The Future

Oceans

The health of our in-shore seas (estuaries, sounds and the ocean out to 100 miles) greatly depends on the cleanliness of river outflow from across the State and on coastal development and industry. If freshwater outflow to the sea results in cleaner discharges, which is what should be expected within the next 20 years and if coastal construction is more strictly controlled (both in terms of its volume and impact), then North Carolina should see a major resurgence in its coastal fisheries. Fish as food will be much in demand. Increasing prices for land-produced food (cereals and vegetable proteins in particular) will have a knock-on effect on meat production. A healthy marine fishing industry combined with low impact fish farming will greatly help to offset food needs and prices, so also reducing the current need for significant seafood importation.