N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Director Steve Murphey, speaking last week to a legislative committee on agricultural, natural and economic resources, said shellfish aquaculture is gaining momentum but facing challenges.
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The Black Boxes Around Environmental Bills
As Sunshine Week draws to a close, CRO’s legislative reporter Kirk Ross shares his experience in covering the oft-cloaked legislative process in the N.C. General Assembly.
Beer Fundraiser to Benefit Shark Research
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is hosting Suds for Sharks Conservation Fundraiser Monday evening, along with Crystal Coast Brewing Co. in Morehead City, where the family-friendly event is taking place.
Licensed Trapper Snares 17 Coyotes
Nags Head hired a licensed trapper who caught eight male and nine female coyotes on town-owned property within the 13-week season that ended in February.
Touch Tank Committee Meeting
Rep. Pat McElraft, R-Carteret, reaches toward a small ray swimming in the touch tank at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores Tuesday during a tour of the facility for legislators and staff in town for a meeting of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources. Photo: Mark Hibbs
March Birding: Fewer Species this Month
Though March is a transitional month for birdwatchers, there are a handful of birds to keep an eye out for including the swallow-tailed kite, Bonaparte’s gulls, yellow-throated warblers, cedar waxwings and more.
Puffer Prize
Sam Bland captured in Emerald Isle this photo of a gull with a puffer fish trapped in its beak.
Study: Stormwater Ponds Can Add Nitrogen
Stormwater ponds are common in coastal areas of North Carolina but new research shows that they may be affecting water quality in unexpected ways.
Governor Issues Guidance on Public Records
Gov. Roy Cooper’s office released on Friday draft guidance for state agencies, cabinet-level employees and commissions on best practices to allow the public access to records and meetings.
Agencies Look For Lost Cargo Containers
The Coast Guard, NOAA and EPA are monitoring the more than 70 cargo containers that were recently lost about 17 miles east of Oregon Inlet from a Maersk cargo ship.
White Oak River Open Forum Wednesday
The White Oak River Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America is holding an open forum Wednesday on the future of the river and possible solutions for restoration.
Manteo Board Rejects Televised Meetings
Manteo remains the only Dare County municipality not to air its public meetings on the public access channel.
Board Rejects Rezoning of Conserved Land
The North Topsail Beach Board of Aldermen recently upheld the town’s nearly decade-old rule that prohibits rezoning of land in its conservation district.
Coal Ash Rules Comment Period Extended
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality has extended public comment period to April 6 on rules drafted to better protect public health and the environment when coal ash wastes are disposed of and recycled.
DEQ’s Regan Meets With Coastal Officials
Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Michael Regan met this week with elected officials in the region to discuss risks to the state’s coastal economy and environment from offshore drilling and seismic testing.
Dems Request More Time for Comments
Nearly two dozen Senate Democrats have asked the Trump administration to extend for 60 days the public comment period for its offshore drilling plan.
