News

Pamlico-Tar Riverkeeper Katey Zimmerman, Neuse Riverkeeper Samantha Krop and Water Quality Specialist Taylor Register headed out on Sound Rivers’ Trophy this week to check Neuse River water quality.

The Sound Rivers team launched from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission boat ramp on the north side of the Neuse, then boated upstream into “the gut,” a “beautiful, marshy area that is popular for fishing and boating,” according to Sam.

Using a YSI meter, which can measure pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature and more, Taylor was looking at salinity levels, which can fluctuate in the area due to salt and fresh water intermingling.

“We were interested to see that there was very little stratification in the stream — the oxygen and salinity levels were similar at the top and bottom of the stream channel,” Sam said.

The outing also provided an opportunity to hone some important skills: launching and trailering the boat, backing up the boat trailer and navigating on the water.

“Generally, we were boat wrangling,” Sam laughed.