-
Coastal commission tables proposed septic rule amendments
The Coastal Resources Commission, poised last week to consider two rule amendments regarding septic systems on the beach, instead tabled the discussion until October.
Spotlight
-

New ferry toll law is ‘like the man sticking it to you again’
Residents were vocal about the financial strain the new law mandating tolls for all ferry routes will put on their families at the first in a series of listening sessions with the N.C. Department of Transportation.
News Briefs
-
Southport-Fort Fisher ferry route to pause service for repairs
Officials said the work will complete the ramp repair process that began in March and is necessary to ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of the route.
-
DMF releases annual review of state-managed coastal species
DMF’s 2025 Fishery Management Plan Review offers a quick guide of scientific and management information for managed coastal species in the state.
-
EMC committee to hear draft habitat protection plan status
The Environmental Management Commission’s water quality committee is to hear the status of the 2026 draft update to the state’s long-term plan to protect and preserve habitats that support coastal fisheries.
-
Brock Davenport of Beaufort lands state record jolthead porgy
The Division of Marine Fisheries announced Thursday that Brock Davenport of Beaufort is the new state recordholder for his recent catch jolthead porgy.
-
State now accepting grant applications for resilience projects
Local governments and federally and state recognized tribes ready to move to phases 3 and 4 of the Resilient Coastal Communities Program are invited to join a webinar on Oct. 13 to learn more about how to apply for grant funding.
Get the news of the North Carolina coast delivered daily.
Subscribe to Coastal Review
Special Report

Conflicts on the Water: Growing Shellfish, Increasing Tensions
The state’s burgeoning mariculture industry combined with coastal development is a recipe for disagreement over leasing, but is a moratorium the solution?
News & Features
-
Coastal commission tables proposed septic rule amendments
The Coastal Resources Commission, poised last week to consider two rule amendments regarding septic systems on the beach, instead tabled the discussion until October.
Science
-
Five barrier islands find five ways to keep herds wild, healthy
On barrier islands from the Delmarva Peninsula to North Carolina’s Outer Banks, five horse herds share the same Colonial Spanish ancestry, but differ in how they’re managed.
Commentary
-
Mimosas lend tropical look, but prone to crowding out natives
While many love the brunch favorite served on weekend mornings, the tree bearing the same name has a tendency to show up here where not invited and to stay way past the point of awkward.
Our Coast
-
Recalling the teachers: Elizabeth City State’s archival photos
Historian David Cecelski’s lecture earlier this year at ECSU came after he had spent much of the day on campus, including a visit to the University Archives where historical treasures and photographs celebrate the young role models.
-
Currituck Light restoration follows original maintenance plan
The $1 million restoration going on at the Currituck Beach Lighthouse is building on work completed six years ago so that it “will remain structurally sound, historically accurate, and will continue sharing its sense of place and awe for future generations.”
-
Nonprofit that cares for Shackleford’s wild horses turns 30
The Foundation for Shackleford Horses is commemorating three decades of advocacy with a special program on Harkers Island featuring behavioral ecologist Dr. Dan Rubenstein, who has studied the herd for decades and helped draft the legislation approved in 1998 to protect the wild herd.
Featured Photo
-

Nature reveals golden moment over Cedar Island
The sun sets behind a cloudbank Saturday as shown from above the Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge off Lola Road on Cedar Island in Carteret County that was established in 1964 occupies 14,494 acres on a peninsula jutting into southern Pamlico Sound, with N.C. Highway 12 slicing through and the 5,500 acres the state conserved in 2019 just to the east. Both offer opportunities to immerse one’s self into nature, such as hiking, paddling, birding and nature viewing, as well as numerous other activities. Photo: Dylan Ray







