Fishing lines, sunshades and beachgoers crowd an Emerald Isle beach while two seagulls fly overhead, with another in the foreground searching for food. Photo: Robert Watkins
recreation
Measure that would halt inshore shrimp trawling advances
A controversial bill in the North Carolina General Assembly that would ban shrimp trawling in inshore waters and offshore waters up to a half-mile gained momentum Tuesday.
NC, SC governors push to keep offshore lease moratorium
Govs. Josh Stein and Henry McMaster are urging the Trump administration to maintain the moratorium on offshore drilling in effect since 2020, pointing to possible disruptions to the coastal economy without that protection.
Buxton multiuse pathway officially opens for public use
Outer Banks Forever and Cape Hatteras National Seashore officials held the ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday but the path had “quietly opened to the community in the fall of 2024.”
Tabb’s Trails: Jockey’s Ridge State Park celebrates 50 years
The 426-acre state park in Nags Head is a harsh environment but rewards with self-guided trails taking hikers through dunes, foliage and by flowering plants swarmed by pollinators.
Take a hike Saturday to celebrate National Trails Day
There are trails across the state one can hike as part of National Trails Day, observed annually the first Saturday of June.
Kayak for Warriors signature paddle challenge June 7
The Kayak for the Warriors annual paddle challenge in Pine Knoll Shores raises funds for the national nonprofit, Hope For The Warriors.
NC still 5th most-visited state, sets new spending record
Coming in behind California, Florida, Texas and New York in domestic visitation, North Carolina saw its more than 40 million visitors spend more than $36.7 billion on trips to and within the “Tar Heel State” in 2024.
Newport man lands new state record vermilion snapper
Colby Shaw of Newport has broken a 15-year state record with his recent catch of a vermilion snapper.
Hatteras windsurfing spot mirrors US-Canada tensions
A windsurfing and kiteboarding destination off Hatteras Island known as Canadian Hole and the businesses that support visitors from up north have become a microcosm and barometer of a newly fraught international relationship.
NCSU sportfishing school set for June on Hatteras Island
Organizers promise an immersive five-day program, blending classroom instruction with hands-on training.
Sandy Run Park: Town trail an overlooked Outer Banks gem
Tabb’s Trails: In our new photo-essay series, coastal reporter, photographer and hiking enthusiast Kip Tabb takes you along, starting with this easy half-mile loop around a pond and marsh in Kitty Hawk.
Talk on history of surfing in Carteret County set for April 26
Taking place in the History Museum of Carteret County, Lisa Pelletier Harman will host the talk featuring David Sledge and Doctor Ty Roach.
Public comment opens on proposed 50/50 flounder split
Advisory committees to the Marine Fisheries Commission are hosting meetings in April as part of the public comment period on a proposal to allow more recreational access to the southern flounder fishery by balancing allocation with commercial operators.
Public mixed on game land access pass plan during hearing
The Wildlife Resources Commission has proposed requiring paid passes for recreational uses of state game lands, a plan that could improve safety during hunting season but may make access out of reach for large user groups.
Sleepy Creek trail segment planners intend to ‘keep it wild’
The idea behind a planned new portion of Mountains-to-Sea Trail through the Holly Shelter Game Land’s lush pocosin in Pender County is to lure hikers safely away from Highway 17 and most other signs of civilization.
