The N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the state’s southernmost aquarium, is closing May 26 for a major renovation and expansion project, construction of which is expected to take about 30 months.
News Briefs
UNCW Blue Economy Index fares better than its benchmarks
The University of North Carolina Wilmington Blue Economy Index, which measures oceans-based industry performance as compared to familiar stock exchange indices including the S&P 500 and S&P Industrials, saw less of a slide during March than they did.
Five coastal sites listed on National Register of Historic Places
Four new historic districts and 19 properties across the state, five of which are on the coast, have been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Recreational season for black sea bass opens May 1
The black sea bass season for recreational anglers in state waters north of Cape Hatteras will open May 1 and close Dec. 31.
Tursi to discuss his new book on NC baseball big-leaguers
Frank Tursi, former Coastal Review editor and author of a new book about North Carolina natives who played major-league baseball, will talk about the book and the players April 25 in Morehead City.
Brunswick landfill to accept range of waste at no charge
Brunswick County property owners and residents can dispose at no charge everything but regular household trash and hazardous waste during the Free Cleanup Week that begins Monday at the landfill in Bolivia.
Webinar to explore historic records of ethnic groups in NC
North Carolina State Archives’ staff plan to explore during an hourlong webinar the historic records of various ethnic groups coming to North Carolina from the late 19th century to the present.
Workshop to focus on resilience in unincorporated Dare
The North Carolina Resilient Coastal Communities Program is hosting an interactive development workshop on Tuesday that focuses on key preliminary findings from a coastal vulnerability and needs assessment of unincorporated Dare County.
Earth Fair OBX to offer environmental education, activities
The annual Earth Fair OBX at Jockey’s Ridge State Park April 25 will be an opportunity for visitors to hear from organizations working to preserve the delicate ecosystems of the Outer Banks.
NCDOT gears up for this month’s spring litter sweep
The biannual statewide roadside litter removal initiative, usually held last two weeks of April and September, encourages residents to join efforts in their community to help clean up North Carolina’s roadways.
Great Southeast Pollinator Census kick-off webinar April 15
The webinar for the community science data-collection effort to count pollinator activity in the region is being offered April 15.
‘Hope in the Water’ docuseries viewing April 20 in Manteo
The PBS docuseries, produced by Andrew Zimmern and David E. Kelley, “blends science, food, and storytelling to spotlight innovative solutions in what’s often called the ‘blue food’ system—food sourced from oceans, rivers, and aquaculture,” organizers said.
Plant sale to offer species that support wildlife, enhance yards
The 39th annual Master Gardener Volunteer Association will host a four-day plant sale in Wilmington beginning April 16.
Offshore adventure raffle aims to boost rescue capabilities
Nonprofit FPTower Inc. is offering a chance for a mission-immersive eco-adventure experience at Frying Pan Tower to raise money to buy and donate self-propelled remotely controlled life-saving buoys to four coastal communities.
National Park Service advises caution on east-facing beaches
Cape Hatteras National Seashore issued an advisory late afternoon Tuesday that the potential strong wind and waves forecast for the next few days could cause the partial or full collapse of one or more threatened oceanfront structures in Buxton and Rodanthe.
Session set to educate, listen to public on shellfish lease issues
Area residents will be able to share their experiences and opinions and learn more about the issues surrounding shellfish aquaculture in Stump Sound and Topsail Sound during an informational presentation and listening session April 14 in Hampstead.

















