The N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island opened its doors Sept. 9, 1976, and are planning an evening soiree to celebrate 50 years of “inspiring wonder.”
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Coastal commission tables proposed septic rule amendments
The Coastal Resources Commission, poised last week to consider two rule amendments regarding septic systems on the beach, instead tabled the discussion until October.
New ferry toll law is ‘like the man sticking it to you again’
Residents were vocal about the financial strain the new law mandating tolls for all ferry routes will put on their families at the first in a series of listening sessions with the N.C. Department of Transportation.
Mimosas lend tropical look, but prone to crowding out natives
While many love the brunch favorite served on weekend mornings, the tree bearing the same name has a tendency to show up here where not invited and to stay way past the point of awkward.
CRC seawall science skeptics attempt ‘political stand’: Cahoon
The Coastal Resources Commission Science Panel’s recently presented analysis and recommendations regarding proposed fixes for the Outer Banks’ severe beach erosion were not the messages that commissioners opposed to the state ban on breakwaters and other hard structures on the oceanfront wanted to hear, nor was the chair’s sharp rebuke.
Tailing reds in spartina marshes: Think like a struggling crab
When conditions are right, the tide is high, and the moon is full, and the redfish are able to swim above the spartina flats, look for their tails breaching the surface as they feed on fiddler crabs. Be the crab.
Fisheries ruling sets up likely yearslong state response
Now that a judge has ruled that the state has failed to rebuild and maintain healthy fish stocks and protect key habitats as required by law, fisheries officials must turn to the remedy phase, which is unclear at best.
Recent rains help but heat has amplified long-dry conditions
“Heat Wave,” “The Heat is On,” “Burning for You”: Song titles that may suit the sweltering summer that has left most of coastal North Carolina parched, and the state climatologist says the rainfall deficits much of the state is seeing began in August 2025.
Rainfall that closed NC 12 on Pea Island part of climate trend
A recent a rainstorm that one transportation engineer described as “an extreme circumstance” nearly impossible to plan for surprised even the most seasoned Outer Bankers when it closed N.C. Highway 12, although more weather like this is to be expected.
Five barrier islands find five ways to keep herds wild, healthy
On barrier islands from the Delmarva Peninsula to North Carolina’s Outer Banks, five horse herds share the same Colonial Spanish ancestry, but differ in how they’re managed.
Recalling the teachers: Elizabeth City State’s archival photos
Historian David Cecelski’s lecture earlier this year at ECSU came after he had spent much of the day on campus, including a visit to the University Archives where historical treasures and photographs celebrate the young role models.
‘150 years of negative impacts’ to New Jersey coast: Corbett
The longstanding state law banning permanent erosion control structures in an ocean shoreline was based on extensive studies and data documenting their detrimental effects and temporary protection, Dr. Reide Corbett said during a recent talk at Harkers Island.
‘Delivery is imminent’: UNCW awaits new research vessel
The University of North Carolina Wilmington is eagerly anticipating delivery of its new $7.5 million, 78-foot-long, 27-foot-wide, aluminum research vessel purpose-built with an array of equipment and sensors, including those for enhanced geophysical surveys.
Amid moratorium hits, misses, shellfish growers seek leases
Latest in our series: As tensions grow among various users of public trust waters over site selection for North Carolina’s growing shellfish mariculture industry, new lease applications filed with the state would cover a combined 55 acres of bottom and water columns in six counties.
Surf City celebrates federal beach project with event, music
A ceremony Monday on the beach by the Surf City Ocean Pier marked the start of a federal coastal storm risk management project that the town has sought for more than two decades, and it has inspired a … “song.”
Lightning bugs: Less yardwork may reverse their decline
A glass Mason jar full of fireflies has delighted countless numbers of young nature explorers, but these illuminating creatures have more to do with gardening than what meets the eye.
