Although appropriations have increased, state funding, when adjusted for inflation, remains lower than in previous years, according to the latest data in a North Carolina Forever report.
water quality
Companies recall oysters distributed to NC, 18 other states
Two Korea-based seafood companies are voluntarily recalling certain frozen, raw oyster products harvested in early 2022 because of potential norovirus contamination.
House bill’s possible effects on water quality sparks concern
Critics warn that House Bill 600 threatens to chip away at some protections provided by the Clean Water Act.
Coastal commission denies group’s Gibbs Creek nomination
The Beaufort Citizens Alliance had nominated the Gibbs Creek watershed as a coastal complex natural area of environmental concern.
Duke offers lab space to Coastal Carolina Riverwatch
The Duke University Wetlands Center in Beaufort has welcomed Coastal Carolina Riverwatch to share its lab, allowing the organization to save money while working toward its water quality goals.
A local call to save seagrass on World Oceans Day
World Oceans Day is a time to consider the threatened underwater meadows that are home to important marine species and the foundation of the coastal economy, writes Ryan Speckman, co-owner and co-founder of Locals Seafood in Raleigh.
State lifts swimming advisory for Colington Harbour beach
State recreational water quality officials lifted the water quality swimming advisory June 21 at the Colington Harbour swim beach at the end of Colington Drive in Kill Devil Hills.
Mattamuskeet carp removal project bidding ends June 20
Bids are due by 5 p.m. June 20 for a large-scale project to remove thousands of pounds of common carp from Lake Mattamuskeet.
Large-scale survey of Albemarle Sound underway for NOAA
Morehead City-based Geodynamics has begun the first significant charting survey of the sound in more than 100 years.
Advocates cite risks of planned shipping channel project
The proposed deepening and widening of the Wilmington Harbor to accommodate larger ships is the latest in what Cape Fear River advocates say is a long list of threats.
Watershed protection nomination to go before commission
The Coastal Resources Commission, during its meeting June 15 in New Bern, is to decide whether a nomination to make a Beaufort watershed an area of environmental concern should move forward.
State revises rules for closing shellfish waters near marinas
The rule change ensures that the state remains in compliance with National Shellfish Sanitation Program requirements, officials said.
Open house on Wilmington Harbor project set for June 13
The public will be able to speak with Corps staff who will be at different stations to talk about the plan to deepen and widen the main shipping channel in the Cape Fear River.
Swim advisory issued for near Crowell Street in Oak Island
Officials with the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program said the stormwater was being pumped to minimize flood damage and to ensure roads are accessible by emergency vehicles.
AECs: A way for people to promote responsible development
North Carolina has a process the public can use to nominate an Area of Environmental Concern and protect the natural and cultural treasures in coastal areas that belong to everyone.
Supreme Court strikes down EPA’s wetlands definition
The 5-4 decision means that the definition, “waters of the United States,” or WOTUS, applies only to wetlands that have “continuous surface connection.”
