National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Duke University Marine Lab, Stanford University and the University of California-Santa Cruz researchers are wrapping up a seven-week expedition to study minke whales around the Antarctic Peninsula.
News & Features
Dune Protection Fight Put On Hold … Again
A state appeals court has upheld the judge’s ruling that dismissed a challenge to Topsail Beach’s repeal of its longstanding dune protection ordinance, shifting the fight back to the local level.
Conflicts Could Curb Aquaculture’s Growth
N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Director Steve Murphey, speaking last week to a legislative committee on agricultural, natural and economic resources, said shellfish aquaculture is gaining momentum but facing challenges.
Board Rejects Rezoning of Conserved Land
The North Topsail Beach Board of Aldermen recently upheld the town’s nearly decade-old rule that prohibits rezoning of land in its conservation district.
DEQ’s Regan Meets With Coastal Officials
Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Michael Regan met this week with elected officials in the region to discuss risks to the state’s coastal economy and environment from offshore drilling and seismic testing.
Nine of 74 Lost Shipping Containers Spotted
Of the 74 steel cargo containers that fell off a cargo ship near Oregon Inlet during a nor’easter this past weekend the Coast Guard had spotted only nine by Wednesday, and none had been recovered.
N. Topsail Board Hears Terminal Groin Plan
A design firm presented its preliminary preferred alternative to aldermen in erosion-prone North Topsail Beach last week, suggesting application for federal and state permits to build a 2,000-foot terminal groin.
Offensive Fence Gone at Carolina Beach Park
A fence deemed illegal and a hazard that private property owners placed at Freeman Park in Carolina Beach has been removed and the town has put up a new fence at the popular vehicle and camping beach.
Wells Test Positive for Emerging Compounds
Twenty-six private drinking water wells in the unincorporated Atlantic community in Carteret County have tested positive for compounds in the same chemical family as GenX, and the Navy is asking more airfield neighbors to allow their water to be sampled.
‘Don’t Drill!’ Reverberates in Raleigh
Busloads of coastal residents descended on Raleigh Monday to register their opposition to offshore drilling as federal officials hosted a public meeting on the Trump administration’s oil and gas leasing plan.
CRO Brings Home 12 Press Awards
Coastal Review Online won 12 awards Thursday from the North Carolina Press Association for news coverage during 2017.
DEQ Chief Talks Battling Offshore Drilling
The state’s Secretary of Environmental Quality Michael Regan met with Dare and Currituck leaders Tuesday to discuss battling the Trump Administration’s efforts to engage in exploration for offshore oil and natural gas.
Officials: Passenger Ferry Will Boost Tourism
The state’s first passenger-only ferry under construction near Swansboro is part of a plan to boost Ocracoke Island tourism, which has flagged as a result of long waits and travel times for vehicle ferries from Hatteras.
Hyde Sees Costs Rise in Passenger Ferry Plan
As the state prepares to launch its first passenger-only ferry service to Ocracoke Island, plans for transporting riders once they arrive are in flux, with Hyde County now facing costs higher than expected.
Reworked GenX Bill Goes Back to House
Disagreements over how to address GenX and other emerging contaminants were heated Friday but the state Senate passed its version of a funding bill, which some say falls short.
NC, VA Renew Effort To Manage Estuary
North Carolina and Virginia have updated a partnership to more effectively manage the Albemarle-Pamlico estuary, the second largest estuary in the continental United States.
