Research

The research sector of NCNERR is managed according to the Reserve management plan, the NERRS strategic plan, and the NERRS Research and Monitoring Plan (2006-2011). The NERRS Research and Monitoring Plan (2006-2011) provides four goals that direct the system-wide research and monitoring efforts.

Goal 1

Biological, chemical, physical, and ecological conditions of Reserves are characterized and monitored to describe reference conditions and to quantify change.

Goal 2

Scientists conduct research at Reserves that is relevant to coastal management need and increase basic understanding of estuarine processes.

Goal 3

Scientists, educators, and coastal managers have access to NERRS datasets, science products, and results.

Goal 4

The scientific, coastal management, and education communities as well as the general public, use data, products, tools, and techniques generated at the NERRS.

Supporting these goals are three national system wide programs:

1. Site Research
2. The System-wide Monitoring Program (SWMP)
3. Graduate Research Fellowship

These national documents and programs provide excellent direction to the research sector of NCNERR. However, to be truly useful, the research sector at NCNERR must deal with issues important to local managers, scientists, and citizens. To determine what the locally important issues are, a needs assessment was conducted. The results from this endeavor showed that research is needed in the following areas: 1) Water quality degradation and eutrophication; 2) shellfish; and 3) habitat mapping and change. Additional guidance was derived from the research and monitoring needs identified by the Coastal Habitat Protection Plan. All of these national, regional, and local needs were considered when developing the strategic goals for the research sector of NCNERR.

North Carolina Strategic Goals

1. Conduct all phases of the SWMP at all four NCNERR components.
2. Conduct and/or facilitate research activities at all four components with priority given to projects dealing with eutrophication, fecal contamination, and habitat change.
3. Seek partnerships to further the capabilities and credibility of the research sector.
4. Disseminate through outreach activities and publications the findings of research activities conducted in NCNERR.

There are many regional differences between the four NERR Reserve components, and therefore the stressors faced by each Reserve component are also different. Consequently, focus areas have been developed to help target the most beneficial activities to each Reserve component.

Focus areas for Wilmington District (Masonboro and Zeke’s Islands)

• Invasive species
• Nutrient/fecal sources transport/fates
• Sea turtle nesting success
• Upland community connections
• Emergent marsh ecology

Focus areas for Central District (Rachel Carson)

• Invasive species
• Nutrient/fecal sources transport/fates
• Larvae transport/recruitment
• Feral horse impacts
• Shoreline stabilization effects on topography and biological function
• Seagrass ecology
• Sea level rise

Focus areas for Northern District (Currituck Banks)

• Atmospheric deposition
• Phragmites australis impacts on native marsh species
• Feral horse and pig impact on barrier island ecology and geology
• Sea level rise
• Freshwater submerged aquatic vegetation/benthic algal ecology relative to water quality

  These focus areas and strategic goals will be re-examined every five years to ensure that they stay current with the ever-changing conditions along the North Carolina coast. If you feel a particular area needs to be addressed that isn’t listed here, please contact Dr. John Fear for inquiries or additional information.