Press Releases

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries will hold a meeting of the Shellfish Cultivation Lease Review Committee at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 25, at the Division’s Central District Office, 5285 U.S. 70 West, Morehead City.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) has awarded more than $1.1 million in grants in the fall 2024 cycle of the grant program to support stream restoration, water-based recreation and water management projects across North Carolina.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Infrastructure is accepting comments until June 20, 2025 on draft Intended Use Plans (IUPs) and Priority Rating Systems for the State Revolving Fund Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane Helene (SRF Helene).

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources will hold a public hearing on June 26 to receive public comment on the codification of the revised definition of “wetlands” within state rules. Members of the public may attend in-person or join the meeting by computer or phone.

MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today lifted a water quality swimming advisory for a sound-side swimming area in Brunswick County.

MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today lifted a water quality swimming advisory at a sound-side site in Beaufort County.

North Carolina’s Spotted Seatrout fishery will reopen to recreational and commercial harvest in joint and coastal waters on July 1, 2025, following a cold stun closure. Upon reopening of the fishery, new management from Amendment 1 to the Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan will be implemented.

MOREHEAD CITY – An advisory against swimming was posted today at a sound-side site in Dare County, where state recreational water quality officials found bacteria levels in the water that exceed the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s recreational water quality standards.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries has opened the 2025 application period for the state’s shellfish lease and aquaculture program. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 1 from individuals, businesses, and partnerships interested in leasing public coastal waters to farm oysters or clams.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) State Energy Office is accepting public input on the 2025 Draft North Carolina Energy Security Plan now through July 14, 2025.