ECU awarded $3.5 million to study fish spawning, conservation in Gulf

ECU awarded $3.5 million to study fish spawning, conservation in Gulf

GREENVILLE, N.C. (02/17/2026) - East Carolina University is prioritizing long-term sustainability of the Gulf Coast ecosystem and fisheries through a new $3.5 million National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Restore Science Program grant.

Dr. Rebecca Asch, associate professor in the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences Department of Biology, will lead a team of investigators on the research through September 2030.

She said it was exciting and a relief to hear that the project is receiving funding. The team worked on the proposal for nearly 18 months and believes the study will be important for the fishing and tourism industries.

Asch is studying fish spawning aggregations (FSAs) in the Gulf and the long-term suitability of these habitats. She will work closely with other scientists and managers at the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, which is about 100 miles off the coast of Texas and Louisiana, and the Gulf Council, among other partners, to verify, monitor and model FSAs, and facilitate their management and conservation.

"Spawning aggregations are essential for fish populations. They are special places where most of the reproduction of the species happens, and without protection, that reproduction is likely to decline over time," Asch said. "That impacts the viability of populations of that species, and any activities that are commercial or recreational, such as fishing, or in some cases tourism, that depend on those species."

Ultimately, the team's goal over the next five years is to gather data from fisheries, fishermen and independent surveys, verify where and what species are reproducing in the Gulf and develop plans for the best way to manage and conserve these sites.

Learn more about Asch's project and the team online at the Restore Science program.

Contact: Dr. Rebecca Asch, associate professor in the Department of Biology, 252-328-6307, [email protected]

Note: Asch is available for interviews on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 - 5 p.m. and on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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About East Carolina University

Founded in 1907 as a teacher's college, East Carolina University (ECU) is a Carnegie R1 designated research institution that is a national model for student success, public service and regional transformation. ECU is a member of the University of North Carolina System and serves nearly 27,000 students through more than 160 degree programs. The university advances innovation and discovery in health care, coastal resilience, education and regional economic growth. Located in Greenville, North Carolina, ECU is committed to being a national leader in community-focused innovation, bringing meaningful impact across the state and nation.

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