Researchers from multiple universities are working under the North Carolina Collaboratory umbrella to develop recommendations to improve state management of species like oysters.
News & Features
Interior Secretary Haaland’s stop means more than $1.4M
Deb Haaland was warmly welcomed when she arrived at the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Thursday to announce federal infrastructure funding in a region where folks often feel lost in the shuffle.
Dredge firm to begin $6.9M project in Cape Lookout waters
Louisiana-based Next Generation Logistics is contracted to open channels to the national seashore with suitable material to be used for beach nourishment to protect Cape Lookout Lighthouse and nearby historic structures.
Opponents say Pender shellfish leases will crowd waters
Speakers at the public hearing said they support Topsail Island-area shellfish farming, but more leases will infringe upon popular fishing spots, impede boat and kayak access, and the floating equipment used will detract from the view from waterfront properties.
Hyde County agency’s future home may be key to saving it
A new idea to house Hyde County’s Cooperative Extension agency within the Mattamuskeet Lodge could be the only sustainable way to restore, reopen and preserve the historic structure in the national wildlife refuge.
Surveys to guide moves to save cultural sites on state lands
Rising sea levels are increasing erosion along the North Carolina coast, threatening to destroy forever important cultural artifacts on state lands, but archaeologists are working on a plan to protect the sites.
Amid losses, wood pellet company Enviva at risk of default
The company with a significant economic and environmental footprint in North Carolina is facing “substantial doubt” about its ability to stay in business.
Officials testify before legislative panel on flood blueprint
Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Elizabeth Biser was called before a hurricane response committee this week to explain the agency’s progress and use of state funding on a flood resilience tool for decision-makers and the public.
Exposure study evolves to measure PFAS’ long-term effects
Researcher Jane Hoppin, who is leading a study of North Carolina residents exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in their drinking water, says the ongoing work will help in understanding how these compounds affect human health over time.
Insurance Commissioner Causey, specialists visit Down East
State Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey and insurance industry officials joined an all-day community roundtable on Harkers Island Wednesday, encouraging coastal residents to be their own advocates.
Emergency coastal rules draw little notice during hearings
Few turned out for hearings the Division of Coastal Management held in Dare, Carteret and Onslow counties for the temporary replacements for “critical” protections Codifier of Rules Ashley B. Snyder — Sen. Phil Berger’s daughter — stripped from the books last year.
BeBot beach sweeper sifts surface sands for small debris
Keep New Hanover Beautiful’s BeBot, the first and only solar- and battery-powered, robotic beach sweeper in the state, is to supplement human-led beach cleanups and raise awareness about smaller trash and plastics that tend to get overlooked on beaches.
North Topsail Beach empowers police to remove junk boats
Aldermen have adopted an ordinance giving the police department authority to rid the town’s navigable waters of abandoned or derelict vessels.
Mattamuskeet carp numbers likely to be ‘a continual issue’
Refuge Manager Kendall Smith says the $1 million project to remove invasive common carp from the state’s largest freshwater lake will also require regular maintenance to restore vegetation and improve water quality.
Live Christmas trees can go back to nature after holidays
Now that the holidays are wrapping up, natural Christmas trees can find a new purpose, from restoring dunes to becoming mulch.
Scuppernong River study takes regional look at water woes
Officials say that because water knows no boundaries, a basin-wide approach was needed to better address water management challenges on both private and public lands.