Forested and Agricultural Watershed Nitrogen Attenuation (FAWNA) - As part of an effort to address nutrient transport into the Neuse River, CSI/IMS researcher Dr. Michael Piehler and Dr. Hans Paerl investigated the nitrogen transport in forested and agricultural land in the lower Neuse River watershed.

Lake Mattamuskeet Paleolimnology-  University of North Carolina Chapel Hill doctoral candidate and CSI Research fellow Matt Waters and the UNC Coastal Studies Institute have begun preliminary research on the paleolimnological attributes of Lake Mattamuskeet .  Located in Hyde County , Lake Mattamuskeet is North Carolina ’s largest natural lake, comprising of over 40,000 surface acres of water.  While Lake Mattamuskeet has a long history of use for farming, recreation and outdoor pursuits, relatively little research has been conducted on this fascinating natural lake.  This new research partnership is expected to yield an unprecedented look into the past ecological trends as well as the possible future of the lake.

Ocean Outfall Monitoring- CSI formed a partnership with the town of Nags Head to develop a laboratory with the capability to perform state-of-the-art analyses on water-borne pathogens, nutrients and sediment. Research efforts are being developed to include identifying and studying the impacts of stormwater outfalls in both ocean and estuarine waters, and evaluating possible mitigation strategies. The outfalls are the subject of considerable concern as to whether they serve as a source of excessive nutrients, which adversely affect ecosystem functions and fisheries habitat, as well as the public health by loading bacteria, viruses and potential harmful compounds into the waters. CSI and the state Division of Environmental Health’s Shellfish Sanitation and Recreational Water Quality Monitoring Section also provide sampling personnel and laboratory facilities for this project.

For more information on the Coastal Studies Institute's Estuarine Ecology and Human Health research programs, contact Dr. Michael Piehler