The N.C. Division of Water Resources is accepting written comments on the draft 2026 Cape Fear River Basin plan through Aug. 4.
Coastal Reserve local advisory committees meetings set
Potential applicants for local advisory committees that provide N.C. Division of Coastal Management’s Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve staff guidance and feedback about program activities and management of the state’s 10 reserve sites are encouraged to attend the upcoming spring meeting of their interest.
Hatteras-Ocracoke passenger ferry offers summer service
The Ocracoke Express passenger ferry, which provides direct service from Hatteras to the heart of Ocracoke Village, is now operating through the summer season.
Karen Gould to become Carteret TDA executive director
The area native has been with the Crystal Coast Tourism Development Authority for more than a decade, most recently serving as deputy executive director.
Commission to act on proposed Atlantic bonito management
The meeting at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in New Bern is open to the public and will be livestreamed on YouTube.
Pilot project extends summer red snapper season 62 days
The recreational red snapper season will open July 1 – Aug. 31 to anglers willing to take part in a pilot project that aims to monitor the tightly-regulated fishery.
Coastal counties among those no longer under burn ban
The N.C. Forest Service on Sunday lifted a statewide open burn ban on 81 counties, including North Carolina’s 20 coastal counties, after recent rains have helped relieve hazardous wildfire conditions.
Group kayak trip to explore Moores Creek, cypress swamps
Cape Fear River Watch and Moores Creek National Battlefield in Currie invite participants to join in a roughly 2.5-mile, out-and-back paddle on May 16 in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Waterfowl, migratory game bird season dates announced
Dates, bag limits and associated regulations have been announced for North Carolina’s 2026-27 waterfowl, webless migratory game bird, and extended falconry seasons.
Surf City to test temporary signal near island roundabout
Beginning May 6, drivers crossing the bridge onto the island side of Surf City will be stopped by a temporary traffic signal near the island roundabout.
Measure would create special ‘Red Wolf’ vehicle tags
A bipartisan group of legislators has filed a bill to authorize the Division of Motor Vehicles to begin issuing special vehicle registration plates with proceeds benefiting the state’s eastern red wolf population.
Hearing set for proposed sand, limestone mine expansion
Neighbors have circulated and submitted a petition opposing expansion of the mine that they say has already caused a range of problems for them, area roads, animals and wildlife.
Temporary creel, length limits for sheepshead begin May 6
The regulation for sheepshead harvest in inland and joint fishing waters of the state aligns with a recent proclamation enacting similar limits in coastal fishing waters.
Currituck to begin town hall series to discuss future priorities
Currituck County commissioners and staff are launching in May the first in a series of town halls to discuss with the community their views on housing, infrastructure, economic development and quality of life to help guide future priorities.
Brunswick’s preparedness expo to highlight health, planning
The daytime family-friendly event in Bolivia Tuesday will have representatives from 50 area businesses and organizations with information on health and wellness, emergency planning and resiliency, disaster response and recovery and more.
Webinar set on developing new blue crab stock assessment
N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is holding the online meeting May 28 to update the public work underway to develop a new blue crab stock assessment.

















