Chapter 4 Habitats
4.5.14 Pasquotank River Basin 4.5.14.1 River Basin Description
The Pasquotank River Basin is an Atlantic Slope drainage with a small portion of its headwaters in Virginia. The remainder of the basin lies in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain and drains into the Albemarle Sound. The Pasquotank River flows as freshwater until tidal influence begins downstream of Elizabeth City. The Pasquotank is the fifth largest river basin in the state (3,366 square miles) and has 107 miles of Atlantic coastline. Major tributaries within the river basin include Alligator River, Perquimans River, Little River, Yeopim River, Scuppernong River, and North River. There are no major reservoirs in the basin. There are 13 municipalities within the 10 counties in the basin. The largest municipalities are Elizabeth City, Manteo, and Kill Devil Hills on the Outer Banks. According to USCB data (2010), the human population is estimated to be 139,127; however, seasonal populations may be higher, as the Outer Banks are a popular vacation destination. Figure 4.5.14-1 shows the location of the Pasquotank River Basin.
Figure 4.5.14-1 Location of the Pasquotank River Basin
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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