Author: Jillian Daly, N.C. Coastal Reserve Communications Specialist
Seabeach amaranth is a federally threatened plant species that is native to the North Carolina coast. This important species contributes to the natural building of dune systems and acts as an indicator of healthy beach ecosystems along the U.S. Atlantic coast.
The Reserve’s Southern Site Manager, Elizabeth Pinnix, explains that “seabeach amaranth exists on the frontal dune area and provides habitat and structure for sand to accumulate and help naturally rebuild dune systems. Many beaches in N.C. have experienced heavy disturbance like beach renourishment, jetties, sand fencing and vehicle use that can decrease the amount of suitable habitat for this species to thrive.” Due to their beneficial ecosystem services, the reserve – in partnership with the N.C. Botanical Garden and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – is working to prevent the extinction of seabeach amaranth through reintroduction efforts and long-term seed banking on Masonboro Island Reserve.
Pinnix states, “as a living laboratory and research reserve, Masonboro Island is a great option to conduct a reintroduction and seed-banking study. Its natural barrier island characteristics and historical amaranth records were factors that came into play for moving this project forward.”
The first step was to locate and document remaining plants in the area. Reserve staff and partners started surveying beaches in Southeast N.C. for seabeach amaranth in 2023 and have continued the effort in 2024. Then, in May 2024, the reserve and N.C. Botanical Gardens staff planted nearly 1,500 seabeach amaranth seeds at a study site on the northern portion of Masonboro Island that will receive watering and monitoring throughout the season as an attempt to reintroduce the species on the island.
Pinnix says that “the ultimate goal is to have plants germinate, grow, and release seeds as they complete their annual growing cycle. These seeds will be naturally dispersed in the area with the hopes they will regrow in years to come.”
For more information about seabeach amaranth, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s blog: - https://www.fws.gov/species/seabeach-amaranth-amaranthus-pumilus
