North Carolina’s moribound oyster farming program could use a a new lease on life, many say. They look to emulate Virginia, where the recent explosive growth in shellfish leasing has led to a booming industry.
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N.C. Researchers Find Civil War-Era Shipwreck
State underwater archaeologists and researchers recently discovered off Oak Island the wreck of what may be one of three blockade runners used to penetrate the wall of Union naval vessels blocking the port of Wilmington during the Civil War.
Fisheries Chief’s Exit Remains Unexplained
N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries director Louis Daniel’s recent resignation remains unexplained, but elected officials had raised issues of fairness and transparency.
State Lawmakers Will Talk About Oysters
A state legislative committee, meeting Tuesday in Wilmington, will get its first look at studies ordered by the N.C. General Assembly last year to bolster the state’s oyster industry. Today, we detail the reports. Tuesday, we look at what Virginia has done with its industry.
Agreement Leads to Flap Over Lake Levels
A recent deal between federal and state officials to co-manage the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge has prompted worries that water levels in the state’s largest lake will be raised, driving away waterfowl and flooding adjacent lands.
State Hiring Entomologists to Prepare for Zika
The state is hiring two medical entomologists to study disease-carrying mosquitoes in North Carolina and prepare to fight the potential spread of the Zika virus.
North Topsail Must Remove Rocks by May
State and federal wildlife officials say North Topsail Beach must remove the rocks pumped onto its beach during a 2015 renourishment project by May, when sea turtle nesting season begins, but discussions continue over how deep to dig.
Our Celestial Coast: Jupiter’s Evening Display
Venus, Saturn and Mars will be visible in the pre-dawn skies during March but Jupiter, at its closest to Earth, will be on full display for evening stargazers this month.
N.C. Fisheries Director Louis Daniel Resigns
Louis Daniel, the director of the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries resigned Monday, effective immediately, after nine years in the position.
Commission OK’d Sandbag Rules Too Late
The Coastal Resources Commission took too long to approve new temporary rules for sandbags on N.C. beaches, according to a ruling by the N.C. Rules Review Commission.
A Secret No More: Sam’s Invitation to Lunch
The Salter Path Men’s Club doesn’t advertise it, but the group’s fortnightly feasts, a wintertime tradition since 2005, have attracted a growing number of attendees, as our Sam Bland only recently discovered.
Hallas Receives Communicator Award
Sara Hallas, coastal education coordinator with the N.C. Coastal Federation’s northeast office in Manteo, recently received the 2016 Conservation Communicator Award from the Hugh Hammond Bennett Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society.
States, Cities May Be Unprepared for Zika
The president’s recent request to fund states’ fight against the Zika virus was a relief for local officials, but years of budget cuts still leave agencies unprepared for an outbreak here.
Coastal Review Online Wins 22 Press Awards
Coastal Review Online was recognized last night for its environmental journalism during 2015, taking 22 awards during the N.C. Press Association’s annual awards ceremony in Chapel Hill.
‘Peaceful Pelican’
Reader Terri Chabot captured this image of a brown pelican Feb. 16 in Wrightsville Beach.
Federation Wins Stewardship Award
The Lower Cape Fear Stewardship Development Coalition, a regional nonprofit organization focused on protecting natural resources, presented its top award to the N.C. Coastal Federation.
