Chapter 1 Introduction Glossary
Appendix 1-7
Pelagic – referring to species that spend the majority of their lives beyond the near-shore coastal zone, either on or in the open ocean and, most often, more than 3 miles offshore.
Plankton . Tiny aquatic plant and animal organisms that drift together in large numbers.
Poaching . The illegal taking of plants, fish or game.
Posterior . Located toward the rear.
Potential biological removal – the maximum number of animals, not including natural mortalities, that may be removed from that stock, while allowing the stock to reach or maintain its optimum sustainable population.
Predator . An organism that preys upon other animals for food or habitat.
Primary nursery area (PNA) - those areas in the estuarine system where initial post-larval development takes place. These are areas where populations are uniformly early juveniles. Primary nursery areas are defined in 15A NCAC 03I .0101 and designated in 15A NCAC 03R .0103, .0104, and .0105. Unless otherwise specified by the rule, primary nursery areas described in 15A NCAC 03R .0103 encompass all waters from the described line in the direction indicated in rule up to the headwaters of the waterbody or InlandCoastal boundary lines, whichever area is first encountered. Priority species – Any species identified for conservation, research, or management action or need. Priority species will include Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN), state and federal Endangered, Threatened, Candidate, or Special Concern species; animal aggregations considered vulnerable; those species of recreational, commercial, or tribal importance that are vulnerable; and those which are important to ecosystem processes (including those that are pests or injurious species). While priority species are considered a conservation priority, they are not necessarily considered SGCN (see definition below). Priority species may receive funding under programs other than the State Wildlife Grant program.
R
Radiotelemetry . A method for determining the location and movements of an animal by using a transmitter affixed to the individual, the signals from which are monitored with an antenna and a receiver from known points in the study area. Resilience - the ability to retain essential processes in the face of disturbances or expected shifts in ambient conditions; ecosystem resilience provides the ability to support native diversity.
2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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