The Coastal Resources Commission Science Panel’s recently presented analysis and recommendations regarding proposed fixes for the Outer Banks’ severe beach erosion were not the messages that commissioners opposed to the state ban on breakwaters and other hard structures on the oceanfront wanted to hear, nor was the chair’s sharp rebuke.
Spotlight
NOAA’s Beaufort Lab to get new facility
NOAA’s Beaufort Laboratory on Pivers Island is getting a new multi-million facility, the agency announced Thursday.
Recent rains help but heat has amplified long-dry conditions
“Heat Wave,” “The Heat is On,” “Burning for You”: Song titles that may suit the sweltering summer that has left most of coastal North Carolina parched, and the state climatologist says the rainfall deficits much of the state is seeing began in August 2025.
Recalling the teachers: Elizabeth City State’s archival photos
Historian David Cecelski’s lecture earlier this year at ECSU came after he had spent much of the day on campus, including a visit to the University Archives where historical treasures and photographs celebrate the young role models.
‘150 years of negative impacts’ to New Jersey coast: Corbett
The longstanding state law banning permanent erosion control structures in an ocean shoreline was based on extensive studies and data documenting their detrimental effects and temporary protection, Dr. Reide Corbett said during a recent talk at Harkers Island.
‘Delivery is imminent’: UNCW awaits new research vessel
The University of North Carolina Wilmington is eagerly anticipating delivery of its new $7.5 million, 78-foot-long, 27-foot-wide, aluminum research vessel purpose-built with an array of equipment and sensors, including those for enhanced geophysical surveys.
Amid moratorium hits, misses, shellfish growers seek leases
Latest in our series: As tensions grow among various users of public trust waters over site selection for North Carolina’s growing shellfish mariculture industry, new lease applications filed with the state would cover a combined 55 acres of bottom and water columns in six counties.
Surf City celebrates federal beach project with event, music
A ceremony Monday on the beach by the Surf City Ocean Pier marked the start of a federal coastal storm risk management project that the town has sought for more than two decades, and it has inspired a … “song.”
Lightning bugs: Less yardwork may reverse their decline
A glass Mason jar full of fireflies has delighted countless numbers of young nature explorers, but these illuminating creatures have more to do with gardening than what meets the eye.
Currituck Light restoration follows original maintenance plan
The $1 million restoration going on at the Currituck Beach Lighthouse is building on work completed six years ago so that it “will remain structurally sound, historically accurate, and will continue sharing its sense of place and awe for future generations.”
‘Astonishing’: Topsail Island stormwater projects yield results
Officials in the three Topsail Island towns see improvement in the chronic street flooding that had long been a problem after an agreement to take on an island-wide resiliency project.
Grower survey to assist balanced approach to mariculture
North Carolina Sea Grant and the North Carolina Coastal Federation are inviting oyster growers in Pender and Onslow counties to share their experiences and perspectives on the use of public trust waters.
DEQ chief announces resilience grants during coastal visit
Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson visited Harkers Island Monday to announce $300,000 in grants awarded for eight projects to bolster resilience to natural disasters.
Nonprofit that cares for Shackleford’s wild horses turns 30
The Foundation for Shackleford Horses is commemorating three decades of advocacy with a special program on Harkers Island featuring behavioral ecologist Dr. Dan Rubenstein, who has studied the herd for decades and helped draft the legislation approved in 1998 to protect the wild herd.
Found archival photos add new wrinkles to Pea Island story
Historical columnist Joan Collins shares a collection of recently discovered photographic negatives stored in tins at the State Archives with 19 images depicting the Pea Island U.S. Coast Guard Station crew in 1938 and the new questions the photos bring to light.
Fish tales: Sorting fact from fiction isn’t really the point
Those indelible memories, sometimes made more grandiose with the passage of time, but treasured nonetheless, and they’re all that we take with us when we go.
