A California family found deceased in mid-August on a hiking trail near Yosemite National Park likely died due to extreme heat and not algal bloom, which was cited as a possible cause during the investigation.
water quality
Rules revision may streamline process for shellfish leasing
Proposed changes to rules covering state management of shellfish areas and water column leases could improve clarity and efficiency and are steps in the right direction, says the North Carolina Shellfish Growers Association president.
Coastal Habitat Protection Plan Steering Committee to meet
The N.C. Coastal Habitat Protection Plan Steering Committee will meet at 1 p.m. Oct. 25 by web conference to review and discuss public comment received on the draft 2021 amendment.
Manteo sets hearing on proposed policy on wetland fill
Commissioners in May directed town staff to draft land use plan amendments to address a complaint about policies regarding development of and the placement of fill in upland wetlands.
It’s Oyster Week in North Carolina
Oct. 11-15 is North Carolina Oyster Week this year and organizers, North Carolina Sea Grant, the North Carolina Coastal Federation, and the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, say the “shellebration” includes a series of in-person and virtual oyster-related events along the coast and in the Triangle.
NC regulators OK Atlantic Beach watershed plan
The N.C. Division of Water Resources has approved a collaborative plan to help Atlantic Beach address flooding.
High bacteria levels force officials to cancel triathlon swim
YMCA Wrightsville Beach Sprint Triathlon organizers canceled the swim portion of the Sept. 25 race after state officials detected high levels of bacteria in Banks Channel.
Carp removal next step to healthier Lake Mattamuskeet
Plans are in the works to remove 1 million invasive carp from Lake Mattamuskeet, a move stakeholders hope will help with water quality and clarity.
Updated plan details human, climate damage to wetlands
The newly updated NC Wetland Program Plan details how climate change and nonpermitted human activities are causing wetland loss.
Coastal Resources Commission digs in on artificial turf
Addressing a growing number of permit questions, the coastal policy and rulemaking body has approved a prohibition on artificial turf within the 30-foot shoreline buffer in areas of environmental concern.
Habitat plan amendment comment period opens
The state is accepting public comment until Oct. 21 on the draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan 2021 amendment and Appendix A, which includes early public comment and recommendations from a stakeholder group.
Panel with stakes in clean water adds to coastal habitat plan
A group of nine people with backgrounds and interests in the coastal economy and related water quality issues provided its recommendations for improving the state’s Coastal Habitat Protection Plan.
Rebecca Drohan is new Coastal Carolina Waterkeeper
Rebecca Drohan has been with Coastal Carolina Riverwatch since 2018, leading outreach and volunteer efforts and having organized the Crystal Coast Chapter of Ocean Friendly Establishments.
Australian wildfires fertilized expansive algal blooms: Study
A recently published study by Duke University researchers found that particles in smoke and ash from Australian wildfires fed unprecedented algal blooms far away in the ocean.
Resilience, natural approach basis of habitat plan tweaks
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.
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.
