A humpback whale navigates the tide May 4 in Beaufort Inlet, as photographed from Fort Macon State Park. Humpback whales’ flukes can be up to 18 feet wide, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says their markings are unique enough to identify individuals. Photo: Doug Waters
marine life
Massachusetts turtles released on NC beach: A photo essay
Ten loggerheads that were cold-stunned off Cape Cod and treated at a Missouri aquarium were flown to North Carolina last week and released at Fort Macon State Park.
Groups join forces to save, release cold-stunned sea turtles
The state’s three aquariums, with help from the Coast Guard, National Park Service, veterinarians and others, recently released more than 100 sea turtles back into warmer ocean waters.
Scientists dispute claims behind call for wind moratorium
Researchers say there’s no evidence that offshore wind development surveys contributed to the recent deaths of whales along the Mid-Atlantic coast, where officials have called for a moratorium.
To move a manatee: Museum catalogs skeletal specimen
Getting an 800-pound manatee that stranded in 2021 in Kill Devil Hills to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh, where its bones are being catalogued for researchers, took a lot of collaboration — and dirty work.
Researchers to evaluate why some seagrasses adapt better
University of North Carolina Wilmington researchers Jessie Jarvis and Stephanie Kamel recently received a grant to study seagrass resilience to help reverse the course of declining underwater meadows.
Left exposed
Low tide exposes clusters of oysters clinging to the piles supporting the Morehead City-Beaufort high-rise bridge over the Newport River and near the Radio Island Fishing Pier. Photo: Dylan Ray
Monitor Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council meets Jan. 26
The public is invited to attend the meeting 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at The Mariners’ Museum and Park in Newport News, Virginia.
Spineless specimens may hold clues for coastal researchers
The non-molluscan invertebrates collection at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences could unlock mysteries of the coastal environment and help better gauge the effects of climate change and pollution.
Wildlife Commission honors Jean Beasley with Quay Award
Beasley, founding director of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, received the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Thomas L. Quay Wildlife Diversity Award for outstanding contributions to wildlife diversity in North Carolina.
Why do sharks matter? Author Dr. David Shiffman explains
Dr. David Shiffman is on a mission to reach the public through his new book “Why Sharks Matter: A Deep Dive with the World’s Most Misunderstood Predator.”
Groups remind public: Disturbing sea turtle nests a crime
Whether deliberate vandalism or accidents, sea turtle monitoring volunteers have seen incidents of tampering this season, a violation of federal law that could result in a $50,000 fine and jail time.
Researchers index climate change effects for marine species
Nearly 90% of the 25,000 marine species studied will be at high or critical risk by 2100 in the worst-case scenario for greenhouse gas emissions, according to the study out this week.
NOAA proposes expanding right whale protections
NOAA is asking for public comment on proposed changes that would expand mandatory speed restrictions for vessels to reduce the likelihood of collisions with north Atlantic right whales.
Ocean Isle group works to protect sea turtles year-round
Ocean Isle Beach Sea Turtle Protection Organization volunteers work year-round, not just on World Turtle Day, to protect sea turtles, especially during nesting season.
Monitor expedition set as marine sanctuary system turns 50
The NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Systems will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and a livestreamed expedition begins next week at the first national marine sanctuary off Cape Hatteras.
