Marine Environment

1. Marine Environment By: Elise Gibbs

2. UNC Coastal Studies Institute Formed in 2003, the UNC coastal Studies institute (UNC-CSI) is an inter- university. It is the mission of the UNC Coastal Studies Institute to undertake research, offer educational opportunities, provide community outreach programs, and enhance communication among those concerned with a unique history, culture and environment of the maritime counties of North Carolina.The Five main areas they cover are: Estuarine Ecology and Human Health Estuarine and Coastal Processes Coastal Sustainability Maritime History Coastal Engineering

3. Conserve UNC-CSI works to conserve the condition of the coastal areas, and the quality of marine ecosystems, and endangered marine life, and the quality of the water.

4. Laws To Abide By UNC-CSI abides by the following laws 1. Clean Water Act 2. They must abide by the rules that follow endangered species, and what tests you can perform, since killing them is prohibited.

5. Location UNC Coastal Studies Institute (UNC-CSI) is an inter-university research institute located in Manteo on Roanoke Island.

6. How • Ocean Outfall Storm water Monitoring • Sustainable Estuarine Shoreline Stabilization • Research Applications • Ocean and Estuarine Observation • Remote Sensing • Low Impact Development • Harvey’s Sound Access Sustainable Design Demonstration • Battle of the Atlantic: Torpedo Junction

7. How (continued) Estuarine Ecology and Human Health -The estuaries of Northeastern North Carolina are a valuable natural and economic resource. Tourists and residents are drawn to their natural beauty and recreational value while the fishing community rely on their bounty for economic prosperity. The natural variables that once dominated and shaped our estuarine systems are now matched by the increasing pressures of coastal development and human derived impacts. It is the goal of this program area to improve our understanding of estuarine function and its relationship to human activities while providing valuable data and information to decision makers, educators and the public to answer the pressing issues and questions of the region. Estuarine and Coastal Processes -Led by Dr. Richard L. Miller, the Estuarine and Coastal Processes (ECP) program conducts scientific studies to gain a better understanding of the dynamic and often fragile nature of our coastal environments. Dr. Miller has conducted coastal research for over 30 years (21 years with NASA) and is internationally recognized for his research in coastal remote sensing. ECP program studies examine both human-induced and natural changes to coastal systems by investigating the complex interactions between land and ocean processes. New and innovative technologies are applied during these studies including observations from space (remote sensing) and field instruments mounted on buoys or deployed from boats and ships. The results from these studies provide information specifically developed to aid local residents, decision makers, and other scientists.

8. How (continues again) Coastal Sustainability -The concept of sustainability is an important one in coastal North Carolina.  Growing populations, limited available land, a seasonal economy and the dynamic nature of the narrow barrier islands are just a few of the factors that challenge these coastal communities.  The idea of coastal sustainability involves not only maintaining the integrity of the natural environment, but also growing and preserving the economic and cultural aspects of these ever expanding communities. Balancing each of these critical components can seem like a daunting task, but with careful planning and consideration of all stakeholders, it can be done.  While the concept of sustainability is not new, it is a research area that needs to be further explored.  The UNC Coastal Studies Institute is committed to researching the best practices possible while providing assistance to the many towns and municipalities along the North Carolina coast.

9. How (continued again, again) Maritime Heritage -From the Native American tribes and colonial explorers of the Outer Banks to the thousands of shipwrecks that lay just off the coastline, North Carolina’s coast is rich in maritime culture and history. The Maritime Heritage program area includes research and educational products in maritime history, nautical archaeology, anthropology and cultural resources management.  Coastal Engineering -The UNC Coastal Studies Institute's newest program, Coastal Engineering, will investigate coastal processes that potentially have a significant effect on residents of Northeastern North Carolina.  The barrier islands that make up the Outer Banks are both dynamic and complex systems which can be greatly affected by storm events and erosion.  As our natural environment continues to change, new challenges arise for existing and future infrastructure along the economically important and developing coastline. 

10. References • http://csi.northcarolina.edu/content/research/estuarine.htm • http://csi.northcarolina.edu/content/research/observing.htm • http://csi.northcarolina.edu/content/research/sustainability.htm • http://csi.northcarolina.edu/content/research/heritage.htm • http://csi.northcarolina.edu/content/research/coastalengineering.htm

11. THIS IS A ELISE GIBBS PRODUCTION