By Michelle Bliss
08-20-10 – UNCW researchers collected water and sediment samples at Topsail Beach this week in an effort to record the characteristics of an oil-free coastal environment, just in case that ever changes. WHQR's Michelle Bliss has this report.
The research team is studying the entire food chain and collecting everything from fish, clams, and shrimp, to zooplankton, and microscopic plants and animals in the sediment.
They started collecting samples in New Hanover County two years ago to assess changes from beach renourishment.
Marine biology professor Dr. Larry Cahoon says isn't likely that oil from the Gulf spill will make it to North Carolina, but other crises could arise.
"There's no guarantee that we're going to be out of the woods forever and ever, that there will never be an accident off our coast. In fact, there have been. Preparation is real important. We now have a much better idea what those resources are out there on the beaches."
The team recently collected samples in Brunswick County and will study Atlantic Beach tomorrow.