NC Wildlife Resources Commission seeks public input on coastal wildlife viewing study

NORTH CAROLINA (WWAY) — The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is asking coastal visitors to help shape future conservation efforts by participating in a short survey about their wildlife viewing experiences.

The agency has launched a study to better understand the economic impact of coastal wildlife tourism, focusing on visitors who travel to see birds, sea turtles and other wildlife along North Carolina’s southern coast.

According to the commission, nearly 3 million North Carolinians identify as wildlife viewers, and about three-quarters of them take trips to experience the state’s diverse wildlife. Despite the popularity of these activities, officials say there is limited information about how wildlife tourism contributes to coastal communities and the state’s economy.

As part of its Habitat Conservation Program, the commission is inviting visitors to complete a five-minute online survey through late fall.

“We want to determine economic contributions from visiting bird watchers, folks who visit our coast during sea turtle nesting season, and other wildlife enthusiasts,” NC Wildlife Resources Commission Social Scientist Elizabeth Pratt said in a statement.

Officials say the survey results will help guide future wildlife conservation policies and identify the value of wildlife-related tourism across the North Carolina coast.

“Results could shed light on the importance of wildlife-related tourism to coastal communities and the need to continue to conserve these species,” Pratt said.

The survey is available online, and the commission has also placed signs and postcards with QR codes at wildlife viewing locations and visitor centers to encourage participation.

Eastern Wildlife Diversity Supervisor Hope Sutton said the project will help ensure future generations continue to enjoy the state’s coastal wildlife.

“Whether visiting a waterbird colony, witnessing a sea turtle nest excavation, or seeing less common birds that only visit the state during migration, we know that the public values the wildlife viewing experiences available along the coast,” Sutton said. “This study will help us understand the importance of wildlife viewing and ensure future visitors continue to benefit from our wildlife conservation efforts.”

In addition to gathering visitor feedback, the project will include input from North Carolina residents and collaboration with conservation partners to better understand coastal wildlife challenges and identify future habitat protection priorities.

The survey will remain open through late fall, with officials encouraging anyone visiting North Carolina’s southern coast for wildlife viewing to participate.