The 11th annual volunteer headcount of diamondback terrapins in coastal waters from Carteret County to Brunswick County kicks off next month.
News Briefs
World Water Day to focus on chemical pollution in Cape Fear
A World Water Day event March 22 in Wilmington will focus on PFAS and 1,4-dioxane pollution in the Cape Fear River.
5 eastern NC counties experiencing severe drought
Of the 99 counties experiencing drought or abnormally dry conditions in the state, Carteret, Craven, Jones, Onslow and Pamlico counties are classified as experiencing severe drought.
Draft plan would evenly shift southern flounder catch quotas
A draft amendment to the state’s Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan would level the catch quota 50/50 between commercial and recreational fishers a year ahead of schedule.
Top job
Paint crews work high above the deck of the NC State Port of Morehead City Thursday as a new protective coating is applied to the water tower. Photo: Dylan Ray
Blue Economy Index, benchmarks reflect tariff tensions
The University of North Carolina Wilmington Blue Economy Index rose by 3.7% in February, beating the MSCI All World Index, the S&P 500, and the S&P Industrials.
Event to explore unsung African American gardening history
The North Carolina Botanical Garden is offering a virtual option for its daylong symposium on the “African American Legacy in Gardening and Horticulture” set for the last Saturday of March in Durham.
State officials: Burning trash against North Carolina law
Careless debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina, and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality has issued a reminder that, “If it doesn’t grow, don’t burn it.”
Link between greentails, green energy topic of next CSI talk
Dr. Lela Schlenker, fisheries liaison from Kitty Hawk Wind, will present, “What do greentails have to do with green energy? An update on the Kitty Hawk offshore wind project served with a side of shrimp” March 20 at the Coastal Studies Institute on the ECU Outer Banks Campus.
Chemours to expand well testing for PFAS contamination
About 150,000 additional private water drinking wells are eligible for PFAS testing after the state’s lead environmental agency directed Chemours’ to expand sampling in Harnett and Hoke counties.
State to host hearing on mid-Currituck Bridge application
The state Division of Coastal Management has set a public hearing for March 18 on the Coastal Area Management Act application for the proposed Turnpike Authority project.
Endowment to add $7.5 million for Fort Fisher aquarium work
The New Hanover County Community Endowment grant awarded this week to the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher will support its $56 million renovation, the details of which are to be announced this summer.
CAMA county governments may apply for resiliency funding
Local governments within the state’s 20 coastal counties and contractors may apply for the next round of funding for resiliency projects.
State seeks impaired watershed restoration project proposals
The Department of Environmental Quality expects to receive $1.5 million in federal grants to fund all or portions of eligible watershed restoration projects.
NC Trails Program announces grants for trail projects
Grants through the state’s Recreational Trails Program support greenways and trails for hikers, bikers, paddlers, equestrians and off-road vehicle operators.
Pop-up oyster roast to support Cape Fear River Watch
Tickets are $40 for a baker’s dozen of oysters and two beers at the “Sip & Shuck for Cape Fear River Watch” pop-up oyster roast Sunday afternoon at The Alley in Wilmington’s Cargo District.
