Kristen Fulmer of Mebane submitted this photo made on a peaceful morning earlier this year at Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. “The soft morning light reflected across the wet sand as surfers made their way into the water near the pier,” Fulmer noted with her submitted photo. “I loved how the silhouettes of the surfers, the waves, and the hazy light came together to capture the calm feeling of an early morning on the North Carolina coast.”
News Briefs
Fisheries to hold red drum scoping period through October
The monthlong scoping period is to give fishermen and other stakeholders an opportunity to share ideas on potential management strategies for the scheduled comprehensive review of the N.C. Red Drum Fishery Management Plan.
DEQ launches online guide for Topsail Nature Preserve
The Topsail Nature Preserve, also known as “The Point,” was the focus of a conservation effort that culminated with North Carolina Costal Land Trust purchasing the property that was then transitioned to the Division of Coastal Management.
NC 12 sections to return to 45 mph off-season speed limit
Off-season speed limits will resume in Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Corolla, Frisco and areas of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, such as the area near the Haulover parking lot south of Avon.
MCAS Cherry Point plans training operations through month
Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point training will take place through the month in and around Cherry Point waterways.
Free Cleanup Week in Brunswick County Sept. 21-26
Brunswick County property owners and residents can dispose of all materials, except for regular household trash and hazardous waste, free of charge during Free Cleanup Week.
Volunteers needed to serve on fisheries advisory committees
The North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission is looking to fill seats on the northern and southern advisory committees, and finfish, habitat and water quality, and shellfish/crustacean advisory committees.
Chemours deal largest ever in NC; advocates say it’s too little
Attorney General Jeff Jackson and North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson announced the settlement Thursday. Environmental advocates say the deal doesn’t go far enough.
Second marine debris action workshop to be in Washington
The second of two North Carolina Marine Debris Action Plan workshops aimed at increasing the resiliency and enhancing the management of residential docks and piers and abandoned or derelict vessels is set for Sept. 15.
Cape Fear Bird Observatory to demonstrate birdbanding
The nonprofit Cape Fear Bird Observatory is set to host free public birdbanding demonstrations this month at Carolina Beach State Park and Greenfield Lake.
Public review opens for N. Topsail Beach terminal groin plan
A hearing is set for Sept. 22 and the Corps of Engineers’ Wilmington District is soliciting public comments on the draft environmental impact statement for North Topsail Beach’s proposed terminal groin through Oct. 19.
Southport-Fort Fisher ferry route to pause service for repairs
Officials said the work will complete the ramp repair process that began in March and is necessary to ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of the route.
DMF releases annual review of state-managed coastal species
DMF’s 2025 Fishery Management Plan Review offers a quick guide of scientific and management information for managed coastal species in the state.
EMC committee to hear draft habitat protection plan status
The Environmental Management Commission’s water quality committee is to hear the status of the 2026 draft update to the state’s long-term plan to protect and preserve habitats that support coastal fisheries.
Brock Davenport of Beaufort lands state record jolthead porgy
The Division of Marine Fisheries announced Thursday that Brock Davenport of Beaufort is the new state recordholder for his recent catch jolthead porgy.
State now accepting grant applications for resilience projects
Local governments and federally and state recognized tribes ready to move to phases 3 and 4 of the Resilient Coastal Communities Program are invited to join a webinar on Oct. 13 to learn more about how to apply for grant funding.
