The public is reminded to avoid contact with discolored water as it may indicate the presence of an algal bloom.
News Briefs
Oak Island beachgoers warned to avoid an area of ocean surf
State recreation water quality officials are advising beachgoers in Oak Island to stay away from an area of ocean surf where town officials have been pumping floodwaters caused by recent rainfall.
Fisheries Commission advances flounder allocation for 2025
The North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission wants to advance toward an even split between commercial and recreational southern flounder allocations this year instead of a 60/40, commercial-recreational allocation.
Aquarium’s comic-style gallery draws eyes to conservation
The N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores opened Friday a newly revamped gallery that uses vibrant panels, colorful sculptures and interactive displays to illustrate its coral conservation and aquaculture efforts.
State reminds visitors to maintain distance from wild horses
As tourism season ramps up, visitors to coastal areas where wild horses roam are reminded to keep a safe distance.
Mapping tool helps beachgoers locate public accesses
N.C. Division of Coastal Management’s online map may be used to find public waterfront access sites and nearby amenities.
Wilmington’s mulch giveaway event set for May 30
Wilmington and area residents may load the mulch and partially decayed stump grindings by hand on a first-come, first-serve basis May 30.
Swim advisory issued for Southport kayak launch area
Tests of water samples taken at the sound-side site indicate bacteria levels above state and federal recreational standards.
Officials urge Dare, Hyde beachgoers to sign up for alerts
Beachgoers to Hyde or Dare counties during the busy season can sign up for ocean and beach condition text alerts from Outer Banks lifeguards, ocean rescue agencies and the National Weather Service.
State to count traffic entering Outer Banks on US 158
“The purpose of these devices is to gather traffic data on the number of vehicles entering the Outer Banks that are currently equipped with toll payment transponders,” officials said.
Army Corps awards contract for Wilmington Harbor dredging
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District has awarded an $18.6 million contract for maintenance dredging in the Wilmington Harbor.
‘GatorWise’ advises how to live responsibly among alligators
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has joined the near dozen other southeastern U.S. states that American alligators call home by launching GatorWise.
‘Flytrap Frolic’ June 7 to offer close-up of carnivorous plants
N.C. Coastal Land Trust’s annual Flytrap Frolic, scheduled for June 7 in Wilmington, brings participants face-to-trap with carnivorous plants.
Tour highlights importance of state’s coastal reserves
State officials and North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality staff took a tour Friday of Masonboro Island Reserve in Wilmington that highlighted the special coastal site.
Decapitated dolphin found in Pender prompts criminal search
An investigation continues into the intentional decapitation of an 8-foot-long bottlenose dolphin found on Lea-Hutaff Island’s shore.
State issues swim advisories for waters in 2 coastal counties
Swimmers should avoid entering waters within 200 feet of posted advisories at soundside beaches in Beaufort and New Hanover counties, where waters tested for elevated bacteria levels.
