University of North Carolina Wilmington researchers recently received nearly $2 million to further study how to ethically protect coral reefs from being wiped out by disease and climate change.
Commission restores 16 recently nullified, years-old rules
The Coastal Resources Commission on Wednesday adopted 16 emergency rules to temporarily replace the most critical of the 30 that were stripped from the books after the Rules Review Commission objected to them in October.
Olsons scrap plans to buy, develop Topsail Beach property
Accusing town officials of “one-sided behavior,” software CEO Todd Olson and his wife Laura have withdrawn their application seeking to conditionally rezone the undeveloped parcel known as The Point.
State’s Native Americans at higher risk of preterm births
Native Americans in North Carolina face a disproportionately higher risk for preterm birth because of exposure to mixtures of toxic metals in their private drinking water wells, according to a recent study.
Feral hogs a largely unseen but costly problem in state
North Carolina was recently ranked as having the seventh-worst feral swine problem in the country, but state officials say there is no solid estimate of how many of the intelligent, free-roaming, disease-carrying hogs are here.
Interactive online tour shows Green Swamp’s need for fire
Emma Gwyn, an intern with The Nature Conservancy in Wilmington has created an interactive online StoryMap that illustrates how a wildfire earlier this year has already benefited the Green Swamp Nature Preserve.
State on ‘aggressive’ timeline to meet PFAS water standards
North Carolina environmental regulators are expediting a plan to meet proposed federal limits on PFAS in drinking water and reduce related costs to consumers by addressing upstream discharges.
Topsail Beach officials demand conservation guarantee
Some town commissioners suggested Tuesday that Todd and Laura Olson’s rezoning request would not stand a chance if the couple did not agree in writing to place about 80% of the land under permanent conservation.
‘Catastrophic crisis’: Imported shrimp flood US market
Shrimp imports are overwhelming domestic shrimp producers and driving prices for locally sourced shrimp to record lows, prompting demands that the federal government declare a fishery resource disaster.
New state funding may ease DEQ staff vacancies challenges
The recently approved budget includes new raises for North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality staff as well as fee increases for agency permits.
UNCW ramps up program to nurture coast’s blue economy
The University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship offers a mentor program with140 volunteers who can share their experiences in coastal business startups.
Navy lab funds Durham firm’s airborne power generator
Windlift has a five-year, $30 million contract with the Naval Research Laboratory to develop its autonomous tethered Navy and Marine Corps operations.
Utility chief meets with science board on PFAS request
The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority executive director met this week with state science advisers to discuss adding a persistent compound to the state’s priority per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances list.
Nonnative apple snails, zebra mussels found in NC waters
A type of snail harmful to native habitat, can make people sick and is outlawed in North Carolina is the second confirmed aquatic invasive species in the state in less than a month.
Researchers find how hogfish ‘see’ themselves change color
University of North Carolina Wilmington scientists have discovered photoreceptors that allow hogfish to monitor their own shifting hues.
Oyster Highway Project reaches milestone with final phase
This year marks the project’s third and final phase for the project to revive and restore the New River, which had become nearly choked to death by wastewater pollution.
