News

Neuse Riverkeeper Samantha Krop was back in Havelock this week, this time for a speaking engagement with a group of fishermen.

The Carolina Colors Fishing Club invited Sam to talk to their members about the state of the Neuse River, but conversation quickly veered toward pollution.

“The club members were really interested in discussing nutrient pollution, especially algal blooms and fish kills in relation to fishing — like, ‘Is it OK to eat fish out of the Neuse and Trent rivers?,’” Sam said.

Slocum Creek was also an issue of concern for the group.

“They were interested in our bacteria-source tracking work in Slocum Creek because a lot these folks use the boat ramp on Slocum Creek as their access to the river,” she said.

Slocum Creek made news after Swim Guide sampling last summer returned very elevated levels of bacteria week after week. Sound Rivers Water Quality Specialist Taylor Register, with help from Sam and Pamlico-Tar Riverkeeper Katey Zimmerman, identified the source as human through DNA testing, then tracked down where it was coming from: Wolf Pit Branch. The small tributary of Slocum Creek runs through older neighborhoods with, likely older and failing, septic systems. Sound Rivers has worked with the City of Havelock to address the failing infrastructure and find resources available to assist with septic system repair/replacement.
“The Carolina Colors group was really supportive, and asked some really great questions,” Sam said. “We had a number of new donors come out of the woodwork.”

Are you interested in having a Riverkeeper speak to your group? We can make it happen! Email Sound Rivers today!