Cape Hatteras and the other neighboring islands are considered “barrier” islands, protecting North Carolina’s shores from bad storms and hurricanes. Recognizing that the islands needed protection from mining, fishing, and other commercial enterprises, Cape Hatteras was established as a National Seashore Recreational Area in 1937. This designation allowed people to continue hunting turtles and other wildlife on the islands. Cape Hatteras was recategorized as a National Seashore in 1953, which made it illegal to engage in hunting activities.