Publications:
Fact Cards

Albemarle-Pamlico Estuaries
Phone: 252-948-3825
Web: www.apnep.org

The Albemarle-Pamlico Estuaries are made up of six different sounds and ten major rivers. It includes the North Carolina Coast and a portion of the Virginia Coast. Most of the land in this area remains rural and people share similar lifestyles: farming, fishing, and logging. The estuary is one of the cradles of the ocean's harvest; more than 90 percent of the important species of fish depend on the estuary. And it is a beautiful place-sunrises here are spectacular.

Facts About the Estuary

• The estuary drains a 30,000 square mile area comprised of five major river basins.
• The population is approaching 2 million people.
• The estuary represents the region's key resource base through commercial fishing, tourism, recreation and resort development.
• Agriculture and forestry are major land use activities.
• Over $2 billion is generated annually from tourism.
• More than 90 percent of all commercially important finfish and shellfish depend on the Albemarle-Pamlico Estuary.
• Approximately one million recreational fishermen fish North Carolina coastal
  waters annually.

Health of the Estuary

• Over 930 miles of freshwater rivers and streams are impaired mainly due to sediment,
  low dissolved oxygen levels and fish consumption advisories related to dioxin and mercury contamination.
• Most fish kill events appear to be related to low oxygen levels.
• Pfiesteria has been linked to a number of fish kills in the Neuse and Pamlico Estuaries.
• Physical damage, natural events, excessive harvest pressure, changes in stream flows, and water quality degradation have impaired habitat.
• Overfishing is believed to be a major cause of declining fish stocks.
• Three of the region's five major river basins (Neuse, Tar-Pamlico and Chowan) are designated as Nutrient Sensitive Waters.
• A ten-year fish consumption advisory for dioxin was lifted in 2000, for a 50-mile stretch of the Chowan River.
  

Accomplishments of the Estuary Program

• Restored over 1,100 miles of anadromous fish habitat by removing three dams.
• Enhanced inter-agency and inter-state coordination through creation of APNEP
• Coordinating Council and a Memorandum of Agreement between North Carolina and Virginia.
• Increased citizen input through five stakeholder-driven river basin regional councils.
• Developed a comprehensive monitoring plan.
• Developed bycatch reduction gear and practices to reduce fisheries impacts.
• Restored two miles of riparian habitat along the Roanoke River through cattle fencing and riverbank stabilization practices.
• Established precision agriculture methods for over 500 acres of farmland.
• Reduced groundwater impacts with alternative septic system technology.
• Sustained citizens' water quality monitoring program since 1988.

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