Strengthening the region’s coastal protected areas

As storms like Debby increase in frequency and severity, the Park Institute of America is set to convene leading researchers, professionals, and experts to discuss how best to prepare and combat the compounding issues being faced by our coastal conserved spaces and surrounding communities at its first annual Coastal Resiliency Research Symposium. With most of the programming taking place over the course of Thursday and Friday, September 19-20th, 2024 at the Duke University Marine Lab in Beaufort, NC, topics will be focused on policy solutions, research methods, and community engagement.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Superintendent Dave Hallac will speak about the unique challenges he faces and the solutions he and his team have developed to overcome the debris cleanup as the frequency of structures being washed away increases. Director of the NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management and Nicholas School alum, Tancred Miller, will be presenting on his role as the state’s czar for coastal management policies. Nicholas School Professor of Marine Conservation Ecology Dr. David Johnston will speak about the development and role of remote sensing platforms such as aerial and marine drones to enable research in marine and coastal conserved areas.

In addition to the panels and speakers, guests and attendees will be treated to a welcome roast of locally sustainably raised and harvested oysters, tours of the DUML labs and vessels, including the Research Vessel (R/V) Shearwater, and other networking and connection-making opportunities.

More information, including registration, can be found here. Further questions or inquiries can be directed towards Tyler Sammis at tyler.sammis@parkinstituteofamerica.org or (919) 229-9554.