North Carolina’s Coastal Ecosystems are in Crisis...

Over the years, NC's beloved waterways have lost the majority of our natural oyster reefs and bottom habitats—key structures that once supported abundant marine life, clean water, and thriving fisheries.

LRAC Trailer

CCA NC's Living Reef Action Campaign (LRAC) is our Boldest Habitat Response Yet!

We are very proud to launch the LRAC! This new project will bring artificial reef-building directly into our communities— restoring vital estuarine ecosystems, rebuilding our fisheries, and educating the next generation of conservation-minded anglers and stewards.

What is an Artificial Reef Ball?

reef ball

An artificial reef ball is a specially designed, three-dimensional concrete structure used to restore marine habitats and enhance biodiversity. These reef balls are engineered to mimic natural reef systems, providing shelter and breeding grounds for various marine species.

reef ball

Constructed from marine-friendly concrete with a pH similar to seawater, reef balls are designed to withstand harsh underwater conditions. Their hollow interiors and strategically placed holes create sheltered spaces for fish and other marine organisms. Additionally, their rough surface texture promotes the attachment of corals and other marine life, facilitating rapid ecosystem development.

Reef balls are deployed to aid in coral reef restoration, enhance marine biodiversity, and contribute to the overall health of ocean ecosystems. They serve as a tool for conservation and sustainable management of marine environments.

The deployment of reef balls is a critical component of habitat restoration efforts, aiming to rebuild and protect vital marine ecosystems. We are excited to drop the artificial reef balls our young volunteers have built and watch as natural habitats begin to flourish in and around them!

photo courtesy of Reef Ball Foundation

Goals of the Living Reef Action Campaign

Restoring Habitat

Healthy Fisheries Start With a Healthy Habitat

North Carolina has lost the majority of its natural oyster reefs and hard bottom habitats across the Pamlico Sound, its tributaries, and many other estuarine waterways… Our once-flourishing reefs have been severely diminished due to decades of over-harvesting, disease, and environmental decline. These reefs aren’t just clusters of shells—they are the living foundation of the estuaries themselves. Oyster reefs provide shelter for juvenile fish and invertebrates, support water filtration, and serve as essential habitat grounds for countless marine species. CCA NC’s Living Reef Action Campaign is designed to bring NC’s critical habitats back to life!

Rebuilding Fisheries

From Major Decline to Abundance

More than just oyster habitat, our artificial reefs will support the game fish we love to catch: red drum, speckled trout, flounder, striped bass, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, sheepshead, and many more. These reef balls are carefully designed to encourage vertical oyster growth which improves access to food-rich water, protects oysters from sediment, and dramatically increases their survival and ecological impact. By restoring structure and sanctuary to our estuaries, we are helping revitalize North Carolina’s coastal fisheries—ensuring better opportunities for anglers, healthier ecosystems for marine life, and a more sustainable future for generations to come!

Reconnecting Communities

Hands-On Learning for a Healthier Coastline

Anchored by a mobile reef ball-building trailer, our LRAC will travel across the state to partner with local school systems, CCA NC chapters, and corporate sponsors. Volunteers, especially NC’s youth, will work together on LRAC’s hands-on project to build artificial reef balls of various sizes, helping to spark a lifelong connection to coastal conservation. This campaign represents a powerful, hands-on way to invest in the future of our coastal waters and marine resources. Through habitat restoration, community engagement, and youth education, LRAC NC is not only building reefs—we’re building a movement.

How Can I Get Involved?

This is your chance to be a part of the solution. Help us rebuild what's been lost. Let's protect what we all love about our coast together!

Donate to LRAC

Volunteer With Us

Join our team at local build days and help us create a safe, healthy habitat where marine life can thrive again!

Sign-Up to Volunteer

Bring LRAC to Your School

Students will build reef balls, learn about marine ecosystems, and experience conservation in action.

Educators Get In Touch

Become a Sponsor

Make a lasting impact by supporting reef ball production, trailer operations, outreach efforts, and habitat materials.

Partner with LRAC

Recent Reef Ball Builds & Deployments

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Pamlico Point Artificial Reef Project – AR 293

October 3, 2023
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Bayview Artificial Reef Improvement Project – AR 291

May 3, 2022
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New River Oyster Highway, Phase 1

April 5, 2018

Spread the Word

Please share this campaign on your socials!