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.
North Carolina Coastal Federation
Webinar to cover benefits, permitting of living shorelines
The North Carolina Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve in partnership with the Brunswick County Association of Realtors offers “Promoting Living Shorelines for Erosion Control – A Virtual Workshop for Real Estate Professionals.”
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.
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.
Workshops to offer tools to reduce, address marine debris
The North Carolina Coastal Federation and the North Carolina Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve have scheduled the sessions for Aug. 28 in Wilmington and Sept. 15 in Washington.
‘Ask an Advocate’ discussion to focus on coastal policy issues
Ask an Advocate is held quarterly by the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s southeast office and offers residents a chance to ask questions about coastal policy and other issues.
‘If there’s magic’: Coastal Federation honors water’s guardians
The North Carolina Coastal Federation honored more than a dozen individuals and groups this year during the 23rd annual Pelican Awards held Saturday in Morehead City.
State budget eliminates Office of Environmental Education
The budget Gov. Josh Stein signed earlier this month eliminated the state Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs, which was created in 1993 and has since become a model for other states.
NC coast is state’s greatest investment; new budget treats it so
Commentary: Bipartisan agreement this year, combined with nurtured relationships, sound science and practical problem-solving, resulted in permanent funding to rid coastal waters of abandoned and derelict vessels and money for projects that improve water quality, bolster resilience and help preserve the natural resources that sustain economy and our quality of life.
Coastal Review wins five 2026 NC Press Association awards
Coastal Review photographer Dylan Ray is the North Carolina Press Association’s 2026 Hugh Morton Photographer of the Year — one of five awards for Coastal Review announced Thursday.
Stein signs budget with safe water provisions, new ferry tolls
Gov. Josh Stein signed the $34.4 billion spending plan featuring coastal environmental spending and policy provisions, and new tolls on state ferries that have long been free to ride.
Drought creates feeding trough
The state’s ongoing drought is affecting water levels in the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s North River Wetland Preserve near Otway, where wading birds take advantage of conditions recently to feed on the fish, tadpoles, frogs and aquatic insects left with nowhere to go. Nearly the entire state was facing drought conditions at the time this was published, with most of the coast in moderate drought with increasing severity toward New Hanover and Brunswick counties and the western portions of most other coastal counties.
Coastal Federation announces date of 23rd Pelican Awards
The North Carolina Coastal Federation has set the date as Aug. 1 for its yearly tribute to the individuals, organizations, businesses, and partners whose dedication and achievements have made a lasting difference for the state’s coast.
Crews set out to pull more abandoned boats from area waters
The North Carolina Coastal Federation, with a $450,000 grant from the BoatUS Foundation, has launched its latest effort to rid coastal marshes and waterways of abandoned and derelict vessels.
Coastal Federation, The Conservation Fund protect 153 acres
The two nonprofit organizations partnered to acquire the more than153 acres situated along U.S. Highway 70 between East Carteret High School and the North River Bridge.
New book, ‘A Spectacular Coast and its Guardians’: An excerpt
Author Glenn Blackburn, professor emeritus of history at University of Virginia’s College at Wise, has written his second book about the North Carolina Coastal Federation and the nonprofit’s history, people and accomplishments.

















