Pamlico Sound
By: Julianna Askew
Location
The Pamlico Sound is a shallow body of water located in the eastern coast of the Outer Banks, North Carolina.
Why is it important?
Estuaries help prevent major flooding from the mainland so people and animals are not harmed. The animals in the estuaries filter pollutants out of the water.
Oysters
Oysters are found in the Pamlico sound in many places. They attach themselves to gravel and shorelines to prevent themselves from land erosion because if they don't they will be harmed.
Stone Crabs
Stone Crabs hatch in oysters and start to grow there while they eat phytoplankton. The oysters protect the crabs from ocean currents.
Grass Shrimp
Grass Shrimp are a genus of freshwater and brackish water shrimp commonly found living among plants in the Pamlico sound.
Flounder
A flounder is a type of fish that swims on the very bottom and blends in with the gravel/sand.
Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Loggerhead Sea Turtle hatches on the beach in the Pamlico sound and lives the rest of its life in the estuary.
Image of Location
Threats to my Estuary
North Carolina estuaries are harmed by changes to the land bordering and surrounding the estuaries. Global warming is a major threat causing sea levels to rise. Rising sea levels threaten the swamp forests, which can withstand only temporary flooding. Dredging of channels to allow boats to ride by are a harm to the fish and wildlife. Humans can impact the lifestyle of the living creatures there as well.
Waterways that feed into the Pamlico sound
- Tar River
- Neuse River
- Roanoke River
- Albemarle River
Sources
learnnc.org/pamliosound