A recently published study finds that plants on land are increasingly absorbing more carbon, while Earth’s oceans are taking in and storing less.
science
Southern flounder: Warmer seas may skew iconic fish’s future
Guest commentary: Southern flounder are unusually sensitive to climate change because water temperatures during their juvenile stage determines whether they develop as male or female — and the implications are stark.
Microgrid project to provide renewable power after disasters
The State Energy Office recently announced a $5 million investment to provide accessible post-disaster emergency power by deploying permanent and mobile small-scale solar and battery storage systems.
Coastal North Carolina’s fossil record reveals giant ‘hell pigs’
A recent study published by Cambridge University Press finds that the “exceedingly rare” land mammal fossils from 20 million years ago that were found near Maysville fill “an important gap in our knowledge of this time interval and paleogeographic region.”
Maritime museums to offer talks, trips and more in August
The North Carolina Maritime Museum locations in Hatteras, Beaufort and Southport have a number of programs scheduled for August.
Global wetlands loss strips trillions in economic benefits
An intergovernmental report concludes that if the world’s wetlands continue to vanish and deteriorate it may equate to tens of trillions in economic loss.
Whale researcher, aquarium CEO, educator James Powell dies
The noted wildlife biologist and zoologist was involved in researching North Atlantic right whales and credited for his work to conserve manatees, sea turtles and other endangered species.
Report: State needs more fisheries scientists to meet goals
The mandated study of North Carolina’s fisheries management practices finds that the state, despite increasingly intense management measures, is failing to protect and enhance coastal fisheries, and it includes no recommendation on trawling.
The Longleaf Alliance seeks areas to harvest pine cone crops
Because of the anticipated seed shortage that comes with a low estimate of pine cone crops for the third consecutive year, the nonprofit Longleaf Alliance is scouting for potential low-density stands of mature longleaf pines to harvest seeds in the fall.
Plan would address threatened eastern black rails’ habitat loss
A public comment period is open on a proposed management plan that seeks to rebuild the once-abundant birds’ numbers by permanently protecting coastal marshes and helping private landowners create habitat.
Tales from the dunes: Butterflies in science, sentiment
NC State and North Carolina Aquarium researchers have traipsed across sand to study the crystal skipper, a butterfly known for its white speckled wings that can only be found in the Bogue Banks area.
Roanoke aquarium plans World Sea Turtle Day festivities
North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island has concluded a “record-breaking” cold-stunning season and will recognize the endangered animal Monday, June 16, for both World Sea Turtle Day and its rehabilitation center’s 11th anniversary.
Outer Banks tourism topic of next ‘Science on the Sound’
Outer Banks Visitors Bureau Executive Director Lee Nettles and Community Engagement Officer Jeff Shwartzenberg are scheduled to speak about long-range tourism plans June 19 during the next “Science on the Sound” Lecture Series on the ECU Outer Banks campus.
Shorebirds among species in steepest decline in latest count
Audubon’s 2025 State of the Birds Report shows East Coast species such as least terns, American oystercatchers and piping plovers are diminished in numbers with shorebirds most heavily represented among those at a perilous tipping point.
Coastal areas flood more frequently than thought: Study
Coastal communities are inundated more often than previously believed, with levels taking longer to recede in rural areas, and the way government agencies gather data to predict floods fails to provide true estimates, according to a report published Monday.
Core Sound readies for annual summer Parlor Talk Series
Cape Lookout National Seashore’s wildlife biologist Dr. Sue Stuska is to speak during the July 3 summer Parlor Talk Series at Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center’s Morehead City location.
