The state Division of Marine Fisheries offices are closed to the public until further notice, based on the current guidance to help minimize the spread of COVID-19.
Brunswick County Now Has COVID-19 Tests
Brunswick County now has coronavirus tests for those who think they have symptoms and their physician has determined a test is required.
Comments Sought on Terrapin Management
The state Division of Marine Fisheries is accepting until April 23 comments on two diamondback terrapin management areas in the southeast and for the Southern Regional Advisory Committee by April 6 before the April 8 teleconference meeting.
Florence Recovery Project Funding Awarded
The state Division of Water Resources has awarded $22 Million to 13 coastal towns and counties to help with recovery efforts following Hurricane Florence.
NCDOT Seeks Permit to Dredge Ferry Route
The Corps of Engineers is accepting written comments until April 24 on a proposed dredging and maintenance project on a 2.5-mile section of the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry route called Sloop Channel in Hyde County.
Professor Says Public Can Slow Virus’ Spread
Rachel Noble, a professor of marine and environmental microbiology at the UNC Institute of Marine Sciences in Morehead City, says this week in a letter distributed to media outlets in Carteret County that coastal residents can take basic steps to slow the transmission of COVID-19.
New Oyster Rules Aim to Reduce Vibrio Cases
The state Division of Marine Fisheries announced Monday new harvest regulations to help reduce the chance of illness after eating oysters will go into effect this spring in state waters.
COVID-19: Cases Increase on the Coast
Coastal counties have been taking measures to protect public health and slow the spread of COVID-19.
National Wildlife Refuges Entry Fee Waived
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has suspended entrance fees to national wildlife refuges until further notice.
Ferry Division Announces Alternate Schedules
NCDOT’s Ferry Division has adopted an alternate schedule to begin Friday for the ferry system in response to the COVID-19 outbreak that will allow for deeper cleaning of the ferries while also adapting to lower demand.
Army Corps Puts Moratorium on Permitting
Citing COVID-19 concerns, Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District has put a moratorium on issuing any new shoreline permits, licenses and other activities requiring personnel to visit a site and placed restrictions on access at locks and dams.
Small Businesses Can Apply for Assistance
Small businesses suffering economic losses due to the new Coronavirus, COVID-19. can now apply for low-interest Small Business Administration disaster loans.
Dare County, Towns Issue Further Guidance
Based on the CDC guidance, Dare County officials and towns in the county have outlined further restrictions and guidelines for those who seek to enter the county or do business with staff.
Ocracoke Visitor Restrictions in Place
New visitor restrictions to Ocracoke will begin at 5 a.m. Thursday as part of Hyde County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cape Lookout Visitor Centers to Close
All Cape Lookout National Seashore visitor centers will be closed Thursday until further notice to help reduce transmission of the novel coronavirus but the islands of North Core Banks, South Core Banks and Shackleford Banks will remain open.
Coastal Environmental Projects Get Funding
Attorney General Josh Stein’s office has announced awards of Environmental Enhancement Grants, the first round of EEG grant awards since 2016, including several recipients on the coast.
