The longstanding state law banning permanent erosion control structures in an ocean shoreline was based on extensive studies and data documenting their detrimental effects and temporary protection, Dr. Reide Corbett said during a recent talk at Harkers Island.
DEQ chief announces resilience grants during coastal visit
Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson visited Harkers Island Monday to announce $300,000 in grants awarded for eight projects to bolster resilience to natural disasters.
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.
‘If there’s magic’: Coastal Federation honors water’s guardians
The North Carolina Coastal Federation honored more than a dozen individuals and groups this year during the 23rd annual Pelican Awards held Saturday in Morehead City.
DEQ staff ready update to fisheries habitat protection plan
North Carolina’s Coastal Habitat Protection Plan, a long-term strategy for supporting coastal fisheries, is due for its five-year update, and the three state commissions that adopt rules for air and water quality, state fisheries, and coastal development, respectively, are set to soon send draft changes out for public comment.
State budget eliminates Office of Environmental Education
The budget Gov. Josh Stein signed earlier this month eliminated the state Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs, which was created in 1993 and has since become a model for other states.
North Carolina’s seagrass habitat continues to decline: Study
The Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership has found that the extent of seagrass meadows in the Albemarle-Pamlico estuary decreased by at least 16,000 acres over a 14-year period, “despite suitable habitat available for expansion.”
Work begins for periodic update of state coastal habitat plan
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality staff are to present outlines for the new issue papers for the 2026 update to the Coastal Habitat Protection Plan, the state’s long-term strategy to protect coastal habitat, a necessity for a sustainable seafood industry.
Indigenous environmental justice: Author links culture, water
Duke University professor and member of the Lumbee Tribe Dr. Ryan Emanuel is Coastal Carolina Riverwatch’s guest speaker next week in Morehead City to discuss links between historic Indigenous oppression and present-day efforts to promote environmental justice and Indigenous rights.
Pine Knoll Shores aquarium readies for ‘Birthday Splash’
With the North Carolina Aquariums celebrating 50 years in 2026, Coastal Review talks with Jay Barnes, the former Pine Knoll Shores site director about the early days of the facility, which is hosting two celebrations Saturday for the anniversary.
Coastal temperatures to soar this week, pose big health risks
Coastal counties are forecast to have a “real feel” near or in the 100s Thursday, and raises the concern that residents will experience warmer nights and longer heat seasons.
Chancellor visits Institute of Marine Sciences, its researchers
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Chancellor Lee H. Roberts spent Tuesday in Carteret County meeting with researchers at the university’s Institute of Marine Sciences in Morehead City as part of his second summer tour.
Volunteer Pony Patrollers protect public, Carteret wild horses
For the fourth year, volunteers are spending their days on Shackleford Banks and Rachel Carson Reserve in an effort to guide visitors on safely observing Carteret County’s wild horses.
DMF to give update on blue crab stock assessment progress
The Division of Marine Fisheries stock assessment team during a May 28 webinar plan to review their work on developing a new benchmark stock assessment for the blue crab fishery.
Don’t get complacent with tropical outlook; ‘it only takes one’
Forecasters are calling for a below-normal season for hurricane activity in the Atlantic this year, but they warn, chances still call for as many as 14 named storms with as many as three major hurricanes.
Indigenous nonprofit’s seminar to center on agriculture
“In the Spirit of Wingina 3: Seeds of Wisdom and Sustenance,” set for May 29-30, will concentrate on agricultural patterns with an emphasis on ancient, indigenous agricultural methods and, on the second day, how they apply to modern-day gardening.
