Neuse River & Pamlico Sound

Introduction

Human activities in estuarine watersheds have contributed to an astounding increase in nutrient loading and associated water quality declines, habitat loss, and declining fisheries. Recent increases in algal blooms in the Neuse River estuary, NC have lead to its designation as one of the top 20 most threatened rivers in the U.S.. Even more recently, hurricanes have resulted in large pulses of organic matter and nutrients entering the system. These estuaries are important nursery grounds for fish populations and associated fisheries production. Our primary goal is to understand the mechanisms and processes by which these changes impact the fish community. Our research on the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound is an ongoing research program that has been developed in collaboration with multiple investigators and projects.

Funding for different components of this research program has been provided by:

• North Carolina Department of Marine Fisheries
• Environmental Protection Agency
• North Carolina Sea Grant
• Water Resource Research Institute