Commentary by guest
It may sound too good for it to be true, but a small, palm-sized organism could filter water and provide habitat. But its not a gimmick — the oyster does it all.
A consortium of stakeholders from government, universities, businesses, and non-profits in North Carolina is working together to restore historically depleted oyster population. They also design resilient wetlands, build a thriving industry, as well as preserve an iconic of the coast’s heritage. North Carolina is a leader in the nation’s collaborative multifaceted approach to protecting and restoring oysters, harvesting them, and educating people about them.
To support this superhero species, North Carolina ForeverIt is working to increase awareness about oysters and the people behind their nimble and broad effort bolster them as a catalyst to a resilient tomorrow, where people can thrive and ecosystems thrive. North Carolina Forever, a bipartisan coalition consisting of North Carolinians working from business, agriculture, conservation and environmental groups, aims to influence legislation to secure funding necessary to keep a promise made by the state constitution: to protect and conserve its lands and waters for all its citizens.
NC Forever hosted an educational event on December 14, 2021. Webinar The many benefits of oysters for our state. Panel discussion entitled Oysters! Good for the environment. Great for the environment. Even better for dinner! This was the last installment of a series of five webinars sponsored by State Employees Credit Union. It aimed to engage stakeholders around important issues facing North Carolina’s lands and water.
For this deep dive into aquaculture were Erin Fleckenstein from the North Carolina Coastal Federation and Jason Peters from the N.C. Division for Marine Fisheries. Tom
Looney of Coastal Federations Coastal Executive Leadership Council Rep. Bobby Hanig (R-Currituck) and Sen. Norman Sanderson (R-Pamlico). Todd Miller, a Coastal Federation executive director and a member on the NC Forever board, moderated the webinar.
A coastal scientist with the federation who’s based in Wanchese, Fleckenstein kicked off
The conversation will include a review of the comprehensive roadmap that drives statewide strategy, and action around oyster resilience: the North Carolina Oyster Blueprint. Fleckenstein introduced the fourth edition Blueprint. This sets goals over the next five year, with a focus on the four strategies of protecting and restoring oysters, harvesting them, and educating people about them. She highlighted key actions that each strategy requires, such as oyster sanctuaries and living shorelines, oyster shell recycling and cultch plantation, as well expanding outreach.
Fleckenstein stated that the Blueprint was the only national document that outlines goals, actions, and targets to balance oyster habitat, water protection, oyster harvest, as well as oyster farming.
Jason Peters, who oversees, reviewed additional aspects of Blueprint.
Programs for shellfish restoration at the Division of Marine Fisheries. Peter was enthusiastic about oysters and his work. He said that his fianc reminds him to stop talking oysters after 5 pm. He highlighted the many benefits oysters offer to us.
There are many factors that contribute to food value beyond just the economic. Peters shared the latest developments in the oyster sanctuary, cultch planting programs, and other areas that he oversees. The Blueprint further details these developments.
Currently, there are approximately 400 acres of protected oyster sanctuary land. This program creates small, protected areas that foster high-density oyster population, spawning larvae, wild species support, and protects them. These sanctuaries support fish populations and filter large amounts of water.
The General Assembly approved $1.35million in funding for Sen. Jean Preston Oyster Sanctuary Network in 2020. It currently has 15 sanctuary sites throughout the Pamlico Sound. The Blueprint sets out a goal to add 100 acres of sanctuary to Pamlico Sound by 2025.
These sanctuaries’ work is supplemented by the cultch-planting program. It creates new wild oyster habitats by using hard substrates such as shell and limestone marl to establish reef sites. These are then deposited by barges in strategic areas. Peters is excited about the division’s recently received funding for the purchase of a new cultch planting vessel, which will be able to reach previously inaccessible areas in need of oyster habitat restoration, particularly in southern and remote parts of the North Carolina coast.
Peters stressed the importance of frequent and increasing severe storms to increase the power
Stabilizing sediments with oyster reefs is essential for coastal habitat resilience.
The state’s interest in these areas through shellfish restoration is evident
promising.
The win-win equation of oyster industry’s economic potential and ecosystem services has been key to legislative support for restoration and protection. Tom Looney was the third panelist to share his experience. He brought a wealth of business knowledge and a passion for aquaculture. Looney demonstrated how a combination of factors led to North Carolina’s explosive growth in aquaculture in recent decades. This is a remarkable turnaround after at least 100 years of depleted oyster resource and an historically weak aquaculture industry.
To awaken this economic engine along our coast, efforts to restore oyster habitat have been met with important developments in oyster breeding. Oysters are now more marketable because they are available year-round. These improvements have significantly increased the viability and profitability of small-scale aquaculture businesses.
Looney noted that such developments were crucial in convincing the legislature of the potential for this industry to provide solid, productive jobs and sustainable economic growth for our coastal communities.
It can be challenging to bring bipartisan business and environmental interests together with a shared legislative agenda. The Blueprint identifies the moment of economic opportunities and provides sound guidance on how we can restore, protect, harvest, and harvest coastal resources that threaten this industry’s ability to thrive, so it can grow sustainably.
Sen. Sanderson said that the Blueprint impressed the Senate by its effectiveness and its thoughtfulness. He also stressed the fact that not many plans are so ready to be implemented. The Blueprint’s ability garner bipartisan support is a source of hope in North Carolina, which faces multiple environmental challenges. It not only provides a roadmap to sustain oyster resources but also offers a potential framework for the future.
Communication and conservation wins are also possible.
This program is unique in that it is being done by North Carolina.
Sen. Sanderson’s success is due to the wisdom, scientific approach, and all other facets that have come together. I believe it will succeed.
Oysters have proved to be a good investment. Today, there is more than 200 oyster growers along N.C.’s coast. They have generated $27 million in economic impact and created over 500 new jobs. The working group aims to create $100 million in new business and 1,000 jobs by 2030.
It is crucial to empower passionate people to join this growing industry. However, barriers to entry for growers are significant. Thanks to the advocacy of oyster experts, the legislature approved $1 million in funding to support low-cost loans for shellfish startups through the N.C. Rural Center. These loans will make aquaculture more accessible.
The next phase of support is for these entrepreneurs. It involves a plan that will line the coast of North Carolina, with aquaculture incubator programs, in order to foster healthy growth and sustainable businesses as well as healthy growth for our coastal ecosystems.
This is not something you should rush into. Sen. Sanderson emphasized, Youve
This is hard work.
The proposed incubator programs will be offered in conjunction with the community college shellfish curricula. They could help turn dreams into smart business plans, increasing the likelihood of successful ventures and the conscious development of the aquaculture sector.
Representative Hanig emphasized Senate Bill 648 entitled Support Shellfish Aquaculture, which is a comprehensive bill. In 2019, the legislation was unanimously passed. It established a pilot project to lease large oysters, streamlining aquaculture operations permits, increasing aquaculture areas, and exploring ways to reduce user conflicts in lease areas. New N.C. aquaculture ventures will be buoyed by improved regulatory processes and access to loans.
The longevity of any industry depends on the success of its consumers. All panelists stressed the importance education and outreach to ensure that our bivalves are enjoyed by future generations. Tom Looney noted that oyster consumption doubles every five years. However, it is possible to connect consumers with local resources through intentional communication strategies.
Looney applauded The Oyster TrailA connective platform that has over 50 members
The app is user-friendly and connects customers with oyster farms, restaurants and markets. It also offers educational tours. This tool is not the only way to find N.C. oyster resources. They can also be found at state welcome centers, aquariums and coastal museums.
Looney observed that many people were not aware there was an oyster market. Today, awareness is growing rapidly.
Citizens can also follow The Oyster Trail through the state and help to protect our coast ecosystems. Volunteers can help clean up marine debris, plant native vegetation and recycle oyster shells at The Coastal Federation.
Erin Fleckenstein is not only a strategist and scientist who works hard to protect our coastline, but she also devotes her time to restoring wetland habitats. Fleckenstein explained that oysters can thrive if they can be more efficient in removing pollutants from the water, and if we can divert it and filter it through the landscape more effectively.
Fleckenstein stated that it all comes back to water quality. This means that our waters are supporting restoration efforts.
Rep. Hanig highlighted that oysters offer many benefits and increase awareness, particularly in eastern North Carolina, which is home to some of the most economically and geographically disadvantaged communities.
The North Carolina aquaculture industry’s growth is a sign of hope, but there are significant obstacles to overcome. The coronavirus pandemic, and its widespread disruptions, present obstacles to oyster stakeholders from the coast to their kitchens.
Hanig called out House Bill 916, which appropriated $17million in meat and seafood processing grants to businesses to support them in the creation of new programs to help them withstand the effects of COVID-19.
Tom Looney highlighted the growing challenges of erosion, sea-level rise, and climate changes in the future. These ecological crises call for unconventional partnerships to share our natural resources.
Boldly taking action in support of NCs intertwined community and ecosystems
These bold, unconventional partnerships are the heart of North Carolina Forevers
Agenda to conserve our state’s natural resources.
These complex challenges are forcing us to look to the oyster for guidance. The oyster has the knowledge and ability to restore our waters and help its neighbors. We can only protect and enhance the wild spaces that they thrive in. We have much to learn about the oyster in times like these.
Coastal Review welcomes different viewpoints on current coastal issues in order to encourage discussion and debate. See our guidelines for submitting guest columns. The opinions expressed by the writers are not necessarily those Coastal Review or North Carolina Coastal Federation. Submissions may be edited to improve clarity.
