National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Duke University Marine Lab, Stanford University and the University of California-Santa Cruz researchers are wrapping up a seven-week expedition to study minke whales around the Antarctic Peninsula.
Our Coast’s People: Michael Murdoch
Michael Murdoch of Carteret County has long been committed to environmental protection, but lately his focus is on sparing his rural community from a roadway project that could bring big changes.
Our Coast’s People: Steve Murphey
Steve Murphey, new director of the state Division of Marine Fisheries, has devoted decades to fisheries biology work and hopes to help better educate the public on the division’s efforts in his new role.
New Whale Skeleton Museum Taking Shape
A new building to house the Bonehenge Whale Center in Beaufort should be completed this year, says Keith Rittmaster, natural science curator at the N.C. Maritime Museum.
Studies: Right Whales’ Extinction More Likely
A recent National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration review of the endangered North Atlantic right whale’s status paints a grim picture for the species’ survival.
Willis: Climate Change Threatens Economy
Rachel Willis, a UNC professor in the American Studies department, is an advocate for the world’s transportation infrastructure to work with, not against, climate change and sea level rise.
Water Issues Are Sheinbaum’s Life Calling
Britt Sheinbaum has studied water quality and water conflict across the globe. Now a Wrightsville Beach resident, she is working on a Lower Cape Fear Basin water quality protection blueprint.
Rick Luettich and the Science of Storm Surge
Rick Luettich, director of the UNC Institute of Marine Sciences, has turned his lifelong fascination with water movement into a career as a well-known expert on storm surge, but he’s still working on better prediction methods.
Interfaith Group Addresses Climate Change
Interfaith Power and Light, a nonprofit organization represented in 40 states, including North Carolina, and Washington, D.C., has become a leading nationwide faith-based player in the climate change debate.
CMAST Sea Turtle Doctor Shares Expertise
Dr. Craig Harms of N.C. State’s Center for Marine Sciences and Technology in Morehead City is not only one of the area’s top experts on how to diagnose and treat sick and injured sea turtles, he helped write the book.
Military Shows Concern Over Climate Change
Concerns over possible coastal habitat changes on military bases prompt a government-funded, multi-year study of Onslow County’s New River, which flows through Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, by scientists from the UNC Institute of Marine Sciences and other universities.
Reefs As Carbon Sinks? Location Matters
Researchers at the UNC Institute of Marine Sciences have found that oyster reefs may help in mitigating climate change, but near-shore reefs sequester carbon better than others.
NOAA Funds Aquaculture Debris Cleanup
A recently announced federal grant will be used to help pay for removal of debris from an abandoned aquaculture operation littering public trust waters in Carteret County.
Our Coast’s People: Bland Simpson
A UNC professor, author, musician and lifelong steward of the coast, Bland Simpson has been actively involved with the North Carolina Coastal Federation for much of its 35-year history.
Runoff Study Aims For Better Water Quality
Researchers with the UNC-Institute of Marine Sciences are working with Beaufort to help the town better protect coastal waters from stormwater pollution.
Town: Park Without Ball Fields Not Worth It
Faced with a state report discouraging plans to develop much of the last maritime forest in Emerald Isle for ball fields, town officials say the proposed land deal may not happen without them.
