The 76 commercial watermen who participated in the Lost Fishing Gear Recovery Project this January, which was led by the North Carolina Coastal Federation, recovered 3,496 lost crab pots along the state’s coast.
News Briefs
Beer Fundraiser to Benefit Shark Research
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is hosting Suds for Sharks Conservation Fundraiser Monday evening, along with Crystal Coast Brewing Co. in Morehead City, where the family-friendly event is taking place.
Licensed Trapper Snares 17 Coyotes
Nags Head hired a licensed trapper who caught eight male and nine female coyotes on town-owned property within the 13-week season that ended in February.
Governor Issues Guidance on Public Records
Gov. Roy Cooper’s office released on Friday draft guidance for state agencies, cabinet-level employees and commissions on best practices to allow the public access to records and meetings.
Agencies Look For Lost Cargo Containers
The Coast Guard, NOAA and EPA are monitoring the more than 70 cargo containers that were recently lost about 17 miles east of Oregon Inlet from a Maersk cargo ship.
White Oak River Open Forum Wednesday
The White Oak River Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America is holding an open forum Wednesday on the future of the river and possible solutions for restoration.
Manteo Board Rejects Televised Meetings
Manteo remains the only Dare County municipality not to air its public meetings on the public access channel.
Coal Ash Rules Comment Period Extended
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality has extended public comment period to April 6 on rules drafted to better protect public health and the environment when coal ash wastes are disposed of and recycled.
Dems Request More Time for Comments
Nearly two dozen Senate Democrats have asked the Trump administration to extend for 60 days the public comment period for its offshore drilling plan.
EPA Touts Savings From Deregulation
The Environmental Protection Agency says deregulation actions during the past year will save Americans more than $1 billion in costs, but another recent study appears at odds with the findings.
Advocacy Group: Drilling Threatens Economy
Advocacy organization Oceana says the Trump administration’s offshore drilling plan threatens more than 2.6 million jobs and nearly $180 billion in gross domestic product for only two years’ worth of oil and just over one year’s worth of gas.
NC 12 Closed Again As Storm Effects Linger
N.C. Highway 12 was again closed Wednesday morning between the Bonner Bridge and Rodanthe, as well as on Ocracoke Island as a result of severe overwash during the night.
Currituck to Require Beach Parking Permits
Currituck County commissioners have approved a plan to require permits to park vehicles in the off-road area of the county’s northern beaches.
Public Input Sought for Mattamuskeet Plan
The public is encouraged to assist with documenting the impact of extreme events within the watershed by submitting detailed descriptions and photos that illustrate persistent flood or drought conditions.
NC 12 Remains Closed Because of Flooding
N.C. Highway 12 remained closed Monday following a weekend storm and high tides Monday night and Tuesday morning were expected to bring more ocean overwash.
Buxton Beach Nourishment Project Complete
The $22 million Buxton Beach Nourishment project was completed Feb. 27, about a week or two ahead of schedule. The site was anticipated to open to the public this weekend.