Coastal Studies Institute

08/20/2026

All Ages Welcome!

Ever wondered what programs are available to you at the ECU Outer Banks Campus? Learn more about our wide variety of programs ⤵️
https://www.coastalstudiesinstitute.org/from-k-to-gray/

08/20/2026

Now hiring a University Programs Associate for the ECU Outer Banks Campus! More details and application ⤵️

Employment Opportunities Led by East Carolina University, the Coastal Studies Institute is a multi-institutional research and educational partnership of the UNC System including North Carolina State University, UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC Wilmington, and Elizabeth City State University. The Coastal Studies...

08/18/2026

Water currents are now affecting aquaculture operations in more than one way at a local Outer Banks oyster lease. Read more about this exciting collaborative effort! ⤵️

New Sensing Platform Assists Local Oyster Farmers Jul 31, 2026 | CSI Latest News, Oceanography & MHK Ocean Energy Lab, Renewable Ocean Energy Water currents are now affecting aquaculture operations in more than one way at a local Outer Banks oyster lease. While a balanced flow of water has always de...

08/14/2026

This morning our Coastal Explorers campers had the opportunity to test their homemade ROVs complete with an underwater camera. The campers completed a "blind" mission, only using the camera for assistance to navigate and to accomplish tasks. You can see their ROV in the tank and their point of view on the monitor.

08/14/2026

08/10/2026

Spend an Evening in the Estuary with CSI on August 18 from 4-6 PM!

Participants will cruise the Croatan Sound to a nearby marsh island to explore, seine for fish, and examine planktonic communities. This fun and engaging family program is suitable for ages 5 and up.

For more information and to register, visit https://bit.ly/2026EveningInTheEstuary.

08/06/2026

Exciting News! We're launching a new collaborative program with Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft this fall.

Join us on October 10 for our first-ever Oyster Science and Art Workshop! Participants will enjoy a lesson about oyster reefs led by CSI staff before creating their very own oyster-inspired metal cast tokens or pendants under the guidance of the great folks at Pocosin Arts.

The day-long program is open to adults, as well as youth ages 8-17 when accompanied by a registered adult. The fun will take place at Pocosin Arts in Columbia, NC, and transportation will be provided from CSI. Pre-registration is required, and the $55 fee covers travel and materials. Space is limited, so sign up today!

For more information and to register, visit https://bit.ly/CSIxPocosinArtsOystersWorkshop.

*Metal casts in progress photos courtesy of Gretchen Schermerhorn, Pocosin Arts.

08/04/2026

Don't wing your next outing! Join us for Birding at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, August 22. Capacity is limited, so sign up today. For more information and to register, visit https://bit.ly/CSIBirdingAtPeaIsland.

(Photo courtesy of John McCord)

08/03/2026

Visit the ECU Outer Banks Campus this month! Upcoming programs include:

- Guided Campus Tours, August 12 & 26, 10 AM
- Coastal Explorers Teen Camp, August 10-14, 9 AM- 3:30 PM
- Evening in the Estuary, August 18, 4- 6 PM
- Birding at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, August 22, 7- 10 AM

For more information and to register for any of the above, visit https://www.coastalstudiesinstitute.org/upcoming-events/

07/31/2026

Our maritime archeologists-in-training (read: summer campers) practiced their surveying skills at the beach this week. After finding clues to help them unmask the mapped wreck's identity, the students correctly decided it must be the Oriental!

the real Oriental wreck rests just off the beach across from the Pea Island NWR Visitors Center? The ship ran aground in 1862 and never refloated. It is locally known as the "boiler wreck" because its steam-cylinder engine protrudes above the water.