
Coastal Economies
From Currituck to Sunset Beach, North Carolina’s coast is a vibrant and dynamic place to live, work, and recreate. The region’s natural beauty and quality of life have led to rapid growth in recent decades that raises important tradeoffs between economic development and environmental quality. Two of the region’s key economic sectors, tourism and fishing, are heavily dependent on its environmental and natural resources. Climate change (sea-level rise, salt-water intrusion, and increased storm frequency and intensity) and water pollution (nutrient loads, chemicals, and sediment) pose a growing challenge to the region’s economy. ARE researchers have responded by investigated a range of timely issues including:
- Economic impact of wild-caught commercial fisheries in the state
- Economic impact of NC’s mariculture industry
- Benefits and costs of off-road vehicle restrictions in Cape Hatteras National Seashore;
- Potential impacts of climate change on recreational fishing participation;
- Impact of water quality on economic production in the region;
- Value of beach nourishment programs;
- Effects of offshore wind farms on coastal property values;
- Value of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV);
- Oil spills and recreation.
Consistent with NC State’s land-grant mission, researchers continue to share their research findings with stakeholders, policymakers, students, and the general public through outreach and extension publications and presentations.
Resources
The Contribution of Wild-Caught Seafood to NC’s Economy (NC State Economist)
New Study Explores Climate Change Impacts on North Carolina Coastal Angling (NC State Economist)
Conflict on Public Lands: New Off-Road Vehicle Restrictions in Outer Banks (NC State Economist)
In the news
Mar 23, 2022
New Fact Sheet Published on Wetlands Law
This publication provides an overview of the historical wetland trends in North Carolina, reviews the evolution and current status of wetland regulations and summarizes the potential impacts of climate change on wetlands in NC.
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Jul 26, 2021
Income from NC Food, Fiber and Forestry Industries Grows
Over 17%, or $95.9 billion of the $562 billion gross state product, was contributed by value-added income from food, natural fiber and forestry industries in 2019.
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Aug 25, 2021
Climate Change and Agriculture
Agriculture is, of course, affected greatly by storms, droughts, floods, heat and cold, and that makes it vulnerable to climate change. Experts discuss how climate changes affects North Carolina ag, how ag affects climate change, and how the industry can help address it.
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May 5, 2021
Comparing Apples to Oysters
An interview with Agricultural Business Management freshman Aaron Corn showed that farmers and fishers have much in common in the way of obstacles and opportunities.
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