Improving and Promoting the North Carolina Oyster Trail

Researchers at NC State are wondering how shellfish fit into our travel plans?

So much so that they hope you’ll answer a new survey designed to improve the North Carolina Oyster Trail, a network of oyster growers, seafood restaurants and retailers, and coastal education sites. Since debuting in May 2020, more than 40 members have joined the trail, which is administered by North Carolina Sea Grant and the North Carolina Coastal Federation in partnership with the North Carolina Shellfish Growers Association.

“The survey will gather information on the types of oyster-related activities visitors would participate in; how they would learn about these activities; and their general travel behaviors,” says team leader Whitney Knollenberg, of NC State University’s Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management.

By completing the survey, you could win free home delivery of 50 oysters from Oysters Carolina. Once the research team has the survey results, the team will see how well existing businesses, nonprofits, and activities meet tourism demand.

“The ultimate goal of the trail is to bolster the coastal economy while fostering appreciation for local seafood and culture,” says Jane Harrison, N.C. Sea Grant’s coastal economics specialist and a member of the research team. “The survey results will help inform how we plan for the trail’s future.”

The study is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association and also includes Emily Yeager from East Carolina University, Carla Barbieri of NC State, and Sea Grant’s Julie Leibach. To take the survey, visit go.ncsu.edu/ncoystersurvey. It will be open to respondents through Feb. 28.

NC State Oyster Showcase on February 4th

NC State is also hosting a virtual showcase of the university’s impact on the oyster industry in North Carolina. Chancellor Randy Woodson will share news from campus and Susanne Sanders, ’91 will demonstrate how to make a delicious cocktail to compliment oysters. Sanders is co-owner of The Hackney, a restaurant and cocktail bar in Washington, NC. The showcase will feature experts for discussions on topics including:

• NC State Research’s Impact on the NC Oyster Trail: Explore North Carolina’s burgeoning Oyster Trail with NC State researcher Whitney Knollenberg. She will share how aquaculture tourism is impacting the economy in eastern North Carolina.
• NC State Research in Support of Oyster Restoration & Management: Dave Eggleston, director of the Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, will lead this discussion.
• A Virtual Tour With Local Oyster Growers: Participants will get a firsthand look at how wild oyster stocks are harvested in North Carolina waters. Following the virtual tours, join experts Dan Bowling, an NC State NC State Ph.D. student, and Eric Herbst, an aquaculture specialist with the North Carolina Sea Grant, for a Q&A.

For more information about this event, including the cocktail demonstration and how to support local oyster growers, visit the NC State Alumni Association.