Catharina Alves-de Souza, director of the University of North Carolina Wilmington Algal Resources Collection, was recently awarded a National Science Foundation grant to help in identifying microalgae species.
NC Supreme Court: Environmental grants can continue
The 6-0 decision means millions of dollars that Smithfield Foods pays as the result of a 25-year deal with the state nearly 22 years ago may continue to be administered through the state’s Environmental Enhancement Grant program.
Community races against time to restore dilapidated church
Half of the $1 million needed has been raised to restore the mid-1800s Reaves Chapel, which has fallen into disrepair over the last 15 years since a congregation last worshipped within its walls.
Officials tout economic boom from offshore wind industry
Offshore wind manufacturing could bring an estimated $140 billion and tens of thousands of new jobs to North Carolina by 2035, if steps are taken now, say those who spoke during the first meeting last week of a state Commerce Department task force.
Questions remain following offshore wind energy event
Brunswick County officials, residents and interest groups who were initially wary of offshore wind development here said visual representations of turbines presented last week in Southport did little to change their minds.
Project to gauge how well storm drain traps catch litter
Cape Fear River Watch’s 80% Project is employing traps in a handful of stormwater drains in Wilmington and Leland to reduce the amount of litter that reaches the river and, ultimately, the ocean.
New Hanover County commissioners table zoning request
The proposal is opposed by a coalition of nonprofit groups concerned about cultural and natural resources and environmental justice issues.
Groups: New Hanover development request ‘sheer folly’
Approval of the requested development ordinance text amendment could clear the way for construction of high-rise condominiums on a flood-prone 8-acre parcel near the Battleship North Carolina that a coalition of six organizations says would destroy habitat and areas of historic and cultural significance.
Lower Neuse River adapted, recovered from Florence: Study
A recent study looked at the effects of 2018’s Hurricane Florence on the Neuse River’s physical landscape and the Neuse estuary.
Mural to mark UNC Institute of Marine Sciences’ 75 years
A call for artists’ proposals was announced earlier this month for the plan to increase visibility of the University of North Carolina’s Morehead City research facility.
Topsail Island towns begin work on new resiliency effort
North Topsail Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach held their first public meeting Wednesday to begin the process of identifying a coastal resilience project using nature-based solutions and state funding to benefit all three towns.
Feral hogs slow recovery of damaged salt marshes: study
A new study finds that the invasive species significantly slows the pace a salt marsh can adapt to climate change-related issues such as drought and sea level rise.
Storm drain sensors show more frequent nuisance flooding
“We’ve already started seeing how coastal communities are experiencing flooding more often than they were before and especially on sunny days, outside of storm events when tides are particularly high,” says UNC researcher Miyuki Hino.
Town creates fund for UNCW’s study of living shoreline
St. James recently took the unusual step of creating an endowment for University of North Carolina Wilmington research and work related to the Brunswick County town’s living shorelines, but townsfolk here have long recognized the power of the mighty oyster.
Fish study’s findings trigger consumption advisory update
A recent study that showed fish favored by subsistence fishers along the Brunswick and Cape Fear rivers were found to have elevated levels of arsenic, hexavalent chromium and mercury has prompted a state health advisory.
Nourishment funds now secured for 2 New Hanover towns
Earlier this year three New Hanover beach towns learned there was no appropriation for longstanding shoreline nourishment projects, since then Army Corps of Engineers has shifted funds for Kure and Carolina beaches, but not Wrightsville Beach, for now.
