North Carolina’s valuable estuaries face a number of threats and water quality has been diminished by pollution and development, but efforts to protect and restore these coastal areas could yield big returns.
Estuaries: Understanding Their Vital Roles
Estuaries, where freshwater from rivers and streams meets the salty ocean, are vital to marine life, the coastal environment and the economy here, and ongoing research has revealed additional benefits.
Questions Raised as Farmers Turn to Solar
As more farmers lease their lands to solar in North Carolina, more communities and state officials raise questions over the potential effects.
Coastal Federation Opens New Office
The North Carolina Coastal Federation will be officially opening the doors to its new Wanchese office this week.
N.C. Aquarium Turns into Turtle Hospital
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores last week opened its tanks to five injured or sick baby turtles, the first of the nesting season. Many more are expected.
43 Win Federation Pelican Awards
A pioneer in the propagation of marsh grasses and N.C. cities and counties that opposed offshore drilling are among the winners of the annual awards given by the N.C. Coastal Federation.
Coastal Sketch: Michele Lamping, Turtle Saver
Michele Lamping, volunteer coordinator of the Atlantic Beach sea turtle patrol for the last seven years, shares her passion for protecting the ocean creatures as they come ashore to nest.
Pilkeys Seek to Inspire Young Scientists
Noted geologist Orrin Pilkey and his son Charles provide a scientific method for loving the coast in their new book, “Lessons from the Sand: Family-Friendly Science Activities You can do on a Carolina Beach.”
Making Inlets More User Friendly, Less Scary
The chairman of the panel that manages coastal development rules wants to create a new term that downplays the perils of owning beach property near coastal inlets.
Feds: No New Rules to Protect Sturgeon
A public hearing will be held this week in Morehead City on a federal proposal to protect Atlantic sturgeon habitat. The designation of critical habitat won’t require new rules, federal officials say.
Coastal Sketch: Brooke Breen
As an experienced wildlife rehabilitator, the new executive director of the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter in Carteret County knows time is of the essence.
Town Shows Off Simple Stormwater Solutions
Oak Island’s efforts to deal with stormwater problems, such as pollution and flooding, were showcased during a recent tour for officials from other towns and members of the public.
