A group of Lenoir County 4-H members recently explored various aspects of the state’s seafood industry during a day trip to Carteret County, NC. 

The 4-H’ers first visited the NC State University Seafood Laboratory in Morehead City.  There, their host for the day, Greg Bolton, an NC State seafood research technologist, demonstrated some of the lab’s specialized equipment and highlighted several current studies taking place at the facility. 

Next, the group traveled to the Marshallberg area to explore the NC State University Marine Aquaculture Research Center. Lab manager Ryan Kelly told the 4-H’ers about the Center’s research with marine fin fish, such as striped bass, raised in recirculating water systems. He also explained some of the facility’s processes for handling waste.

 To conclude their day, the 4-H’ers visited the Quality Seafoods fish house, a family business at Cedar Island. Proprietor Bradley Styron gave the 4-H’ers an introduction to commercial fishing and to the daily challenges of running the operation. A highlight of the visit was the arrival and unloading of a shrimp boat carrying approximately 2,000 pounds of fresh product. 

The youths who took part in the 4-H seafood exploration experience were Jenna Edwards, Carson Gates, Tucker Harris, Landon Morgan, Lawson Pike, Daniel Smith, Delila Tyndall, and Ethen Tyndall. 

The 4-H’ers were accompanied by Abbigail Wells, Kelly Tyndall, and Gabriella Haddock, Lenoir County employees of NC Cooperative Extension in Kinston, and by 4-H volunteer Adrian Gaskins. 

The activity was just one of many summer programs offered annually by Lenoir County 4-H. Such 4-H opportunities are open to all county youths between the ages of 5 and 18. To join 4-H or to get more information, call Cooperative Extension at 252.527.2191.