The founder of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center on Topsail Island, which she named in memory of her late daughter, was driven to protect the beloved ocean dwellers.
sea turtles
Sand is vanishing on east side of Ocean Isle’s $11M erosion fix
Environmental advocates and federal documents warned of it, but now that erosion has accelerated east of the town’s terminal groin and in front of newly built multimillion-dollar houses, property owners and developers want answers and solutions, quickly.
Holden Beach Turtle Patrol to open T-shirt design contest
If you love sea turtles and have a talent for graphic design, consider donating your design for the Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program’s 2026 T-shirt design contest open Sept. 15-Oct. 15.
Only half of state’s known sea turtle nests hatched before Erin
Many of the state’s sea turtle nests had hatched before Hurricane Erin passed offshore but those still incubating suffered overwash, and some nests were entirely lost.
Pine Knoll Shores aquarium offers special summer programs
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores has two new special events set for August, as well as its usual bevy of weekly programming.
First turtle patrol beach sweep nets 120 pounds of trash
More than 120 pounds of trash, predominately plastics, were picked up off Holden Beach’s ocean shore during the Holden Beach Turtle Patrol’s first beach sweep.
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.
Holden Beach Turtle Patrol readies for summer programming
Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program, also referred to as “Turtle Patrol,” is planning to offer educational programs throughout the summer starting June 18.









