The planned Shellfish Mariculture Hub in Carteret County will provide logistical support such as shared refrigeration, equipment and water access.
aquaculture
Topsail Islanders amp up calls for hold on new shellfish leases
Densely allocated shellfish leases and the resulting conflicts and complaints have prompted a yearslong pause on new leases in New Hanover County and other nearby waters, and Topsail Island officials say a temporary moratorium on new leases is also needed in Stump Sound in Onslow and Pender counties.
Session set to educate, listen to public on shellfish lease issues
Area residents will be able to share their experiences and opinions and learn more about the issues surrounding shellfish aquaculture in Stump Sound and Topsail Sound during an informational presentation and listening session April 14 in Hampstead.
Public may apply for shellfish leases now through Aug. 1
Those who want to lease public coastal waters to cultivate shellfish have until Aug. 1 to submit applications.
Registration open for March 25-27 aquaculture conference
The 2026 North Carolina Aquaculture Development Conference is scheduled for March 25-27 in Morehead City.
UNCW Blue Economy Index dips 1.36% in November
The sector known as the Blue Economy — companies operating on oceans and waterways that are focused on environmental sustainability — still showed relative stability during the month, compared with industrial benchmarks.
NOAA awards $529,000 to mariculture industry partnership
Recipients say the money will help build on more than a decade of collaboration among state agencies, industry leaders, the N.C. Coastal Federation, N.C. Sea Grant, and others to grow a thriving mariculture sector and coastal economy.
Carteret brewery to host aquaculture program fundraiser
Come raise a glass to growing seafood and meet area aquaculture specialists at Nacho Brewery in Morehead City to learn more about what organizers call “a growing opportunity.”
State fisheries now accepting shellfish lease applications
Individuals, businesses, and partnerships interested in leasing public coastal waters to farm oysters or clams may apply for leases through Aug. 1.
Aquarium’s comic-style gallery draws eyes to conservation
The N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores opened Friday a newly revamped gallery that uses vibrant panels, colorful sculptures and interactive displays to illustrate its coral conservation and aquaculture efforts.
Moratoriums threaten aquaculture, environment, say farmers
Shellfish farmers say their industry’s positive benefits have been proven elsewhere in the country, but holds on new state aquaculture leases and a moratorium that Topsail Island residents want could sink businesses.
Public hearing set for proposed Roanoke Sound shellfish lease
The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries has scheduled a public hearing in Dare County May 6 on a proposed shellfish lease in Roanoke Sound.
Plan aims to curb shellfish lease conflicts, moratorium fervor
Concerns over damping the state’s growing aquaculture industry amid a push for a halt to new leases by leaders of Topsail Island three towns have sparked a proposal to create a GIS tool to improve site selection.
Oyster farmers argue penalty too harsh for minor violations
Shellfish farmers are petitioning the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission to change the punishment for what farmers call clerical errors and minor permit violations.
Online survey to help guide coastal management strategies
North Carolina Division of Coastal Management officials are in the process of determining priority areas for the 2026-2030 cycle of the Section 309 Assessment and Strategy, and are asking for public input.
Pender, Onslow towns seek moratorium on shellfish leases
North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach and their counties, Onslow and Pender, are asking state lawmakers to put in place a moratorium on new shellfish leases in their waterways.
