Zachary Turner

Lake Mattamuskeet is infested with an invasive species that has destroyed underwater grasses and decreased water quality.

Scientists are monitoring sample sites along the North Carolina coast to study recurring summer die-offs that plague Carolina oyster growers.

As sea levels rise along the North Carolina coast, saltwater encroaches on coastal freshwater wetlands. A network of drainage ditches has exacerbated the problem, transporting saltwater inland to invade forested wetlands.