More than 1 million pounds of marine debris has been removed from central and southeast coasts in the last year through an effort by the North Carolina Coastal Federation.
News Briefs
Biden names Charles Sams to lead National Parks Service
President Biden has selected Charles “Chuck” F. Sams III to serve as director of the National Park Service.
Public hearing set for Coastal Reserve rule changes
The public can comment on proposed rule changes and technical corrections related to North Carolina Coastal Reserve sites.
Gullah Geechee Commission to host NC-focused meeting
The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission will hold Aug. 28 its North Carolina-focused public meeting.
State recognizes Wilmington water treatment plant
The state Division of Water Resources recognized Cape Fear Public Utility Authority’s Sweeney Water Treatment Plant with a Gold Star honor for surpassing federal and state drinking water standards for 10 consecutive years.
NOAA looks to modify Atlantic whale take reduction plan
NOAA Fisheries is asking for feedback on proposed modifications to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan.
Ocracoke passenger ferry service to continue to Sept. 6
The state legislature has approved more funding for the passenger ferry between Hatteras and Ocracoke to continue until Sept. 6
Currituck-Knotts Island ferry closed Wednesday for replacement
The Currituck-Knotts Island route will be closed Wednesday while crews replace the route’s vessel.
New air quality tool features real-time, historic observations
NCDEQ’s Division of Air Quality and North Carolina State Climate Office developed the Ambient Information Reporter, a new online tool with statewide weather and air quality observations.
Cutter Steelhead arrives at new homeport Fort Macon
The Coast Guard Cutter Steelhead officially arrived Aug. 6 to its new homeport at U.S. Coast Guard Station Fort Macon in Carteret County.
Coastal habitat protection plan amendment under review
The N.C. Marine Fisheries commission will consider next week approving the Draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan 2021 Amendment for public comment and advisory committee review.
Environmental Justice Board to meet remotely Aug. 23
The NCDEQ Secretary’s Environmental Justice and Equity Advisory Board meets Aug. 23 via teleconference.
Fisheries-related coronavirus relief funding available
The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is accepting applications for federal coronavirus pandemic relief for commercial fishers, marine aquaculture operators, seafood dealers and processors and for-hire fishing operators.
BOEM seeks comment on more NC, SC wind leasing options
BOEM is taking public comment until Sept. 12 on a possible lease sale for the offshore Wilmington East Wind Energy Area.
Public hearing set for Brunswick bridge replacement
The N.C. Department of Transportation is set to hold a virtual public hearing Tuesday on a proposed amendment to Green Swamp Preserve to accommodate replacing a bridge on N.C. 211 In Brunswick County.
NC Maritime Museums get $100K grant for Beaufort lab
The North Carolina Maritime Museums system has been awarded nearly $100,000 to enhance work at its Beaufort archaeological conservation lab.