1. Conduct all phases of the System-Wide Management Plan at all four Reserve components.
2. Conduct and/or facilitate research activities at all four components with priority given to projects dealing with eutrophication, fecal contamination, and habitat change.
3. Seek partnerships to further the capabilities and credibility of the research sector.
4. Disseminate through outreach activities and publications the findings of research activities conducted in the Reserve.

There are many regional differences between the four Reserve components, and therefore the stressors faced by each Reserve component are also different. Consequently, focus areas have been developed to help target the most beneficial activities to each component.

Focus areas for Wilmington District (Masonboro and Zeke’s Islands)

• Invasive species
• Nutrient/fecal sources transport/fates
• Sea turtle nesting success
• Upland community connections
• Emergent marsh ecology

Focus areas for Central District (Rachel Carson)

• Invasive species
• Nutrient/fecal sources transport/fates
• Larvae transport/recruitment
• Feral horse impacts
• Shoreline stabilization effects on topography and biological function
• Seagrass ecology
• Sea level rise

Focus areas for Northern District (Currituck Banks)

• Atmospheric deposition
• Phragmites australis impacts on native marsh species
• Feral horse and pig impact on barrier island ecology and geology
• Sea level rise
• Freshwater submerged aquatic vegetation/benthic algal ecology relative to water quality  

These focus areas and strategic goals will be re-examined every five years to ensure that they stay current with the ever-changing conditions along the North Carolina coast. If you feel a particular area needs to be addressed that isn’t listed here, please contact Dr. John Fear or visit the North Carolina Coastal Reserve website for additional information.