Formed in 2003, the UNC Coastal Studies Institute (UNC-CSI) is an inter-university research institute located in Manteo on Roanoke Island. It is the mission of the UNC Coastal Studies Institute to undertake research, offer educational opportunities, provide community outreach programs, and enhance communication among those concerned with the unique history, culture and environment of the maritime counties of North Carolina. UNC-CSI’s research focuses on four main areas: Estuarine Ecology and Human Health, Estuarine and Coastal Processes, Coastal Sustainability and Maritime History. While the institute emphasizes northeastern North Carolina in its outreach and education programs, its research draws on the resources of the entire region and encompasses all of the mid-Atlantic and southeastern coast of the United States.
UNC-CSI is also intended to provide North Carolina universities with the opportunity collectively to develop a greater niche in North Carolina coastal research. UNC-CSI augments and enhances existing university programs by promoting and extending their research efforts, providing a venue for inter-institutional cooperation, and offering a new national resource for coastal and ocean education.
UNC-CSI's Board of Directors is the advising body for the Coastal Studies Institute. The Board's membership consists of professionals with experience and expertise in coastal issues including research, education, outreach, development and policy.
In addition to the Board of Directors, the UNC Coastal Studies Institute receives direction from the Scientific Coordinating Committee (SCC). This committee is intended to assist and advise the Coastal Studies Institute on both current and future research, education and outreach efforts.
UNC Coastal Studies Institute Campus
The UNC Coastal Studies Institute is currently in the design phase of construction of a research and education campus on approximately 40 acres of land located adjacent to the Dare County Airport and the N.C. Aquarium at Roanoke Island. This 90,000 square foot facility will provide the infrastructure needed to support the wide variety of research and education efforts of CSI while acting as a resource for the citizens of northeastern North Carolina.
For more information on the UNC Coastal Studies Institute concept, please click here.
For more information on CSI Faculty and staff, please click here.