Why Marine Conservation? We have a change to make a difference. (view the Marine Poster)

The southeast coast of the United States represents the best opportunity to conserve estuarine and marine biodiversity, habitats and species in the Northern Atlantic Ocean.

Key habitats and species include salt marshes, oyster reefs, beaches, loggerhead turtles, and shorebirds.

South Carolina has 187 miles of coastline; 2,876 miles when bays, inlets and islands are included. These areas are nesting and feeding grounds for rare and endangered birds and turtles.
South Carolina ranks fourth in the nation in salt marsh acreage with over 340,000 acres. Wetlands are key to maintaining water quality and protecting our coastlines during storms.
Estuaries serve as nursery grounds for two-thirds of the nation’s commercial fish and shellfish and are one of the most productive ecosystems on earth.

Nearly 22% of the state’s population lives within the coastal zone and this number is growing daily.

The Link Between Land and Water Conservation

Activities on land influence the health of South Carolina’s water system (including rivers, creeks, and bays).
Excess nutrient and sediment input can significantly degrade our coastal waters, habitats and species (e.g. shellfish harvest areas being closed).
Coastal development, hardened shorelines, docks and boating impact our coastal waters and can limit ecosystem resiliency.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is expanding successful land conservation programs to include marine and estuarine priority species’ habitats.
By combining land and water management, TNC is taking a watershed approach to coastal conservation.

Oyster Restoration in South Carolina

Oyster reefs are vital habitat for a wide variety of fish and invertebrates. Over 300 species in SC have been associated with oyster reefs.
Global loss of oyster reef ecosystems is at 75% or greater.
Historic losses, combined with current stress (e.g. substrate limitation and water pollution) make restoration a priority.
The ALCOA Foundation has donated funds to assist TNC-SC with jump-starting a marine restoration program; these funds have been matched by additional contributions.
The TNC program will focus on expanding shell recycling and restoration projects in SC in hopes of facilitating ecosystem-scale conservation and restoration.

South Carolina is not acting alone…..

Recognizing the importance of marine ecosystems, the east coast of the United States is a TNC global priority: North America’s Atlantic Coast.
Marine ecosystems are interconnected - what happens in one place can influence the areas around it. As such, the SC Chapter is excited to be part of a larger TNC effort to conserve and restore our coastal environments.
To build regional capacity and expertise, the southeast chapters are working together to increase engagement in marine issues such as climate change, habitat restoration, and migratory species.