A whale calf that washed ashore last week on Emerald Isle’s ocean shoreline died from ingesting a balloon.
marine debris
Plans in motion to rid public lands of single-use plastics
The Department of Interior — including national parks — must phase out single-use plastic products within the decade, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland announced Thursday, but advocates remain worried.
Competition seeks to address marine debris challenges
North Carolina Sea Grant announced Monday that it is looking for partners interested in the latest round of NOAA Sea Grant funding for the Marine Debris Challenge Competition.
Threatened Oceanfront Structures Work Group to meet
NCDEQ’s Division of Coastal Management and Cape Hatteras National Seashore have postponed the interagency work group meeting originally planned for Wednesday because of the approaching storm.
NCDOT needs volunteers for statewide fall Litter Sweep
Those interested in volunteering for the cleanup Sept. 16-30 should contact to their county’s litter management coordinator to get started.
Cooper signs bill to OK removal of abandoned vessels
The bill granting local governments authority to get rid of derelict vessels in navigable waters in their jurisdiction has been signed by Gov. Roy Cooper.
Carteret residents can get free tarps to cover trucks, trailers
The tarp giveaway program is part of Carteret County government’s “Secure Your Load” campaign designed to help combat roadside litter and cut down litter in proximity to Carteret County convenience sites.
Foam from damaged docks leads to microplastics: Report
With data collected by volunteers, the North Carolina Coastal Federation has released a citizen-science report on microplastics littering the state’s southern beaches.
Dare officials to host public meeting on Rodanthe erosion
The meeting is set for 6 p.m. Jan. 18 in the Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Community Building in Rodanthe.
Dock debris following Ian ‘worst we’ve seen,’ crews say
Environmental stewards contend that the debris contracted commercial fishers are removing makes the case that North Carolina needs to reinstate building codes for residential docks and piers.
Coastal commission to discuss imperiled beach houses
Proposed action would include new rules for septic tank siting and repairs on ocean beaches.
Registration open for annual NC Marine Debris Symposium
This year’s North Carolina Marine Debris Symposium is scheduled for Oct. 12-14 at the Duke University Marine Laboratory on Pivers Island in Beaufort.
All Topsail towns now prohibit Styrofoam in floating docks
Surf City and North Topsail Beach joined Topsail Beach earlier this month in banning unencapsulated polystyrene for floating docks, walkways and piers.
July Fourth means peak crowds on sensitive barrier islands
The holiday lures thousands to Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout national seashores as well as North Carolina’s coastal reserve sites, but there are steps people can take to minimize their impact on the environment.
Interior order phases out single-use plastics on public lands
Department of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland issued the order Wednesday phasing out single-use plastics at department-managed sites by 2032.
Topsail Beach bans Styrofoam in floating dock construction
Topsail Island commissioners passed an ordinance last week banning the use of unencapsulated Styrofoam to build floating docks.
