Duck Research Pier
off the beach.
Duck, NC.
The Duck Research Pier was built in 1977 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as the “Field Research Facility.” Along the pier are instruments that regularly record data related to waves, wind, and tides. The pier also provides a launching point for experimental vehicles. More information can be found here.
Below the water line, the pilings provide a home for fish, crabs, and corals. Large coral heads and sponges grow on the deeper pilings, providing a home for blennies, crabs, and invertebrates. Triggerfish, sheepshead, and spadefish lurk around the structures, making this a very popular site for spearfishermen. Blue crabs and flounder are often found along the base of the pilings and some adjacent wooden structures.
Check out some videos of our latest trip below!
Blennies hiding in large coral heads