The N.C. Division of Coastal Management has granted a request by the Corps of Engineers to indefinitely pause the division’s review of whether the proposed project conforms with state coastal management program laws, regulations and policies.
Spotlight
Historic Bath group urges seller to preserve significant tract
The Historic Bath Foundation says the 1,768-acre tract known as Archbell Point near Bath contains remnants of Native American and early colonial inhabitants.
Coastal Federation gets funds to remove 12 abandoned vessels
BoatUS Foundation has awarded the North Carolina Coastal Federation funding to remove a dozen abandoned and derelict vessels in Hyde, Carteret, Onslow and New Hanover counties.
Registration open for inaugural Coastal Leadership Institute
The North Carolina Coastal Federation is launching a six-month leadership and professional development program focused on coastal issues.
‘Smell of money’: Menhaden Chanteymen’s music still echoes
The last surviving member of the Menhaden Chanteymen of Beaufort’s former industry has died, but while “Fishtowne’s” processing plant and its associated aroma are in the past, the once-proud laborers’ work songs live on.
Harbor project may risk Orton, other Cape Fear historic sites
Advocates for and owners of historic sites near the North Carolina Port of Wilmington urge the state to object to a proposed federal project to deepen and widen the harbor to accommodate larger ships.
UNCW center launches lab to help entrepreneurs ‘Thrive’
UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is taking applications for its new Thrive Lab program, which is designed to help business owners grown and strengthen their businesses.
Commission OKs advancing wastewater rules to public review
The public will soon be able to lodge their comments about proposed rules mandating that public sewer plants test their treated discharge into rivers, creeks and streams for three types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and a chemical solvent.
NC’s ‘toothiest fish’ topic of next talk in science lecture series
Fisheries ecologist Dr. Jim Morley will explain the life history of sheepshead during the Jan. 15 “Science on the Sound” Lecture Series at the Coastal Studies Institute in Wanchese.
State Ferry Division plans four career recruitment events
The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division career events are scheduled for Jan. 14 in Morehead City, Jan. 21 in Hatteras, Jan. 28 in Southport, and Feb. 4 in Bath.
Marine Patrol’s new top officer officially pinned colonel
Col. Chris Lee, who was formally pinned during a ceremony Tuesday, took the helm as the N.C. Marine Patrol’s top officer on Jan. 1.
Nonprofit sues over inaction on horseshoe crab protections
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.
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.

















