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Cape Fear River Partnership

 

A WATERSHED IN NEED

At more than 9,000 square miles, the Cape Fear River basin is one of the largest watersheds in North Carolina, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean past Greensboro. Poor habitat quality in rivers and streams threatens fish, such as American shad, striped bass, river herring, and endangered Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon populations. Dams and other blockages prevent fish such as these from migrating upstream to reproduce.

Improving habitat conditions in the Cape Fear River will benefit more than the important migratory fish species in the basin.It will also benefit the communities that depend on the river for its abundant water supply and rich recreational opportunities. Many North Carolina communities and businesses depend on the Cape Fear for water. In 2010, more than 33,000 people in North Carolina were employed in the tourism and recreation industry, with wages totaling almost $500 million. And North Carolina anglers spent more than $1.5 billion in 2011 on fishing-related activities.

THE STORY OF NOAA IN THE CAPE FEAR RIVER BASIN

Take a look at our interactive story to find out about:

• Declining fish populations in the Cape Fear River Basin
• NOAA’s role in the start of the Cape Fear River Partnership
• NOAA’s role in the development of the Cape Fear River Action Plan for Migratory Fish
• NOAA funded projects in the basin
• Future work in the Cape Fear

WHAT’S NEXT?

NOAA will continue to participate in partnership efforts to reach out to the broader community while continuing to implement the suite of actions described in the newly released plan. NOAA is committed to improving fish passage, fish habitat, and socioeconomic outcomes throughout the Cape Fear River Basin.