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Currituck Sound
Currituck Sound
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Map of northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia showing Currituck Sound

Key Information

Currituck Sound (/ˈkʊrɪtʌk/)[1] is a lagoon located in northeastern part of North Carolina and extreme southeastern Virginia.

36 miles (58 km) long north-south and 8 miles (13 km) at its widest,[2] this shallow, island-filled sound is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by the Currituck Banks Peninsula (formerly Bodie Island), part of the Outer Banks. On the northeast, it extends to Back Bay in southeast Virginia Beach, Virginia. A fork on the northwest leads to the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal, which is a part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway that connects the sound to Hampton Roads and the Chesapeake Bay. It ranges from 1 to 3 feet deep.[3]

Although several inlets connected it directly to the Atlantic at one time or another, they have all since closed and there is now no direct access to the Ocean from the Sound. Thus contemporary salinity levels are very low, usually around 2-3‰ at the north end and 4-5‰ at the sound.[2]

Currently, the only access to the ocean is through the Albemarle Sound, which joins the Currituck to the South, meaning that the sound has no lunar or solar tides. Instead, wind is the major force that moves water.[2][3]

Currituck County's Mackay Island and Currituck National Wildlife Refuge as well as Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park in Virginia Beach border the sound and are winter habitats on the Atlantic Flyway. Many watersports activities occur in the sound, including parasailing, sea kayaking, and jet skiing. An area of barrier beaches, it is also noted for its duck and goose hunting.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
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Currituck Sound

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Currituck Sound is a shallow, brackish coastal spanning northeastern and southeastern in the United States, forming the northernmost component of the Albemarle-Pamlico estuarine system. It covers approximately 153 square miles (97,850 acres) with an average depth of 5 feet (1.5 meters) and a maximum depth of about 13 feet (4 meters), making it highly susceptible to wind-driven water level fluctuations. Separated from the Atlantic Ocean by the Currituck Banks—a narrow barrier island chain within the —the sound lacks a permanent , with the last natural opening closing in 1828 due to shifting sands and storms. This isolation results in limited tidal influence and predominantly oligohaline conditions, where typically remains below 3.5 parts per thousand, supporting a mix of freshwater and brackish species. Hydrologically, water levels in the sound peak during and and reach lows in and , driven more by than —southerly winds elevate levels, while northerly winds depress them. Ecologically, Currituck Sound is a vital within a watershed of about 733 square miles that includes parts of Currituck and Dare Counties in , as well as areas in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach in . Its expansive marshes, dominated by such as big cordgrass (Spartina cynosuroides), black needlerush (Juncus roemerianus), and common reed (), provide essential nursery grounds for , foraging areas for migratory waterfowl along the , and protection for adjacent coastal communities. The sound hosts diverse wildlife, including federally and state-listed , and features submerged aquatic vegetation beds that enhance water quality and . The region faces ongoing challenges from sea-level rise, shoreline —losing about 28 hectares of annually—and altered due to development, , and proposed infrastructure like the Mid-Currituck Bridge (as of September 2025), prompting conservation efforts like the Currituck , encompassing approximately 8,500 acres including conservation easements, of beach, dune, forest, and habitats. Historically, the sound's dynamic barrier islands have been reshaped by hurricanes, creating temporary inlets and sediment fans that underscore its vulnerability to . Recreationally, it supports boating, fishing, and birdwatching, while its waters connect to Back Bay in to the north and to the south, facilitating regional ecological linkages.

Geography

Location and Extent

Currituck Sound is a shallow situated in the northeastern of and southeastern , with its approximate central coordinates at 36°17′01″N 75°52′14″W. The sound measures approximately 36 miles (58 km) in length from north to south and reaches a maximum width of 8 miles (13 km). Its total surface area spans about 153 square miles (396 km²), encompassing a significant portion of open water within its . The sound's northern boundary extends into Back Bay near , forming a continuous waterway system that stretches southward to . To the south, it connects to via the North River, allowing for hydrological exchange between these adjacent estuarine features. On its eastern side, Currituck Sound is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by the Currituck Banks Peninsula, a segment of the barrier island chain. The western border lies along the mainland of , where low-lying coastal plains and riverine inputs define the interface. As the northernmost component of the broader Albemarle-Pamlico estuarine system, Currituck Sound contributes to a vast network of interconnected coastal waters spanning multiple states. It maintains an indirect linkage to the through the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal, facilitating navigation and ecological connectivity across regional .

Physical Features

Currituck Sound is characterized by a complex physical landscape featuring numerous small islands and extensive marshy areas that contribute to its intricate shoreline configuration. These islands, often low-lying and vegetated with forested cover, are scattered throughout the sound, creating a fragmented that enhances diversity and influences local sediment dynamics. For instance, , part of the Currituck , exemplifies these features as a small, isolated within the sound. Similarly, soils in the region indicate the presence of small islands amid broad, flat marshes along the sound's edges, supporting a mosaic of environments. The shoreline of Currituck Sound is predominantly composed of brackish marshes, mudflats, and tidal flats, interspersed with maritime forests that line the mainland and perimeters. These marshy shorelines, often oligohaline in , form expansive fringes that absorb wave and stabilize the surrounding , while mudflats emerge during low water levels to expose soft bottoms. Maritime forests, consisting of dense thickets and wooded areas, provide additional structural relief along the edges, particularly where the sound interfaces with upland regions. The sound is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by the Currituck Banks, a narrow barrier composed primarily of dunes, beaches, and overwash areas that act as a natural shield against oceanic influences. This elongated , part of the broader system, lacks active inlets in its northern section, with the last historical inlet closing in 1828, resulting in a continuous barrier that defines the sound's eastern boundary. The Currituck Banks' dune systems and sandy beaches contribute to the dynamic coastal , with ongoing and accretion shaping its profile. Currituck Sound borders significant protected areas, including the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge to the east along the Currituck Banks and the Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge to the north, encompassing Knotts Island and adjacent marshlands. These refuges integrate seamlessly with the sound's physical features, preserving large tracts of marshes and shorelines that extend into the waterway. Bathymetrically, the sound is generally shallow, with an average depth of approximately 5 feet (1.5 meters), facilitating wind-driven water level variations and supporting its role as a sheltered estuarine system.

Hydrology

Water Dynamics

Currituck Sound lacks permanent tidal inlets directly connecting it to the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in water exchange that is predominantly driven by rather than oceanic tides. This absence of direct inlets limits the intrusion of saline ocean water, promoting a system where atmospheric forces play a dominant role in circulation and level fluctuations. Tidal influences in the sound are minimal, with a typical range of less than 0.1 meters, as the lack of inlets dampens lunar and solar tidal effects. Instead, water levels and currents vary primarily with and intensity, often exhibiting diurnal or multi-day cycles tied to prevailing patterns. Southeastern or southerly winds typically elevate water levels by pushing water northward into the sound, while northwestern or northerly winds lower levels by driving water southward, generating variable and sometimes reversing currents throughout the shallow basin. Water flow into and out of Currituck Sound occurs indirectly through connections to adjacent systems, including the North Landing River, which links it to and, by extension, the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Additionally, the sound maintains linkage to the via the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal, facilitating limited exchange with northern coastal waters. Freshwater inputs from tributaries such as the North River and Northwest River contribute to the sound's estuarine characteristics, introducing riverine flow that mixes with any incoming brackish waters and influences overall circulation patterns. These dynamics, dominated by and freshwater dilution, result in variable gradients across the sound.

Salinity and Quality

Currituck Sound exhibits an estuarine character, with levels that are generally low and oligohaline, ranging from 0.5 to 5 parts per thousand (ppt), due to substantial freshwater inflows from major tributaries such as the North Landing River, Northwest River, and Tull Creek, combined with the absence of direct ocean inlets since the closure of New Currituck Inlet in the late . This isolation has transformed the sound from a historically brackish-to-saline environment into one that is nearly freshwater in northern sections, where inflows dominate. A distinct north-south gradient persists, with levels typically 2–3 ppt in northern areas near Back Bay and increasing to 4–5 ppt in southern regions closer to Point Harbor, reflecting limited marine influence from southern connections like . Historically, the closure of New Currituck Inlet around 1828 markedly decreased overall by reducing tidal exchange with the Atlantic, shifting the sound toward a low-salinity estuarine system, though temporary spikes occurred during events like the 1962 Ash Wednesday Storm that breached barriers. Since the , has shown a gradual increase in some areas, attributed to pumping into adjacent Back Bay from 1965 to 1987 and ongoing wind-driven mixing from southern sounds, though levels remain below 3.5 ppt for nearly 100% of the time at most central and northern sites. These shifts have contributed to recent declines in submerged aquatic vegetation, with coverage diminishing since the 1960s primarily due to degraded rather than salinity alone. Water quality in Currituck Sound faces significant challenges from , primarily and , introduced via runoff from surrounding development, leading to elevated concentrations that fuel chronic algal blooms, particularly of during warmer months. These blooms, evidenced by chlorophyll a levels exceeding 40 μg/L in over 16% of samples from 2011–2018, reduce (median Secchi depth 0.24–0.60 m) and contribute to seasonal lows in dissolved oxygen through decomposition. exacerbates these issues, with wind-resuspended fine sediments increasing (median 9.4–11 NTU) and (29–34 mg/L), further impairing light penetration and oxygen levels, especially during storms. Water levels are continuously monitored at USGS station 02043433 on the east bank at Corolla. Salinity and water quality parameters, including nutrients, , and chlorophyll a, were assessed through periodic sampling at multiple sites during USGS studies up to 2018, with ongoing collection by partners like USACE as of 2024. This station, operated in cooperation with the , has documented seasonal salinity variations—lower in spring and summer (means <2 ppt) and higher in fall and winter—while highlighting persistent quality impairments that prevent the sound from meeting Outstanding Resource Waters criteria. As of 2024, ongoing water quality monitoring by the USACE includes optical parameters to address gaps in the sound.

Ecology

Habitats and Flora

Currituck Sound features a diverse array of habitats shaped by its shallow, brackish waters and coastal barrier islands, including extensive brackish marshes, submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) beds, mudflats, and maritime forests. These environments thrive in salinities typically ranging from 0.5 to 5 parts per thousand (ppt), occasionally higher during wind-driven events up to about 7-10 ppt, influencing plant distribution from freshwater-tolerant species in riverine areas to more salt-resistant ones near the sound's open reaches. Brackish marshes dominate the shoreline, covering thousands of acres and providing foundational structure, while SAV beds and mudflats occupy the sound's shallower subtidal zones, and maritime forests cluster on higher-elevation islands and back barriers. Key flora in these habitats reflect the gradient of salinity and substrate types. In shallower areas of the sound, SAV beds support eelgrass (Zostera marina) and widgeon grass (Ruppia maritima), which form dense meadows essential for stabilizing sediments. Brackish marshes are characterized by saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens), black needlerush (Juncus roemerianus), and giant cordgrass (Spartina cynosuroides), creating expansive, irregularly flooded platforms that buffer against erosion. Mudflats, often exposed at low tide, intermittently host pioneer species like these cordgrasses during periods of sediment accretion. On forested islands and elevated dunes, maritime forests feature loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and live oak (Quercus virginiana), forming resilient canopies adapted to salt spray and occasional inundation. The sound's marshy shorelines extend over 30 miles along its 36-mile length, encompassing a mosaic of ecosystems that integrate seamlessly with adjacent barrier features. For instance, brackish marshes alone span more than 2,200 acres in protected areas like the , while maritime forests cover around 600 acres on isolated landforms. These habitats collectively form a productive coastal fringe, with mudflats adding dynamic intertidal zones that transition between submerged and exposed states. SAV coverage in Currituck Sound has declined from historical peaks, with mapped extents dropping from over 6,000 hectares in 2008 to about 5,700 hectares by 2012, primarily due to deteriorating including increased and light attenuation from dissolved organic matter. This reduction has confined SAV to depths shallower than 1.8 meters, limiting its role in the ecosystem compared to earlier decades when it supported broader coverage in clearer waters. Unique island ecosystems within the sound, such as those on and the Currituck Banks barrier spit, host isolated plant communities in interdunal depressions and maritime grasslands, where salt spray fosters specialized assemblages of grasses alongside fragmented edges. These pockets, buffered by surrounding marshes, maintain distinct floral diversity distinct from mainland wetlands.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

Currituck Sound supports a rich avian community, serving as a critical stopover along the Atlantic Flyway for migratory birds. The area hosts over 190 bird species, with principal wintering waterfowl including snow goose (Anser caerulescens), tundra swan (Cygnus columbianus), American black duck (Anas rubripes), mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), gadwall (Mareca strepera), and green-winged teal (Anas crecca). Wading birds such as great blue heron (Ardea herodias) and snowy egret (Egretta thula) frequent the brackish marshes for foraging. The sound's estuarine waters provide essential nursery habitat for numerous fish species, sustaining both commercial and recreational fisheries. Key species include (Sciaenops ocellatus), which migrates into the sound in late April; (Pomatomus saltatrix); and (Morone saxatilis), an anadromous fish that utilizes the area for spawning and juvenile growth. Other ecologically dominant fish, such as (Brevoortia tyrannus) and spot (Leiostomus xanthurus), form the base of the aquatic . Mammalian and reptilian species thrive in the sound's diverse habitats, including river otter (Lontra canadensis) in marshy areas and (Odocoileus virginianus) in forested wetlands. Feral horses, known as Banker ponies and descended from Spanish mustangs abandoned during colonial shipwrecks in the 16th and 17th centuries, roam adjacent banks. Reptiles such as the (Malaclemys terrapin) inhabit brackish zones, while various snakes including the northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon) are common in wetlands. Invertebrates are abundant in the sound's brackish environments, with (Callinectes sapidus) and penaeid species like brown shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus) supporting significant fisheries. These , along with ribbed mussels (Geukensia demissa), contribute to the ecosystem's productivity in and habitats. Low limits (Crassostrea virginica) populations compared to more saline estuaries. Biodiversity hotspots within Currituck Sound, particularly the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge and adjacent protected areas, sustain high concentrations of dependent on habitats for and breeding. These refuges host over 190 bird and diverse aquatic life, though waterfowl populations have declined since the —from peaks exceeding 300,000 birds in the to below 50,000 in recent decades—due to habitat loss and reduced submerged aquatic vegetation.

Conservation Efforts

Conservation efforts in Currituck Sound focus on protecting its unique freshwater marshes and associated habitats from ongoing threats, involving collaboration among federal agencies, nonprofits, and local partners. The Currituck Sound Coalition, formed by Audubon North Carolina in October 2019, coordinates these initiatives to promote ecosystem restoration and conservation across the sound's watershed. Key federal involvement comes from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages three national wildlife refuges bordering the sound: Currituck National Wildlife Refuge (approximately 8,000 acres), Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge (8,320 acres), and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (approximately 9,175 acres), collectively protecting more than 26,000 acres of critical habitats including marshes, dunes, and forests. Restoration projects target habitat degradation through targeted interventions. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducted a in 2010 to assess restoration options, identifying strategies to address loss and issues such as loading from upstream sources. Pilot efforts include submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) regrowth initiatives, such as seasonal community composition studies funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, alongside stabilization using living shorelines and thin-layer placement to combat . improvements are pursued through monitoring and reduction of pollutants, with the coalition's 2021 Marsh Conservation Plan outlining adaptive measures like breakwaters to enhance resilience against sea-level rise. These efforts directly address challenges like loss from shoreline , , and coastal development, which have contributed to declines in waterfowl populations that rely on the sound's . In recent developments, Audubon's Pine Island Sanctuary, spanning 2,600 acres of and maritime forest along the sound, has implemented restoration projects including a restored and in 2025 to bolster for shorebirds and other . A $3 million grant awarded in 2024 supports ongoing pilot projects at the sanctuary, testing for rebuilding.

History

Geological Origins

Currituck Sound originated as a back-barrier during the epoch, following the post-Ice Age sea-level rise after the (~21,000 years ago) during the deglaciation phase of the , which ended ~11,700 years ago. At that time, global sea levels were approximately 125 meters (410 feet) lower than present, positioning the shoreline 80 to 120 miles farther seaward and exposing a broad . As sea levels rose rapidly during the early , low-lying areas behind nascent dune ridges were inundated, transforming river valleys and drainage systems into estuarine environments that evolved into the modern sound configuration. The sound's barrier islands, including the Currituck Banks, formed through dynamic sediment deposition processes driven by waves, currents, and storm overwash. These islands emerged via spit growth and beach accretion, with sand primarily sourced from the erosion of the underlying Pleistocene during transgressive ravinement around 5,000 calibrated (cal YBP). By approximately 4,000 cal YBP, the barrier system had stabilized as sea-level rise decelerated, allowing reworking of sediments into more persistent beaches and dunes, though the islands continue to migrate landward over geological timescales due to ongoing . Geologically, Currituck Sound lies within the physiographic province, characterized by low-relief, unconsolidated sediments deposited during multiple marine transgressions over the era. This tectonically stable region features a gently sloping and an expansive that facilitates longshore and limits major structural influences on the sound's morphology. Over the late , the sound experienced periodic inlet formations triggered by major storms, which temporarily connected the lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean and redistributed sediments across the barrier system. These events altered local and sediment budgets, with inlets often closing naturally through shoal accretion, contributing to the overall evolution and stabilization of the basin between 4,000 and 5,000 years ago.

Human Settlement and Development

Archaeological evidence indicates human presence in the region dating back to the Archaic period (8,000–1,000 BCE), with Algonquian-speaking tribes, including the Yeopim and Pasquotank, utilizing the area's abundant resources for , , and seasonal habitation as early as the late (~800 years before the 1600s). These navigated the sound's waters and adjacent marshes, relying on its , waterfowl, and for sustenance, while establishing temporary villages along the shores. European colonial settlement in the Currituck Sound area began in the mid-17th century, with Currituck County formally established in 1668 as one of North Carolina's earliest counties and a key colonial port facilitating trade and migration from . Early communities, such as Knotts , emerged as the first settled areas around this time, attracting migrants southward for farming on fertile lands and engaging in maritime trade via the sound's protected waterways. By the late 1600s, these settlements supported , including corn and , alongside in timber, , and furs transported through the sound. In the , human development around Currituck Sound accelerated with infrastructure to support navigation and economic activity, exemplified by the construction of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in 1875, which provided essential guidance for vessels traversing the hazardous coastline. The sound served as a vital sheltered route for , enabling safer of like produce and lumber away from Atlantic storms, and fostering growth in nearby ports and trading posts. The marked a shift toward residential and recreational expansion, with vacation homes proliferating around Currituck Sound following improved road access via Highway 168, established in the late as the county's primary north-south corridor. This infrastructure boom, coupled with rising after the , transformed remote areas into seasonal retreats, particularly along the sound's shores, where thousands of homes were built by the 1980s and 1990s to accommodate visitors drawn to the waterway's scenic and recreational appeal. Currituck County's reflected this growth, rising from 6,529 in 1900 to an estimated 32,947 by 2025, driven largely by influxes to coastal and soundside developments.

Inlet Changes and Impacts

The first documented Currituck Inlet opened around 1580 near the Virginia-North Carolina border, providing early access to the sound for exploration efforts, including those led by Governor during the Roanoke voyages. This inlet closed naturally over time, but a violent hurricane in 1713 breached the approximately five miles south, forming the New Currituck Inlet, which became a vital navigational passage and official port for regional trade and settlement until shoaling progressively restricted its use by the early . The inlet fully closed in 1828 following another storm event, marking the end of direct oceanic connections to the sound and stabilizing the barrier islands without permanent breaches. The 1828 closure dramatically reduced tidal flushing from the Atlantic, transforming Currituck Sound from a brackish to a predominantly freshwater system dominated by wind-driven circulation. This shift lowered levels, allowing freshwater aquatic like wild celery to proliferate and creating ideal foraging habitat that fueled a surge in waterfowl populations during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Migratory ducks and geese flocked to the enhanced marshes in unprecedented numbers, supporting a booming market hunting industry that shipped thousands of birds weekly to northern markets until federal regulations curtailed it in 1918. Throughout the mid-1800s, hurricanes occasionally created temporary inlets along the northern , such as the 1846 storm that breached barriers farther south at , briefly increasing salinity and tidal exchange in adjacent areas before these passages shoaled. By the mid-19th century, however, the sound achieved relative stability without inlets, though the lack of regular oceanic inflow later contributed to localized stagnation and challenges from reduced circulation. Today, with no inlets since , these historical changes continue to shape the sound's low-salinity oligohaline conditions (0.5–5 ppt), supporting diverse freshwater-dependent habitats while limiting marine ingress.

Human Uses

Recreation and Tourism

Currituck Sound offers a variety of recreational activities that attract visitors seeking outdoor experiences in a pristine coastal environment. and are among the most popular pursuits, with calm, shallow waters ideal for paddling and exploration, often launching from public ramps such as the Whalehead Club in Corolla. is equally favored, targeting species like and , which thrive in the sound's brackish habitats and can be caught year-round with seasonal peaks in spring and fall. , permitted during designated seasons at sites like Currituck , provides opportunities for pursuing migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway. Key tourism sites enhance the appeal of the area, emphasizing eco-tourism through natural immersion. The Currituck Banks Reserve features accessible trails, including the 1.5-mile round-trip Maritime Forest Trail and the 0.67-mile round-trip Boardwalk Trail, suitable for hiking and birdwatching amid diverse habitats like dunes, marshes, and maritime forests. Visitors can reach these areas via foot traffic, boat, or 4WD vehicles on designated beach ramps, such as those in Corolla, allowing off-road access to remote soundside spots. Events like youth waterfowl hunts at introduce younger participants to ethical practices, while fishing charters departing from Knotts offer guided trips for targeting sound species. These activities promote low-impact enjoyment of the sound's , including sightings of migratory birds and . In October 2025, a dispute over Currituck County's tourism occupancy tax reached the , with tourism groups supporting a challenging its use for non-tourism purposes, potentially impacting funding for promotional activities and infrastructure. on Currituck Sound bolsters the local economy in the Northern , contributing to eco-tourism growth. In 2023, visitor spending in Currituck County reached $573 million, supporting over 2,500 jobs and generating $115.1 million in labor income, with sound-based activities like and trails playing a central role in initiatives. Regulations ensure responsible use, requiring a Coastal Recreational Fishing for anglers over 16 and seasonal permits with quotas for to protect populations.

Commercial Activities

Commercial fishing in Currituck Sound has historically focused on oysters and finfish, with significant harvests peaking in the as part of North Carolina's broader coastal expansion. During this era, oysters were a key commodity, supporting local economies through methods that exploited the sound's shallow, nutrient-rich waters, while finfish like shad and contributed to statewide landings exceeding 99% of products by 1890. However, intensive exploitation led to , prompting modern regulations that limit commercial activities to sustainable levels. Today, commercial harvests of oysters are restricted by seasonal closures and mechanical harvest prohibitions in areas like Currituck Sound to prevent overharvesting, with licenses required for any dredge or tong operations. fishing employs pots under quotas and rules, prohibiting use from March to August in spawning areas, while finfish such as face strict allocations split 50/50 between commercial and recreational sectors, with recent emergency measures imposing size limits due to historical overharvest. These quotas and competition from recreational users have reduced commercial yields, emphasizing controlled access to maintain stock health. The hunting industry in Currituck Sound centers on guided waterfowl hunts for , swans, and geese, which bolster the local economy through outfitters and lodges offering paid services across the region's marshes. Market hunting, once rampant in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, declined sharply after the Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibited commercial sales of migratory birds, shifting focus to regulated sport that supports guides and related businesses. Other commercial uses include bass fishing charters operating in the sound, providing paid trips targeting species like with light tackle, and minor initiatives such as the Currituck Oyster Company, which grows and harvests shellfish as part of broader restoration efforts to enhance wild stocks. These activities face challenges from regulatory quotas stemming from past overharvesting and growing recreational pressures, yet they contribute to Currituck County's overall and fishing economy, estimated at over $580 million in visitor spending for 2024.

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  52. https://coastalreview.org/2014/03/duck-dynasty-when-waterfowl-ruled-the-roost/
  53. https://www.outerbanks.com/currituck-sound.html
  54. https://www.currituck.com/fishing-in-currituck.html
  55. https://koa.com/campgrounds/outer-banks-west/blog/fishing-guide-for-the-currituck-sound-north-carolina_6f2e1896-5e1b-4b3f-9395-005a687789ad/
  56. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/currituck/visit-us/activities
  57. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/currituck-banks-boardwalk-and-maritime-forest-trail
  58. https://www.twiddy.com/outer-banks/4x4/beach-driving/
  59. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/currituck/visit-us/activities/hunting
  60. https://fishanywhere.com/locations/north-carolina/knotts-island
  61. https://www.visitnc.com/list/level-feel-good-factor-when-you-do-good-your-trip-plan-eco-friendly-visit-nc
  62. https://www.ncspin.com/top-nc-court-to-settle-coastal-tourism-tax-dispute
  63. https://currituckcountync.gov/news/2023-tourism-has-substantial-impact-in-currituck-county/
  64. https://islandfreepress.org/outer-banks-news/visitor-spending-in-2024-topped-2-7b-in-outer-banks-counties-dare-ranks-4th-highest-in-state/
  65. https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/marine-fisheries/licenses-permits-and-leases/recreational-fishing-licenses
  66. https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2023-hunting-regulations-currituck-nwr.pdf
  67. https://www.ncpedia.org/fishing-commercial
  68. https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/marine-fisheries/rules-proclamations-and-size-and-bag-limits/fisheries-management-proclamations
  69. https://www.deq.nc.gov/marine-fisheries/rules-regulations/marine-fisheries-commission-rules/mfc-rulebook-supplement/open
  70. https://www.thecoastlandtimes.com/news/currituck-discusses-striper-quotas-47587/
  71. https://www.currituckchamber.org/the-long-wait-is-over
  72. https://pineisland.audubon.org/about/history-pine-island
  73. https://www.albemarlefishingcharters.com/
  74. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJetTK2VZD0
  75. https://www.thecoastlandtimes.com/news/report-currituck-county-saw-580-million-in-tourism-for-2024-3f6386ea
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