Oceanographic & Coastal Processes
Research Focus AeaResearch Focus Area Overview
The coastal ocean, from the estuarine shoreline to the edge of the continental rise, is perhaps the most important and yet vulnerable areas of the world’s oceans. The chemical, physical, and biological processes that affect these coastal seas are intertwined and complex. Our researchers use interdisciplinary approaches, modeling and empirical, to obtain a quantitative understanding of these processes.
Research Labs
Marine Geochemistry & Coastal Dynamics
Lab
Oceanography & Marine Hydrokinetic Energy Ocean Lab
Coastal Engineering & Adaptation
Lab
Coastal Marine Processes & Geomorphology Lab
Ecology & Biogeochemistry
in Marine & Coastal
Systems Lab
Coasts & Oceans Observing
Lab
News
New Event Oct. 27: From Tide to Table, an Oyster Tasting Occasion
The Coastal Studies Institute & ECU Outer Banks Campus, in partnership with the NC Coastal Federation, are excited to announce a new adult program entitled From Tide To Table: Exploring Oyster Ecology, Farming, and Culinary Delights. Join us on October 27, 2023,...
CSI Open House Set for Earth Day, April 22
Celebrate 10 years on the ECU Outer Banks Campus with us at our 2023 Open House! Spend Earth Day, April 22nd learning about coastal and marine science research and education programs at ECU and the Coastal Studies Institute.East Carolina University’s Integrated...
Apply Now for AMEC Intro to Marine Energy Short Course
The Coastal Studies Institute will host the 2026 installment of the Atlantic Marine Energy Center’s (AMEC) Introduction to Marine Energy Short Course (IMESC) from June 1– 5. This course brings students from diverse backgrounds to CSI’s coastal campus for a five-day...
Jan. 15 Lecture Examines NC’s Toothiest Fish
Join us for the January 2026 installment of the "Science on the Sound" Lecture Series at the Coastal Studies Institute on the ECU Outer Banks Campus. This monthly, in-person lecture series brings perspectives from all over the state and highlights coastal topics in...
Saltwater Sounds
Rahdiaz Delvillar, most often referred to as Ray, grew up on the North Carolina coast. His time spent fishing, boating, and keeping aquariums as a child connected him to estuarine habitats and the species that utilize them. As an adult, he continued to lean into these...
December Lecture features OBXFS research in Nags Head Woods
Join us for the December 2025 installment of the "Science on the Sound" Lecture Series at the Coastal Studies Institute on the ECU Outer Banks Campus. This monthly, in-person lecture series brings perspectives from all over the state and highlights coastal topics in...
A Milestone Year for the Outer Banks Field Site
2025 marks the 25th year of the UNC Institute for the Environment’s field site for undergraduates on the Outer Banks. First established in 2001 as the Albemarle Ecological Field Site, the program, now known as the Outer Banks Field Site (OBXFS), offers UNC-Chapel Hill...
Local Ecological Knowledge & Modeling Insights for Shrimp Abundance in the Pamlico Sound
As environmental changes occur in the ocean, so does overall fish behavior. Species and populations of marine organisms are constantly responding to changes in the ecosystem around them. In turn, this can affect species abundance, distribution, reproduction, and more,...
Nov. 20 Science on the Sound, Coastal Changes As Seen By Satellites
Join us for the November 2025 installment of the “Science on the Sound” Lecture Series at the Coastal Studies Institute on the ECU Outer Banks Campus. This monthly, in-person lecture series brings perspectives from all over the state and highlights coastal topics in...
CoastLines Summer/ Fall 2025 Available Now
We are proud to announce the Summer/ Fall 2025 issue of the ECU Integrated Coastal Programs Newsletter, CoastLines. Stay up to date on the research, education, and outreach programs of ECU ICP and the Coastal Studies Institute.In This Issue Corbett’s CornerStudent...
Learn the Science of Surf at next Science on the Sound, Oct. 16
Join us for the October 2025 installment of the “Science on the Sound” Lecture Series at the Coastal Studies Institute on the ECU Outer Banks Campus. This monthly, in-person lecture series brings perspectives from all over the state and highlights coastal topics in...
Curious Campers Enjoyed Coastal Courses in 2025
Over the summer, the Coastal Studies Institute welcomed over one hundred school-aged children through its doors for summer camps. Each day of the nine weeks of programming brought both learning and laughter in a fun and engaging environment. During the 2025 season,...
Based at the Coastal Studies Institute (CSI), the North Carolina Renewable Ocean Energy Program (NCROEP) advances inter-disciplinary marine energy solutions across UNC System partner colleges of engineering at NC State University, UNC Charlotte, and NC A&T University. Click on the links below for more information.
ECU's Integrated Coastal Programs (ECU ICP) is a leader in coastal and marine research, education, and engagement. ECU ICP includes the Coastal Studies Institute, ECU's Department of Coastal Studies, and ECU Diving and Water Safety.
The ECU Outer Banks campus is home to the Coastal Studies Institute.
