WILMINGTON — The waters off the coast of Southeastern North Carolina teem with life, ranging from small plankton and fish, all the way up to some of the largest sharks and mammals in the world. Rivers and streams from all over the state empty into the Cape Fear River, which carries a variety of nutrients and sediment out to sea between Bald Head and Oak Island.
This has allowed for the formation of a shifting sand bank known as the “Frying Pan Shoals.” These shoals extend over 30 miles offshore and makes up the southernmost tip of the infamous “graveyard of the Atlantic.”
The ocean here averages between 35 feet and 70 feet, and is littered with shipwrecks and reefs. This allows for a plethora of sea life, who come from all over the world to visit these bountiful waters.
Frying Pan Tower, a renovated Coast Guard light station on the tip of the shoals, offers opportunities for fisherman and divers to come and explore the area.
Sam Blount, owner of Wilmington spear fishing shop Front Line Freediving, spends much of his time diving, photographing, and videotaping the area’s visitors. Here, he’s shared some of the unique creatures he’s run into, that you can see for yourself just off our coast.
Get in touch with Reporter Cory Mannion: follow him on Facebook, Twitter, or send an email at cory@localvoicemedia.com.
