CCA Announces Scholarship Selections
The Coastal Conservation of North Carolina -- an association dedicated to preserving and protecting our marine fisheries for current and future generations -- announced that it has selected two students to receive a $1,000 scholarship each to further their educational goals in the area of Marine Science.
"We look for students doing work in the area of Marine Science who have projects that will be of benefit long term to the fishermen of North Carolina" said Stephen Ammons, Executive Director of CCA NC.
After reviewing the candidates for the two $1,000 scholarships for 2009, the selection committee reached an unanimous agreement on two students -- Ken Riley from East Carolina University Department of Biology and Nate Giraldi from the University of North Carolina Institute of Marine Sciences.
Ken Riley is seeking his doctoral degree at East Carolina with his project focused on American Shad and River Herring. His research work will model various elements of essential nursery habitat for these species in an effort to improve the management of these types to insure a healthy resource. He will include important environmental factors such as river flow and predator - prey relationship.
Nate Giraldi is seeking his doctorate also in Marine Sciences. His thesis will conduct research on oyster sanctuaries to determine optimal planting strategies, methods to improve growth and survival, identify predators to understand and improve success of artificial reefs, and measure recruitment to the artificial oyster reefs. Oysters filter our coastal waters and are important in improving water quality and habitat.
Both of these projects are vital to the overall health of North Carolina fisheries and are consistent with the many efforts of CCA NC to improve our marine resources.
The stated purpose of the Coastal Conservation Association North Carolina is to advise and educate the public on conservation of marine resources. The objective of CCA is to conserve, promote and enhance the present and future availability of these coastal resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public.
