Environmentally Speaking

The DWR Biological Assessment Branch benthic biologists have discovered new species of macroinvertebrates through their work of collecting samples of small aquatic animals that live on the bottom of streams, rivers and swamps. The biologists sample for these critters because their presence – or lack of it – is an indicator of the health and cleanliness of the water they live in.

Through a collaborative research project funded in 2022 by the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Science Collaborative, a team of researchers is assessing the use of uncrewed aircraft systems or drones for monitoring oyster reefs. This multi-reserve undertaking is the “Collaborative Development Of Novel Remote Sensing Workflows For Assessing Oyster Reef Structural And Demographic Characteristics To Inform Management And Restoration”.

Learn how to eat oysters safely this season!

Spread the word! The North Carolina Coastal Reserve & National Estuarine Research Reserve has four internship positions open. Interested applicants can learn more about the Reserve on our website and our social media channels.

This past summer, the reserve had four outstanding interns. They contributed to our mission and learned a lot along the way. Below they each share a bit of advice or memories from their experience.

The DWR Surface Water Identification Training and Certification course, or SWITC, ensures staff and consultants can identify streams that will be subject to state rules for riparian buffers, which are areas where trees, grass or other vegetation are required to be preserved alongside streams.