Piers can be found along the state’s coast, from Avalon at Kill Devil Hills to as far south as Sunset Beach, and each one has local expertise that will separate the rookies from what we used to call “The Sharpies,” Capt. Gordon Churchill writes.
Tops of 2025
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.
Biologists heartened by red wolf program’s recent successes
While still far from recovered, more endangered eastern red wolves in northeastern North Carolina are breeding, more pups are surviving, coyote hybridization has been cut, and there are fewer mortalities from vehicle strikes and gunshots.
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.
Survey says … be considerate with your music while fishing
Capt. Gordon’s “extensive research” finds that, while it may be a matter of individual preference, the question of whether or not may instead be a matter of how loud, when and where.
Historic Whalehead Club to mark centennial in October
The centennial of the 21,000-square-foot art nouveau mansion and centerpiece of Historic Corolla Park will be commemorated in October with special tours and other ticketed events.
Conservation group’s US 64 study finds ‘remarkable carnage’
More than 5,000 vertebrates representing 144 species of wildlife were killed on U.S. Highway 64 just halfway through a two-year survey.
Flounder allocation increased for recreational fishers
The state Marine Fisheries Commission has adopted an amendment that equally splits the flounder allocation between commercial and recreational fisheries beginning this year.
Driver who struck wild horse in Currituck County identified
Trevor Odell Belcher of Greenville, Tennessee, was driving a 2010 Chevrolet, traveling south on Sandfiddler Road when he struck the horse that was crossing in the path of his vehicle.
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.
Center for Biological Diversity sues feds over red wolf listing
The nonprofit conservation group is challenging the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, alleging it acted illegally in deciding to continue classifying the critically endangered population of red wolves as “nonessential,” a designation of lesser protections.
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.
Longtime Outer Banks fish house opens doors to new facility
Jeffrey’s Seafood has a new facility in Hatteras Village that houses equipment to process fresh seafood, a retail store and plans are underway for a small restaurant that will feature local catch.
Recreational spotted seatrout season temporarily closed
State wildlife officials say the temporary closure through June 30 was made to avoid confusion.
Invasive bass species spreads to North Carolina coastal areas
Alabama bass, which are often mistaken for spotted or largemouth bass, are an invasive species to North Carolina that are now being found in the state’s coastal areas.
Commission proposes recreational spotted trout closure
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is proposing to temporarily close recreational harvest of spotted seatrout between May and mid-June in inland and joint waters.
