Individuals, businesses, and partnerships interested in leasing public coastal waters to farm oysters or clams may apply for leases through Aug. 1.
aquaculture
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.
UNCW Blue Economy Index rises 3.07% during August
The University of North Carolina Wilmington Blue Economy Index, a measure of economic activities in the oceans, slightly underperformed its closest benchmarks.
Hearing Aug. 28 on six proposed Onslow shellfish leases
The Division of Marine Fisheries is holding the hearing that begins at 6 p.m. in the Holly Ridge Community Room.
NOAA recommends Jacksonville, Cape Fear project funding
The two eastern North Carolina projects are among the 32 recommended to receive federal money to restore habitat and build resilience.
Public hearing on Adams Creek shellfish leases set for July
The public hearing on the two proposed leases for Adams Creek is set for 6 p.m. July 24 in Havelock.
Hearing set on 2 proposed shellfish leases in Carteret
The hearing July 17 is on applications by Cedar Island Oyster Co. LLC for water column leases in Cedar Island Bay and east North Bay.
Dirty birds prompt worry over shellfish safety, state staffing
It’s rare for bird droppings to cause shellfish illness, but officials say there is potential, and the state Division of Marine Fisheries has fewer than 60 officers along the entire coast to do federally required inspections and check deterrent effectiveness.
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.
Sea Grant funding available for aquaculture projects, programs
Projects that focus on the following aquaculture categories and organisms in both marine and freshwater are eligible for this competition and include microalgae and macroalgae, or seaweed, mollusks, crustaceans, ornamentals, baitfish, finfish species for food production, and miscellaneous invertebrates.
