Commissioners in Currituck County have approved an ordinance to deal with abandoned and derelict vessels in the county’s navigable waterways.
News Briefs
Riggs Resigns Post on CRC Science Panel
Geologist Stan Riggs has resigned his post on the Coastal Resources Commission’s science panel, citing political pressure to encourage unlimited coastal development.
CRC Grants Hearing on Sunset Beach Permit
Groups seeking to challenge a Coastal Area Management Act permit issued in June for an oceanfront development at the west end of Sunset Beach have been granted a hearing to make their case against the controversial project.
Budget Includes Beach Re-nourishment Study
In the 2017 budget, a provision was included for a study on the benefits of beach renourishment in an effort to gain support from the General Assembly for nourishment funding.
Federation to Partner in Oyster Reef Project
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service announced Wednesday that the North Carolina Coastal Federation will be a partner in a nearly $1.28 million project to build oyster reefs in Pamlico Sound.
North Topsail Seeks Bids to Build Park
North Topsail Beach is advertising for construction bids to build a new park with public water access on a Stump Sound tributary.
Navy Sonar Ruling Overturned
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Friday that the National Marine Fisheries Service wrongly permitted the Navy to use low-frequency sonar in the world’s oceans, citing inadequate protection of marine mammals.
Whitehead Named to Climate Change Panel
Jessica Whitehead, North Carolina Sea Grant coastal communities hazards adaptation specialist, has been named to a newly created 15-member panel formed to advise federal officials on how to respond to the effects of climate change.
Budget Marks $1.4 Million for Oyster Work
Coastal advocates and shellfish growers say communities in the east will benefit from funding for oyster sanctuaries and restoration projects included in the state budget compromise announced this week.
Report Highlights Benefits of Riparian Buffers
A new report highlighting the role of riparian buffers in preventing fish kills comes as North Carolina lawmakers consider scrapping rules that require the protections.
Scientists Find Cancer in Shellfish
Scientists have discovered an infectious form of cancer in clams, but not harmful to humans, adding to the growing number species that have contagious forms of cancer.
Maps Show Undisclosed Animal Operations
Maps released by environmental groups show the location of over 6,500 concentrated animal feeding operations known to be a public health and environmental hazard.
Bill Marks Shoals as Sources for Beach Sand
The state Senate is considering changes to environmental laws that would allow shoals off North Carolina’s coastal capes to be tapped as sand sources for beach re-nourishment projects.
McCrory Urges Prompt Permitting for Seismic
Gov. Pat McCrory has sent a letter to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell urging quick processing of permit applications submitted by companies that seek to conduct seismic tests to explore oil and natural gas resources off the state’s coast.
Early-Season Fish Kill Seen at Neuse River site
A fish kill affecting larger species such as flounder and horseshoe crabs was reported this week in the Neuse River near New Bern.
Senate Measure Cuts Pier Manager’s Job
Dare County officials oppose a measure in the Senate version of the state budget eliminating the position of Jennette’s Pier manager, and others say the move is political payback.
