounds to Catch Peelers Hide by Bob Hines \| Publication # UNC-SG-BP-91-01 \| Pages: 4 \| describes how to construct and use crab pounds to catch pre-molt crabs.
Circle Hook Offshore (DVD) Hide by NC Sea Grant \| Publication # UNC-SG-06-03 \| provides information about the hook and how to rig.
Circle Hooks: A Way to Reduce Injury and Mortality in Grouper? Hide by Jeffrey Buckel \| Publication # UNC-SG-BP-04-02 \| Pages: 4 \| based on a NC Fishery Resource Grant (FRG) project, this Blueprint compares post-release injury and mortality of undersized fish caught using a circle hook versus a J-hook. The study targeted grouper in shallow, near-shore waters. Download PDF
Closed Blue Crab Shedding Systems: Understanding Water Quality Hide by Marc Turano \| Publication # UNC-SG-07-04 \| Pages: 12 \| gives an overview of closed recirculating systems for harvesting peeler crabs, explaining ph and alkalinity, proper system design, and dissolved oxygen, nitrogenous wastes, ammonia, and nitrite interactions. Emphasizes importance of maintaining water quality and avoiding "shock loading." View PDF.
Closed Crab Shedding System: Quick Reference Guide Hide by Marc Turano \| Publication # UNC-SG-02-01 \| Pages: 2 \| is a synthesis of important facts needed to start up and maintain a shedding system.
Coastal Science Serving North Carolina: North Carolina Sea Grant Strategic Plan 2009-2014 Hide by Michael P. Voiland \| Publication # UNC-SG-09-06 \| This strategic plan will guide North Carolina Sea Grant's efforts to respond effectively to challenges that physically and culturally reshape coastal North Carolina. The plan reaffirms Sea Grant's core values. View PDF.
Effluents from Hybrid Striped Bass Ponds Hide by Harry Daniels \| Publication # UNC-SG-BP-05-01 \| Pages: 2 \| explains the need for planned releases of effluent during the life cycle of hybrid striped bass, a popular fish for aquaculture in eastern North Carolina. Effluent released from aquaculture facilities often raises the concern of neighboring property owners. Download PDF.
Farming a New Fish: Hybrid Striped Bass (manual) Hide by Ronald G. Hodson \| Publication # UNC-SG-95-10-M \| Pages: 48 \| describes how to collect broodstock, cross-fertilize the eggs, manage the larvae and tend the fingerlings. Also includes information about feed, disease, pond structure, equipment, marketing and economics.
Fishery Resource Grant Program: Abstracts of Completed Projects 1995-1997 Hide Publication # UNC-SG-03-01A \| provides overviews of research in this innovative program that develops research projects based on ideas from those in the fishing industry. Lists projects from 1995-1997.
Fishery Resource Grant Program: Abstracts of Completed Projects 1998-2001 Hide Publication # UNC-SG-03-01B \| provides overviews of research in this innovative program that develops research projects based on ideas from those in the fishing industry. Lists projects from 1998-2001.
Fishing for Good Ideas: Writing a Fishery Resource Grant Hide by Barry Nash \| Publication # UNC-SG-BP-00-04 \| Pages: 4 \| gives a step-by-step guide to applying for a grant to improve fisheries gear or equipment, aquaculture or seafood technology. Download PDF of this product.
Flounder Aquaculture and Stock Enhancement in North Carolina: Issues, Opportunities and Recommendations Hide by Elizabeth B. Waters \| Publication # UNC-SG-99-02 \| Pages: 24 \| explores the status of the flounder fishery and identifies issues and opportunities involved in pursuing flounder aquaculture and stock enhancement.
Fresh, Local is Preferred: Ensuring the Quality of Wild-Caught Shrimp Hide by Barry Nash, Scott Baker, Bob Hines \| Publication # UNC-SG-BP-08-02 \| Pages: 4 \| is based on results of comparative sensory evaluations conducted by scientists at NCSU's Sensory Service Center that show consumers' preference for wild-caught shrimp over farm-raised shrimp. View PDF.
Improved Flow-Through Shedding Using Sand Filtration Hide by Wayne Wescott \| Publication # UNC-SG-BP-91-02 \| Pages: 4 \| describes how to install a swimming pool filter to remove suspended sand, silt and debris from the water of flow-through shedding systems for blue crabs.
Improving Production of Hybrid Striped Bass Fingerlings Through Better Feeding Practices Hide by Harry Daniels \| Publication # UNC-SG-BP-00-02 \| Pages: 4 \| compares various options and outlines optimum feeding regime for profitability of fingerlings production. Click here to download a PDF of this product.
North Carolina Fisheries Forum (2009) Hide by NC Sea Grant \| Publication # UNC-SG-09-01 \| Pages: 10 \| A summary report from the annual NC Fisheries Forum held March 17, 2009 at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center in New Bern. This forum was convened to provide the latest information on fisheries planning/management issues, and to present findings from research projects funded by the NC Fishery Resource Grant and NC Blue Crab Research programs. Both plans were esatablished by the NC General Assembly and are administered by NC Sea Grant. View PDF.
North Carolina Sea Grant Annual Report 2001 Hide by N.C. Sea Grant \| Publication # UNC-SG-01-16A \| includes summaries of Sea Grant projects.
North Carolina Sea Grant Annual Report 2002 Hide by N.C. Sea Grant \| Publication # UNC-SG-02-09 \| includes summaries of Sea Grant projects.
North Carolina Sea Grant Highlights 2009-2010 Hide by Michael P. Voiland \| Publication # UNC-SG-10-01 \| Highlights 2009-2010 research and outreach efforts which focused on a wide variety of coastal topics, from fisheries and water quality to sustainable development, local seafood marketing and marine education. View PDF.
North Carolina Sea Grant Implementation Plan 2002-2004 Hide by N.C. Sea Grant \| Publication # UNC-SG-01-16B \| includes new projects selected for funding.
North Carolina Sea Grant: Coastal Science Serving North Carolina Hide by N.C. Sea Grant \| Publication # UNC-SG-03-05 \| Pages: 4 \| this brochure briefly describes how through research, education and outreach programs, NC Sea Grant works with individuals, groups, government agencies and businesses to develop an understanding of the state's coastal environment and promote the sustainable use of marine resources.
North Carolina Sea Grant: Your Link to Research and Resources for a Healthier Coast Hide by NC Sea Grant \| Publication # UNC-SG-10-08 \| Info card provides brief information about our program and contact telephone numbers for our four offices. View PDF.
Reducing Peeler and Soft Crab Mortality: From Harvesting to Delivery Hide by Wayne Wescott \| Publication # UNC-SG-02-02 \| Pages: 2 \| This companion piece to the "Closed Crab Shedding System: Quick Reference Guide" coaches the operator on molting cycles; mortality rates; gear; and handling tips to reduce mortality.
Returns On Investments Hide by Michael P. Voiland \| Publication # UNC-SG-10-14 \| this 2010 report provides a few examples of Sea Grant's impacts at work, grouped by focus area. View PDF.
Selecting an Aquaculture Site in North Carolina Hide by N.C. Sea Grant \| Publication # UNC-SG-BP-81-4 \| Pages: 4 \| provides a checklist of items that may affect aquaculture site selections.
Shedding Soft Crabs in a Closed Well-Water System Hide by Wayne Wescott \| Publication # UNC-SG-BP-88-01 \| Pages: 4 \| describes how to build and set up a system for shedding crabs in temperature-controlled well water.
Shellfish 4 Us: Backyard Shellfish Gardening Hide by Skip Kemp \| Publication # UNC-SG-BP-02-01 \| Pages: 4 \| is a how-to guide for waterfront residents in North Carolina who want to grow clams and oysters along their shorelines. Download PDF of this product.
Under Dock Oyster Culture Manual Hide by Steve Rebach \| Publication # UNC-SG-05-06A \| Pages: 21 \| is an educational manual which is part of the Under Dock Oyster Culture Program, developed by the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries with assistance from North Carolina Sea Grant. The manual explains the oyster life cycle, growing areas and highlights other oyster resources. Download PDF.
Using Grass Carp to Control Aquatic Weed Vegetation Hide by Ronald Hodson \| Publication # UNC-SG-BP-86-1 \| Pages: 4 \| outlines the use of carp to reduce pond vegetation such as hydrilla, widgeongrass, coontail and duckweed. It offers tips for stocking sizes and rates and regulations.
White-Belly Crabs: Possible Solutions to Waste in the Blue Crab Fishery Hide by Marc Turano \| Publication # UNC-SG-BP-04-01 \| Pages: 4 \| highlights possible methods to enhance profits related to newly shed blue crabs (white bellies) harvested in the blue crab fishery. Download PDF of this product.