New findings in a report from the University of North Carolina Wilmington that examined tree cores and sediment samples from a nearby tributary show how the loss of cypress forests and protections they afford could worsen with further Cape Fear River dredging.
sea level rise
Residents at leading edge of climate crisis see no way to leave
People in southern Louisiana have seen their land disappear at an alarming rate, but for them, like many who live in low-lying areas along the North Carolina coast, “home is more than the building you live in,” and retreat isn’t an option.
Study presents modeled views of Ocracoke highway’s future
Researchers met recently with Ocracoke Islanders and presented findings from a multiyear, University of North Carolina-led study that looked at various ways to try and save N.C. Highway 12 from natural forces.
Vanishing Bayous: On a boat at ground zero for sea level rise
Second in a series: Folks on Louisiana’s bayous, where Big Oil is really big, know firsthand the perils of sea level rise, and a group of North Carolinians recently visited there looking to start a conversation.
Efforts to curb flooding at battleship memorial yield results
Land around the Battleship North Carolina and its parking area is recreating itself, luring birds, diminishing flood frequency, and providing what the museum’s leaders hope to become a living lab.
Water finds your weakness: Louisiana’s lessons for Down East
Former Coastal Review editor Frank Tursi recently joined Core Sound Museum Director Karen Amspacher and others on a trip to start a conversation with those who live where levees gave way and homes flooded during Hurricane Katrina 20 years ago.
Oak Island residents say oceanfront lots unsuited for homes
Oak Island homeowners who have watched across the street as the protective oceanfront dune created by beach nourishment washed away time after time are pleading with officials to bar houses from being built there.
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.
Bulkhead alternatives could reimagine a changing coast
Duke University undergraduate Ava Kocher in this guest commentary explores the value of using living shorelines to protect wetlands and property.
A shared resolution: Embrace nature-based solutions
Guest commentary: As we welcome 2025, let’s make this the year we reimagine our relationship with North Carolina’s coast by leveraging natural processes and resources to enhance biodiversity, protect habitats and promote resilient communities.
Flooded barrier islands, rising mainland risks: USGS study
A new U.S. Geological Survey report finds that accelerating sea level rise and intensifying storms pose a threat to barrier islands like those of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, which the superintendent says confirms what park staff have been observing over the years.
Science panel applies 2022 sea level report projections to NC
The Coastal Resources Commission’s science panel has released its “North Carolina 2024 Sea Level Rise Science Update” that applies the findings of a 2022 federal-level sea level rise technical report to North Carolina.
Public may submit comments on draft sea level rise update
Comments are being accepted until July 3 on the annual review of new and significant scientific literature and studies that address the local, state and. regional implications of sea level rise.
Cooper sets $148M aside for environment in FY 25 budget
The Cooper administration has recommended more than $148 million go toward conservation and resiliency in his proposed fiscal 2025 budget released last week.
Street inundation linked to elevated bacteria in creek: Study
N.C. State researchers found elevated levels of fecal bacteria in water samples collected from a tidal creek in Beaufort and town streets following rainfall.
Science panel to continue inlet hazard, sea level rise reviews
The Coastal Resources Commission science panel’s virtual meeting March 15 will resume discussions of updates to inlet hazard boundaries and sea level rise data for a report to the commission in April.
