NOAA, USCRP: Advancing shoreline protection and coastal resilience

NOAA’s National Sea Grant College Program and the U.S. Coastal Research Program (USCRP) are backing new work to protect North Carolina’s shorelines.

A North Carolina Sea Grant collaboration with East Carolina University and Carteret Community College will develop a framework for coastal protection design and siting, as well as living shoreline training courses and a certification program.

Frank López, extension director for North Carolina Sea Grant and one of the project leads, said that the team will survey community members to capture their views on different options for coastal adaptation.

At ECU’s Coastal Studies Institute, Rachel Gittman will build on her previous research for USCRP on living shorelines.

“New data will help enhance the effectiveness of different substrates and designs for living shorelines,” López explained. “The team will develop strategies that will help shoreline property owners, permit issuing agencies, and contractors.”

“This project will help keep our state at the forefront of coastal resilience planning and adaptation,” added Susan White, executive director of North Carolina Sea Grant.

The collaboration is one of ten to receive support through the NOAA’s National Sea Grant College Program’s work with the USCRP to enhance resilience in coastal communities.