Considered a “canary in the estuary,” oysters are vital to maintaining a sound coastal ecosystem. Healthy populations of oysters indicate a healthy environment. Oysters serve as filter feeders by removing harmful pollutants and allowing necessary nutrients to transfer from the ocean surface to the ocean floor; they provide an essential habitat for a diverse collection of aquatic species; and are also a source of food and an integral part of North Carolina’s cultural heritage.
The North Carolina Coastal Federation (NCCF) works to protect and restore the North Carolina coast through education, advocacy and habitat preservation and restoration. Among its many initiatives, NCCF works with citizens to educate and involve them in restoring and protecting the state’s populations of oysters.