Press Releases

State encourages social and community responsibility for those considering July Fourth holiday at Masonboro Island Reserve

The N.C. Division of Coastal Management and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office are urging the public to act responsibly during the upcoming July Fourth holiday at the Masonboro Island Reserve, a research reserve and dedicated state nature preserve. For the 2021 holiday, the state coastal agency and the sheriff’s office are working together to provide for public safety and to increase public awareness of responsible visitor behavior on the island.

N.C. Environmental Management Commission to Meet July 7-8

The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (EMC) will

White Oak River Basin Plan Available for Public Review and Comment

Fishermen win big in Tagging Program drawing

Fifteen lucky fishermen won $100 each in a recent N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries’ Multi-Species Tagging Program yearly drawing.

Governor Cooper Appoints Department of Environmental Quality Secretary

Today, Governor Roy Cooper appointed Elizabeth Biser to lead the Department of Environmental Quality as Secretary.

Flounder seasons adjusted for 2021 to meet approved sustainable harvest goal

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries has adjusted the recreational and commercial flounder seasons for 2021 to ensure a sustainable fishery. In 2019 the Division of Marine Fisheries recommended and the Marine Fisheries Commission approved, substantial harvest reductions in the flounder fishery to rebuild the southern flounder stock. These season adjustments are necessary to meet that goal.

New landslide website provides critical hazard data for North Carolina communities

The Department of Environmental Quality’s North Carolina Geological Survey (NCGS) has launched a new landslide website and GIS-based mapping tool to better inform communities about landslide hazards. 

Marine Fisheries Division encourages anglers to donate red snapper carcasses to science

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will collect red snapper carcasses from recreational fishermen during the upcoming red snapper-mini season.

Precautionary swimming advisory lifted for ocean site in Oak Island where floodwater pumping occurred

State recreational water quality officials today lifted a precautionary swimming advisory in Oak Island. The advisory was lifted because floodwaters have rescinded, and pumping has ceased.

Precautionary swimming advisory issued for ocean sites in Oak Island where floodwater pumping has occurred

State recreational water quality officials today advised beachgoers to be aware of the floodwaters being pumped to the ocean surf in Oak Island. Surfers and swimmers should avoid these sites.