Proposed amendments to the state’s official plan for protecting, restoring and conserving coastal habitats and fisheries drill in on newly specific priorities linked to water quality and climate change.
water quality
Coastal Habitat Plan approved for public review
The Coastal Resources Commission has approved the 2021 amendment to the Coastal Habitat Protection Plan for public review and comment.
Guest commentary: Where plastic flows into the ocean
Kemp Burdette of Cape Fear River Watch and Ann Colley of the Moore Charitable Foundation write that there’s an overlooked connection in our own backyards that funnels plastics toward major bodies of water and eventually the world’s oceans.
Commentary: My firsthand experience with an algal bloom
Photographer Jared Lloyd, who recently captured images of an algal bloom in Edenton for Coastal Review, shares what exposure to the green slime’s toxic fumes is like. Spoiler alert: It’s no fun.
Grad students can apply for water quality research funds
N.C.’s Water Resources Research Institute and Sea Grant are offering funding to graduates researching water quality issues.
Meeting set to put Mattamuskeet restoration plan in action
A Lake Mattamuskeet Watershed Restoration Plan virtual meeting is set for Sept. 27 to discuss implementing the plan approved by the state in August 2019.
Something is causing more algal blooms in more places
Algal blooms have been recurring problems in the Chowan River Basin, but excess nutrients have triggered more and more, including those deemed harmful or toxic, but scientists aren’t sure exactly why.
Public is advised to avoid Pamlico River algal bloom
State officials urge the public to avoid green or blue water in the Pamlico River due to an algal bloom.
Federal judge vacates Trump-era WOTUS rule replacement
A federal judge has vacated the Trump administration’s rule that gutted water quality protections put in place during the Obama administration.
Study finds combined threats to water quality after flooding
Results from a recent NC State study highlight the double whammy of microbial contamination of surface waters posed by failing human wastewater infrastructure and animal agriculture after storm inundations.
North Carolina Sea Grant, APNEP offer research funding
Applications are being accepted for a coastal research fellowship and a team coastal resilience project competition in the Albemarle-Pamlico region.
NC at a crossroads in dealing with water quality challenges
As North Carolina’s population continues to grow, algal blooms and other signs of human-caused nutrient pollution in rivers and estuaries stand to worsen.
Firm to present Oak Island floodwater management options
Oak Island commissioners are expected to hear proposed solutions to the town’s critical flooding and water quality issues Tuesday.
State issues swim advisories at several sites
State officials this week have issued public advisories against swimming at ocean and sound sites.
Avoid algal bloom in Chowan River: NCDEQ
State officials say the public should avoid contact with an algal bloom in the Chowan River near Edenton.
Federal infrastructure deal could mean billions for state
Although details are yet to be finalized, the deal struck this week on a major federal infrastructure spending plan could mean billions for N.C. transportation, resilience and clean water projects.
