The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has approved changes to North Carolina’s coastal development rules to no longer require a CAMA permit to fix or rebuild docks, piers and walkways damaged by weather, fire or wear.
NOAA
NOAA seeks input on potential commercial aquaculture areas
NOAA is seeking public input through Sept. 14 on where the agency should consider future aquaculture opportunity areas in U.S. waters.
North Carolina’s seagrass habitat continues to decline: Study
The Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership has found that the extent of seagrass meadows in the Albemarle-Pamlico estuary decreased by at least 16,000 acres over a 14-year period, “despite suitable habitat available for expansion.”
Scientific data: Understanding rising sea levels for anglers
Dr. Shintaro Bunya, a scientist at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Center for Natural Hazards Resilience, works with government agencies and communities to help them better understand and prepare for coastal flood risks, and here he does the same for anglers.
Don’t get complacent with tropical outlook; ‘it only takes one’
Forecasters are calling for a below-normal season for hurricane activity in the Atlantic this year, but they warn, chances still call for as many as 14 named storms with as many as three major hurricanes.
Group seeks presenters versed in abandoned vessel removal
The BoatUS Foundation is looking for speakers with expertise in removing and preventing abandoned and derelict vessels and boat-related debris in public waters to present at the foundation’s 2026 Turning the Tide Summit in New Orleans.
I grew up on this coast; I won’t watch right whales disappear
Critically endangered North Atlantic right whales face a crisis they can’t outswim — and a recent move by the federal government threatens to make a dire situation even worse.
Boardwalk removal start of Jacksonville park improvements
The removal of the storm-battered waterfront boardwalk at Jacksonville’s Northeast Creek Park is the first step in an improvement and expansion project at the site.
Recreational black sea bass season to open April 1, no foolin’
The recreational fishing season for black sea bass in federal waters south of Cape Hatteras kicks off at 12:01 a.m. on April 1.
Second North Atlantic right whale found dead this year
The carcass of a young female North Atlantic right whale found off the Virginia coast on Feb. 10 is the second reported whale death this year.
Critically endangered right whale found dead off NC coast
The carcass of a critically endangered North Atlantic right whale was spotted about 25 miles offshore of Avon on Jan. 27.
Coastal Federation gets funds to remove 12 abandoned vessels
BoatUS Foundation has awarded the North Carolina Coastal Federation funding to remove a dozen abandoned and derelict vessels in Hyde, Carteret, Onslow and New Hanover counties.
NOAA storm prediction modeling in midst of major update
National precipitation forecasting has for decades been hamstrung by static and inadequate climate models, but new tools are in development to provide more accurate rainfall predictions.
NOAA’s Chris Doley: Quiet leadership, lasting impact
In tribute: Chris Doley’s legacy at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is closely tied to his long and deeply influential partnerships with community-based organizations working on the frontlines of coastal restoration.
Vessel operators urged to slow down for endangered whales
Aerial surveyors spotted four critically endangered North Atlantic right whales off Ocracoke Island, and operators of vessels of all sizes are asked to travel no faster than 10 knots through the area.
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.
