Oyster reefs, nature's front lines in weathering hurricanes

Oyster reefs are important to the water quality in our oceans and estuaries. They are also important in breaking waves of a power hurricane before they hit the shores. These waves can actually hurt, break and destroy oyster reefs in the process.

Pete Peterson, Alumni Distinguished Professor of Marine Sciences, Biology and Ecology, believes the oyster reefs off North Carolinas shores are in serious trouble because little of the historical oyster reef is left less than 1 percent relative to more than 100 years ago.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• UNC
• Chapel Hill
• Carolina
• Morehead City
• hurricanes
• oysters
• reefs