The Coastal Resources Commission was unanimous in its action during a special meeting Tuesday.
UNCW team IDs mystery species infecting bay scallops
Using DNA sequencing, University of North Carolina Wilmington researchers have identified a species of trematode, a parasitic and suspected invasive species here that has further set back the state’s already struggling bay scallop stocks but is no threat to humans.
EPA chief, governor visit Brunswick County to hail funding
Under a canopy of towering pines in the Green Swamp Preserve, Gov. Roy Cooper, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan and others touted grants to reduce carbon emissions and help communities become more resilient.
Long-running UNCW field course merges science, policy
One scholar calls the seven-night, eight-day University of North Carolina Wilmington summer class an “eye-opener” to the environmental issues coastal North Carolina faces.
Commission members balk on 5 proposed PFAS standards
Committees of the Environmental Management Commission stalled proposed health standards for most of the eight synthetic compounds put forth, including two the EPA classified as likely carcinogens.
Cooper declines to sign bill delaying catch-reporting rule
The controversial measure that requires recreational anglers and commercial fishermen to report their catch of five named species takes effect late next year.
Sea turtle deaths lead to federal review for nuclear plant
Because the deaths exceed the allowable limit for the federally listed species, the plant near Southport is to undergo an Endangered Species Act review.
Measure gives Bald Head Island OK to study adding groin
Village officials say the bill allows the option to study whether a terminal groin would be viable in controlling erosion at the east end of the island’s south beach, but it remains unclear whether it will happen.
St. James folk bask among beauty, birds certification brings
The town of St. James in Brunswick County recently became the only coastal town to become a Certified Community Wildlife Habitat, a relatively easy-to-get distinction through a National Wildlife Foundation program.
Bald Head Island Conservancy questions groin bill logic
The nonprofit’s executive director, whom the village council invited to make a presentation Friday, urged a smart decision regarding marine life and terminal groin law changes pending in Raleigh.
Public can weigh in on Wilmington Harbor expansion plan
The Army Corps of Engineers has kicked off a public review and comment period for its environmental study of the State Ports Authority’s controversial plan to deepen and widen Wilmington Harbor to accommodate larger ships from Asia.
Some coastal NC towns’ beach sand needs may go unmet
Amid a tug-of-war over claims to available nearshore borrow sites and studies pointing to critical shortages of beach-quality sand, some North Carolina beach towns are looking for sources beyond state waters.
Bald Head Island seeks to change hardened shorelines law
The first North Carolina beach to build a terminal groin after state lawmakers lifted a 30-year ban on erosion-control structures like those is asking legislators to allow more.
State commissions adopt fisheries catch-reporting rules
The Marine Fisheries Commission and the Wildlife Resources Commission in separate meetings Thursday approved rules that take effect Dec. 1 and that critics call unenforceable government overreach.
Harvest reporting rules draw expletive-laden comments
Temporary mandatory harvest reporting rules for recreational and commercial fishers will go up for a vote next month by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission.
Groups conserve old Weyerhaeuser tract on Newport River
A recent land deal just shifted into gear a multi-year conservation collaboration that stands to enhance the water quality of a river listed as one of the most endangered shellfish growing areas in the state.
