Commentary

  • Guest Column: Costly Catfish Trade Barrier

    North Carolina seafood dealer Justin Conrad says a federal program created under the guise of improving food safety is nothing more than a trade barrier to imported catfish, one that also puts the state’s agriculture-export business at risk.

  • Guest Column: Seismic Tests Won’t Harm Fish

    The president of the only trade group for companies and people involved in seismic testing for oil and natural gas says there’s no evidence that the tests harm fish as some environmental groups now claim.

  • Sam’s Field Notes: The Northern Harrier

    The northern harrier, also known as marsh hawk or gray ghost, is a distinctive coastal bird with a stealthy hunting style and, like the fighter jet that shares its name, an ability to hover and perform vertical takeoffs and landings.

  • Commentary: Many Davids Beat Goliath

    Titan was a “Goliath,” toppled by ordinary people who waged an extraordinary campaign to protect their quality of life and environment, writes Todd Miller.

  • Guest Column: Seismic Tests Critical

    Donald R. van der Vaart, the secretary of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, responds to congressmen who oppose proposed seismic tests off North Carolina.

  • Sam’s Field Notes: Eastern Red Cedar

    The eastern red cedar, which thrives in dunes along the N.C. coast, has long been important to wildlife and man, and some native Americans consider it sacred.