The coastal waters of Northeastern North Carolina are home to some of the most iconic species in the Atlantic, but few capture the imagination quite like the red drum. This year, Currituck County Travel & Tourism is proud to join the NC Marine & Estuary Foundation in an inspiring partnership that brings science, conservation, education, and community engagement together—all through one remarkable fish: Finley, the Northern Outer Banks Red Drum.
A Partnership with Purpose
Red drum are more than just a favorite among local anglers—they’re North Carolina’s official state saltwater fish and a vital part of our coastal economy. Anglers make roughly 3 million fishing trips each year in pursuit of red drum, contributing significantly to the state’s $4 billion coastal fishing industry. Yet, despite their popularity and economic importance, many questions remain about their behavior and movement.
To support important scientific research, the NC Marine & Estuary Foundation, in collaboration with the NC Division of Marine Fisheries, has launched a groundbreaking satellite tagging project along the North Carolina coast. Adult red drum are fitted with satellite tags that transmit daily location data—up to eight times a day—through the Argos satellite network. These advanced tags allow researchers to study travel patterns, spawning migrations, habitat preferences, and interstate movement. Do they head north to Virginia? Venture south beyond South Carolina? Travel through our inlets more often than we realize? Every ping of data brings scientists one step closer to answering these questions.
Currituck County Tourism is proud to sponsor one of these tagged red drum, supporting a project that blends environmental stewardship with public engagement. With tracking data now live online, visitors can follow the adventures of our fish in real time.
View the tracker: Finley | North Carolina Marine & Estuary Foundation
Engaging Classrooms Across Currituck County
To further connect our community—especially our youngest residents—to this scientific effort, the Tourism Department invited all first-grade classrooms in Currituck County to participate in a naming competition for our sponsored red drum. Dr. Matthew Lutz helped coordinate the classroom involvement, giving students a chance to learn firsthand about marine science, wildlife conservation, and the importance of North Carolina’s coastal habitats.
Each class submitted a unique name for the fish, and the winning class earned a pizza party along with red-drum–themed prizes for all of Currituck County’s first graders. The Travel & Tourism Department recused itself from judging to ensure fairness, leaving the decision to three respected tourism professionals from across the state.
After reviewing the creative submissions, the judges selected “Finley”—submitted by Ms. Brandi Shearin’s first-grade class at Moyock Elementary School.
Tracking Finley’s Journey
With Finley officially named, students can now follow this red drum’s movements online—an exciting, educational experience that turns real-time marine science into daily curiosity and discovery. Watching Finley explore the estuaries, inlets, and coastal waters of Northeastern North Carolina offers a unique lens into a fish’s-eye view of our maritime landscape.
This tracking experience isn’t just for classrooms. Residents, visitors, anglers, and wildlife enthusiasts of all ages are invited to tune in. And who knows—Finley may soon become as popular as the great white shark trackers that have captivated millions.
As Finley navigates the waters of the Northern Outer Banks and beyond, we invite you to follow along with the adventure. Science is happening right here in our backyard—and thanks to this collaboration, everyone gets a front-row seat.
Learn more about the NC Marine & Estuary Foundation: https://www.ncmefoundation.org/
