The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is accepting applications for federal coronavirus pandemic relief for commercial fishers, marine aquaculture operators, seafood dealers and processors and for-hire fishing operators.
News & Features
Groups challenge Corps’ elimination of dredge window
Coastal advocacy groups filed a legal challenge last week over the Army Corps of Engineers’ decision removing seasonal environmental restrictions on hopper dredging of the state port harbors at Wilmington and Morehead City.
Federation celebrates coastal stewards with Pelican Awards
The North Carolina Coastal Federation celebrated on Saturday about a dozen coastal stewards for their commitment to protect our coast.
House budget boosts resilience, but wetlands plan draws ire
The House budget unveiled Thursday includes almost $2 billion for flood prevention, resiliency and stormwater and wastewater infrastructure, but a provision affecting wetlands protection may conflict with those goals.
Brunswick board to stake out position on offshore turbines
The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners is expected Monday to consider a resolution opposing offshore wind turbines less than 24 miles from shore, taking its cue from oceanfront towns.
Federal infrastructure deal could mean billions for state
Although details are yet to be finalized, the deal struck this week on a major federal infrastructure spending plan could mean billions for N.C. transportation, resilience and clean water projects.
Most ships exceed speed limits set to protect whales: report
Advocacy organization Oceana says its analysis of ship speeds from 2017 to 2020 off the East Coast found most vessels exceed speed limits in areas federally designated to protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales.
Microplastics: The ‘big little problem’ plaguing oceans
Microplastics are a pervasive problem the North Carolina Coastal Federation addressed in a recent online forum with educators, researchers and environmental advocates.
New variants now better detected in wastewater sampling
Researchers with a newly expanded program that analyzes samples from municipal sewage treatment facilities in North Carolina are working with a company to quickly develop tests for the latest COVID-19 variants as they emerge around the world.
After years of cuts, House eyes boost for Land, Water Fund
North Carolina’s Land and Water Fund for conservation and restoration projects is on track for an appropriation at a level not seen in more than a decade.
Solar, storage investments mutually beneficial: report
Investing in solar power along with energy storage capacity can overcome challenges that skeptics cite as renewable energy’s limitations in meeting demand.
NTB won’t join beach nourishment project partnership
North Topsail Beach will not be committing to a joint multi-million-dollar beach nourishment project with Surf City and the Army Corps of Engineers.
NC riverkeepers cry foul over state’s farm law
Riverkeepers say the 2014 law calls into question whether the Department of Environmental Quality is thoroughly investigating their complaints against the state’s industrial hog and poultry farms.
More boaters finding trouble in waters near Cape Lookout
Waters near Cape Lookout have become increasingly perilous because of shoaling and shifting channels, despite a two-year-old agreement between Carteret County and the National Park Service that has provided more than $5.67 million for dredging.
Corps collecting data for 20-year dredged materials plan
The Army Corps of Engineers is identifying sites and gathering data for a 20-year management plan to provide answers on where spoils from nonfederal dredge projects may be placed.
Senate budget includes fisheries studies, ferry funding
The state Senate’s two-year spending plan approved last week includes funding for fisheries research, expanding the shellfish lease program and a new loan program for growers, along with a new dedicated fund for Ferry Division capital expenses.
