Voices Rising: Save Our Sounds

Our estuarine sounds, most notably the Albemarle-Pamlico Sound, are known for their stunning coastal landscapes, immense biodiversity, historical significance, economic importance, and are the largest estuarine system in the nation managed by one state. Estuaries, sometimes described as "rainforests of the sea", are crucial because they filter pollutants, provide critical nurseries for fish and shellfish (supporting fisheries), as well as economic benefits through recreation, tourism, and jobs, all while supporting immense biodiversity.  Our shallow sounds are in deep trouble for several reasons, not the least of which is our fisheries management. It's not too late to recognize and to cherish North Carolina’s natural treasures for the gift they are and undertake-with dogged determination-the effort to restore their abundance, for humans and the environment. Restoration is not a pipe dream; it is just waiting for us to get on board. 

BIO

Ann Berry Somers is a well-known conservationist and a Senior Lecturer Emerita at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Somers serves on the Board of Directors for the N.C. Wildlife Federation and is an Advisor to Triad Wild!