North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

Dustin, Jessica, Keela, Evan, and Sarah

Saturday we toured the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, and came face-to-face with many animals directly affected by climate change. First, we learned about the base of the Cape Fear River, Raven Rock, where species such as Striped Bass live. We discovered that as climate changes, salt water moves up the river, causing freshwater fish to move farther north. As we progressed through the aquarium, we saw Wood Ducks, Alligators, and Newts, all animals that would be affected by climate change. Alligators, for example, are in their northern-most range in North Carolina. If the climate becomes warmer, they could potentially move further north, and increase in size in North Carolina.

After visiting the Aquarium, we observed first-hand the ineffectiveness of sea walls and sandbags. The Fort Fisher Historic Site has put up a large sea-wall consisting of granite blocks. This merely holds the sand in place in one area as it migrates quicker in another area. Where the wall is there is very little beach, with the water coming up to the rocks. The other ineffective structure we observed was sand bags. They are enormous, and if left long enough, the bag will begin to break apart and pieces will go into the ocean, a hazard to many organisms. The sandbags serve their purpose for the houses which they sustain, which otherwise would be underwater by now. But I was left to wonder if there might be more eco-friendly solutions to this problem. The group which bought the sand bags has had them for 10 years, surely enough time to grow some sand dunes! 

Overall, the human impacts upon the beach are not good for the environment. We also observed some playful dolphins and birds off the coast, having fun in such ravaging weather. I couldn't help but wonder what will happen to them if somebody doesn't do something soon. This is a huge problem, and we all have to do our part to stop it.

More pictures to come soon.

Thanks~ Evan

Jessica, Keela, Evan, and Dustin with the Coastal America logo.