Oyster growers invited to help shape future shellfish lease siting in Pender, Onslow counties
ONSLOW COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — North Carolina Sea Grant and the North Carolina Coastal Federation are asking oyster growers in Pender and Onslow counties to participate in a survey and upcoming focus groups to help guide future shellfish lease siting along the North Carolina coast.
The effort is part of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-funded project aimed at improving how future shellfish mariculture sites are selected while balancing the needs of various users of public trust waters.
Project leaders say the survey and focus groups will gather firsthand experiences from oyster growers to help shape recommendations for future shellfish lease locations.
In partnership with the North Carolina Coastal Federation, North Carolina Sea Grant will also use participatory mapping exercises and stakeholder feedback to identify potential conflicts involving commercial and recreational fishing, boating, waterfront property owners and other coastal water users.
The goal is to develop practical solutions and policy recommendations that reflect both stakeholder input and real-world experience on North Carolina waters.
Two focus groups for oyster growers in Pender and Onslow counties are planned for September. Participants will have an opportunity to discuss challenges and opportunities related to shellfish lease siting, share local knowledge and take part in mapping activities with project partners.
Oyster growers interested in participating are encouraged to complete the survey and indicate their interest in attending a focus group at the end of the questionnaire. Meeting dates and locations will be shared with those who register.
