Coastal Climate Adaptation Project
TNC Project Region, Dare and Hyde counties of the Albemarle-Pamlico estuary. Click to zoom in!
In 2009, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) initiated a Coastal Climate Adaptation Project to address shoreline erosion concerns along North Carolina’s estuarine coasts. Managers identified at-risk erosion sites within the Albemarle-Pamlico estuary and worked with US Fish and Wildlife Service to protect National Wildlife Refuge shores.
Because coastal armoring can impact sediment dynamics and wildlife habitats down-shore, TNC conducted a natural stabilization pilot project.
Oyster reefs were constructed along Point Peter, NC within the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. The reefs were constructed largely by volunteers and have successfully dissipated wave energy and reduced erosion at the pilot site.
Before and after photos at Point Peter, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, NC. The new oyster reef now protects the shore from high energy wave action.
Due to the success of this pilot project, TNC is looking to expand it’s shoreline protection efforts to other National Wildlife Refuges.