The North Carolina Ferry Division and university researchers are studying possible ways for alternative energy to power the state’s 21 ferries.
News & Features
Years of flood disasters drove NC’s new resiliency funding
After years of climate disasters across North Carolina, the newly approved state budget includes hundreds of millions of dollars for new programs and initiatives to address flooding and bolster resilience to storms.
Coastal Habitat Protection Plan 2021 amendment approved
The Coastal Habitat Protection Plan’s 2021 amendment to the 2016 plan has been unanimously approved by the Coastal Resources, Environmental Management and Marine Fisheries commissions.
Estuaries, though small, have huge economic impact: report
These small areas where rivers mix with salt water in coastal regions contribute a significant amount to the country’s economy, according to a recent update to a decade-old report on the economics of estuaries.
Feds withdraw plan to scale back red wolf protections in NC
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cited recent court decisions and public comments about the 2018 proposal to remove most private land in the 1.7-million-acre recovery area in Hyde, Tyrrell, Dare, Beaufort and Washington counties.
Town creates fund for UNCW’s study of living shoreline
St. James recently took the unusual step of creating an endowment for University of North Carolina Wilmington research and work related to the Brunswick County town’s living shorelines, but townsfolk here have long recognized the power of the mighty oyster.
Fish study’s findings trigger consumption advisory update
A recent study that showed fish favored by subsistence fishers along the Brunswick and Cape Fear rivers were found to have elevated levels of arsenic, hexavalent chromium and mercury has prompted a state health advisory.
UNCW alumnus among global environmental prize winners
UNCW alumnus Joe Oliver and his colleagues at Bahamas-based Coral Vita have been globally recognized with an environmental award for their work restoring coral reefs.
Severe storms possible Thursday night: Weather Service
National Weather Service officials warn of possible severe thunderstorms Thursday night into Friday morning in eastern North Carolina.
Nourishment funds now secured for 2 New Hanover towns
Earlier this year three New Hanover beach towns learned there was no appropriation for longstanding shoreline nourishment projects, since then Army Corps of Engineers has shifted funds for Kure and Carolina beaches, but not Wrightsville Beach, for now.
All Blue Week aims to hook Wilmington on a blue economy
The Nov. 2-6 slate of events includes seminars, tours and discussions focused on the economic growth related to ocean resources in the Wilmington area.
Homeowners wait for long-promised state hurricane relief
Coastal residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed by hurricanes Matthew and Florence say they’re frustrated with long delays, caseworker turnover and unfulfilled promises from Rebuild NC.
Rules revision may streamline process for shellfish leasing
Proposed changes to rules covering state management of shellfish areas and water column leases could improve clarity and efficiency and are steps in the right direction, says the North Carolina Shellfish Growers Association president.
EPA to list PFAS as hazardous as part of new approach
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan announced Monday a three-year approach to addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances pollution.
Ocean Isle Beach terminal groin, sand projects set to begin
Contractors expect to get underway in mid-November on the Brunswick County town’s long-planned $11.4 million, 1,050-foot terminal groin as well as a beach nourishment project with sand from Shallotte Inlet.
Energy bill with carbon-reduction goals clears legislature
The measure would require Duke Energy and other major electricity producers to cut carbon dioxide emissions 70% by 2030, with a goal of zero carbon by 2050.
