The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit Monday against the National Marine Fisheries Service for not publishing initial findings on a petition filed February 2024 to protect American horseshoe crabs.
Spotlight
New year, new definition: Feds set to limit water protections
The public has until Monday to comment on the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers’ proposed changes to the “waters of the United States” definition that are expected to limit eligibility for federal water quality safeguards.
Beaufort docks under new management starting Jan. 1
“The transition marks a new chapter for the Beaufort Town Docks, with an emphasis on enhancing services for residents, visiting boaters, and the maritime community while preserving the character and heritage of Beaufort’s historic waterfront,” the town said.
Annual TreeFest in Wilmington set for Jan. 16-17
The 28th annual TreeFest in Wilmington is scheduled for Jan. 16-17 at the JCPenney atrium in the Independence Mall, where more than a dozen species are expected to be available.
NCDEQ’s staffing cut by more than 30% over 14 years: Report
As North Carolina’s population has grown and the factory farming industry expanded, the state’s environmental agency staff has been slashed by almost a third in less than 15 years.
Imported shrimp served at restaurants touting local catch
A sizeable majority of Outer Banks restaurants that claim to serve local, wild-caught shrimp have been found through genetic testing to be serving imported farm-raised shrimp instead.
Climate change compounds challenge to stabilize beaches
Stabilizing Outer Banks beaches is becoming more challenging with the quickly evolving and often unpredictable consequences of a changing climate: Sea levels are increasing faster than projected, storms are intensifying, rainfall is heavier.
Artist presents painting of beloved historian Darrell Collins
Darrell McNary Collins, who died last year on Christmas Eve and was a historian at the Wright Brothers National Memorial for more than 40 years, is memorialized in James Melvin’s painting, “A Legacy of Greatness.”
State asks public to report any cold-stunned spotted seatrout
Division of Marine Fisheries officials said that cold stuns can occur when there is a sudden drop in temperature or during prolonged periods of cold weather, making the fish so sluggish they can be harvested by hand.
Public hearing Tuesday on proposed ‘WOTUS’ definition
A hearing is set for next week on the proposed definition rolled out last month for “Waters of the United States,” which outlines the waterbodies eligible for protection under the federal Clean Water Act, that conservationists warn will leave millions of acres of nontidal wetlands vulnerable to pollution, harm fish habitat and worsen flooding.
Opponents say river water transfer puts Cape Fear in peril
Fuquay-Varina seeks to transfer 6.17 million gallons per day from the Cape Fear River Basin to the Neuse River Basin to meet the Piedmont town’s projected water demands.
A brief reprieve isn’t lasting protection: Our fight continues
Opinion: While the Department of Interior has excluded the entire Atlantic Coast from its current drilling program — a result of decades of tireless local opposition — it is time to demand permanent legislative protection for our waters before the threat returns in the next five-year cycle.
Chemours cannot keep documents sealed, federal judge rules
Chemours and its predecessor company DuPont had sought to seal records including regulatory compliance monitoring reports and internal corporate communications about chemical production.
EPA seeks reporting rollback as new study finds hidden PFAS
The EPA says the change will cut red tape, but new research suggests regulators may already be missing major sources of contamination.
Jean Beasley, passionate sea turtle protector, dies at 90
The founder of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center on Topsail Island, which she named in memory of her late daughter, was driven to protect the beloved ocean dwellers.
New webinar series to offer coastal landscaping expertise
The series, “Landscapes that Last,” is for coastal residents, local governments, homeowners associations and nurseries “to build shared knowledge and healthier coastal communities.”
