Shellfish lease moratoriums covering several coastal counties have pushed growers to the waters near Topsail Island, and the resulting pushback could lead to further restrictions, but growers say producing in-demand, presentation-perfect oysters is difficult enough without the fight.
oysters
Fishing guides cast concerns over shellfish lease proliferation
Special report: The state’s rapid growth of shellfish leases, especially water column leases where gear must float, has not only led to viewshed complaints from waterfront property owners but also frustration among fishing guides over the operations’ effects on access.
State names bridge for Cornelius Nixon; city recalls his grace
Wilmington’s staggering growth has displaced numerous homes and businesses, but “Sonny” Nixon refused to let his longstanding and pioneering Market Street wholesale and retail seafood business stand in the way of progress.
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.
Effort seeks to replicate tech incubators for shellfish growers
Framing it as a saltwater flavor of technology hubs, officials broke ground this week on the planned Shellfish Mariculture Hub in Carteret County that will feature a 2,500-square-foot structure next to the boat ramp at Straits Landing, cold storage, equipment, an outdoor workspace and water access for growers.
Topsail Islanders amp up calls for hold on new shellfish leases
Densely allocated shellfish leases and the resulting conflicts and complaints have prompted a yearslong pause on new leases in New Hanover County and other nearby waters, and Topsail Island officials say a temporary moratorium on new leases is also needed in Stump Sound in Onslow and Pender counties.
Pamlico Sound cultch harvest sites open through March 31
The Division of Marine Fisheries reminds commercial fishermen and the public that four rotational harvest cultch sites in the Pamlico Sound remain open to mechanical oyster harvest.
Thriving oyster colonies on living shorelines boost protection
While it’s not exactly “build it and they will come,” nature-based shoreline erosion-control structures such as living shorelines offer increased protection when they successfully attract and grow oysters.
Mechanical oyster season extended in parts of Pamlico Sound
Beginning last Monday, the mechanical oyster harvest season is extended in portions of Pamlico Sound.
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.
Oyster photo exhibit to open Aug. 13 in Wrightsville Beach
A collaborative project of North Carolina Sea Grant and the NC Oyster Trail, the exhibit featuring the work of Raleigh-based photographer Justin Kase Conder will be on display in the N.C. Coastal Federation’s Wrightsville Beach office.
Flyers detail recent oyster, clam management changes
The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries staff created flyers to explain recently adopted amendments to oyster and hard clam fisheries management plans.
State fisheries now accepting shellfish lease applications
Individuals, businesses, and partnerships interested in leasing public coastal waters to farm oysters or clams may apply for leases through Aug. 1.
Fisheries Commission advances flounder allocation for 2025
The North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission wants to advance toward an even split between commercial and recreational southern flounder allocations this year instead of a 60/40, commercial-recreational allocation.
Registration open for 2025 Coastal Summit in Raleigh
Register now for the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s 2025 Coastal Summit taking place April 8-9 in downtown Raleigh.
Public hearing slated for proposed Carteret shellfish leases
A public hearing will be held in Morehead City and via the web on several proposed bottom and water column shellfish leases in Carteret County waters.
