Oyster reefs are extremely valuable, both ecologically and economically, as natural capital for the ecosystem services they provide. Although they are critically important to the estuaries and sounds of North Carolina, there have been dramatic decreases in the past century with at least 85% reduction due to destructive fishing practices, disease, hypoxia, turbidity, and eutrophication. Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Institute of Marine Sciences (http://ims.unc.edu) have been researching how to properly restore oyster reefs in North Carolina. By restoring oyster reefs in optimal habitat settings and locations within the intertidal, restoration efforts will be more effective and fewer resources will be wasted. We will use this video as an outreach tool to educate the community about the importance of oyster reefs and the research being conducted at the Institute of Marine Sciences. Contributors/acknowledgements: Interviewed Drs. Charles “Pete” Peterson and F. Joel Fodrie; graduate students Justin Ridge, Rachel Gittman, Michelle Brodeur, Ian Kroll. Oyster fisherman: Adam Tyler and David “Clammerhead” Cessna. External Sources: Additional scenic and oyster fishing footage by Dr. Niels Lindquist

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