Core Objectives

Core Objectives of Coastal Carolina Riverwatch

1. Amplify Local Perspectives – Strengthen engagement with coastal residents, ensuring that those facing the greatest water challenges have a platform to share concerns and shape solutions.

2. Expand Knowledge on Coastal Ecosystems and Water Quality – Broaden access to environmental learning opportunities, making information and resources more widely available for those facing the greatest environmental risks.

3. Support Responsible Farming and Fishing Practices – Work alongside food producers committed to clean water, while monitoring and documenting pollution concerns to ensure responsible parties take corrective action.

4. Advance Research and Monitoring Efforts – Conduct scientific studies and ongoing assessments to better understand pollution sources affecting water in the White Oak River Basin, with a focus on areas facing the most significant environmental pressures.

5. Strengthen Partnerships for Policy Solutions – Collaborate with residents and decision-makers at all levels to develop protections that safeguard water resources while ensuring that a broad range of perspectives are considered in shaping solutions.

6. Develop Lasting Strategies for Clean Water – Foster cooperative efforts to prevent pollution, focusing on key challenges such as:

   • Contamination from large-scale farming and industrialized agriculture
   • Runoff from heavy rainfall and flooding
   • Waste generated by industrial activities
   • Plastic waste in waterways
   • Issues related to wastewater treatment and disposal

How This Work Gets Done

These objectives are carried out through hands-on environmental initiatives, direct engagement with coastal residents, and widespread education efforts. This includes regular research and emergency response monitoring, working to strengthen protections for clean water, highlighting concerns from those most affected by environmental challenges, and inspiring stewardship across coastal North Carolina.