The state has exempted aquaculture operations from size and possession limits to make it easier for operators to breed more finfish in upland facilities.
News Briefs
UNCW gifts extinct gray whale specimen to Smithsonian
The University of North Carolina Wilmington recently gifted its north Atlantic gray whale specimen to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Former DEQ chief deputy secretary now with EPA Region 4
John Nicholson, formerly with the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, now is chief of staff in the Office of the Regional Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 4 in Atlanta.
Coastal Land Trust conserves 766 acres in northeast NC
The Coastal Land Trust has purchased 766 acres of floodplain forest in Bertie and Hertford Counties, which includes 3 miles along the Chowan River and more than 7 miles of Keel Creek.
Judges uphold political maps; appeal expected
The three-judge panel said it couldn’t strike down controversial state election districts, but the outcome could be different in expected appeal to N.C. Supreme Court.
Annual project to remove lost fishing gear underway
The North Carolina Coastal Federation has begun its eighth year collecting lost fishing gear in sounds on the northern and central coast.
Cherry Branch ferry runs remain reduced due to COVID-19
The Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach ferry route will continue to run on an adjusted schedule through Jan. 17 due to COVID-19 cases and exposures.
New Hanover County commissioners table zoning request
The proposal is opposed by a coalition of nonprofit groups concerned about cultural and natural resources and environmental justice issues.
Webinar on clean water rule’s effect on agriculture set
A virtual meeting is set for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday to review the effects of former, current and proposed changes to the regulatory definition of Waters of the United States and explore what the changes will mean for farmers and their property.
National Park Service offers free entry on special days
All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee, including Wright Brothers National Memorial, will offer free admission to everyone on a handful of special days.
Program on South’s free people of color kicks off series
Warren Milteer Jr., history professor at University of North Carolina Greensboro will present the program Jan. 18 during the North Carolina Maritime Museum’s Third Tuesday Lectures.
Governor recommits to a clean energy economy
Gov. Roy Cooper on Friday signed an executive order with new emissions-reduction goals and calling for new ways to reach carbon neutrality, prioritize environmental justice and develop clean energy transportation options.
New Hanover County’s 24th TreeFest postponed
The effort to help area homeowners rebuild the tree population wiped out by hurricanes Bertha and Fran is set for Jan. 14-15 at Independence Mall.
Commission to vote on permanent wetland protection rules
The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission is set to meet Wednesday and Thursday via remote access.
Wildlife Commission rule changes virtual hearing Jan. 20
The public hearing is to review the 2022-2023 proposed regulation changes to inland fishing, hunting, trapping, game lands and other regulated activities.
Summer selected to lead Land and Water Fund, Division
Summer has for the past seven months served as interim director of the N.C. Division of Land and Water Stewardship.