Press Releases

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North Carolina drought improves in some areas, but persists for most of the state

Almost all of North Carolina received some rain the past week, easing the year-long drought in a few areas. But most of the state remains in drought conditions, with several counties stuck in a stubborn extreme or exceptional drought, the two worst categories, according to the U.S.

State certifies new state record for Cubera Snapper

The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries recently established a new state record for Cubera Snapper (Lutjanus cyanopterus). David Ashman of Mohnton, Penn., caught the 85-pound fish on July 31 off of Hatteras. Ashman replaced the existing state record Cubera Snapper that weighed 58 pounds, 8 ounces, landed by Thomas Madsen in 2022.

DEQ Raleigh regional office relocates to Reedy Creek Road

Visitors to the Raleigh Regional Office of the NC Department of Environmental Quality will need to go to a new address beginning next week, as part of a larger series of changes to the department’s facilities.

Please report Blue Land Crab Sightings

The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries is reminding people to please report any sightings of Blue Land Crabs, Cardisoma guanhumi.

Recreational anglers can donate flounder carcasses for science and a chance to win prizes

The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries will collect flounder carcasses from recreational fishermen during the 2026 season, held Sept. 1-14 in joint and coastal waters. The carcasses will be used for research purposes.

Marine Fisheries Commission receives draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan Amendment

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission received a presentation on the draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan 2026 Amendment, one of several agenda items during the board’s regular quarterly business meeting in Raleigh this week.

North Carolina drought improves in some counties, persists in others

Spotty rains across North Carolina during the past week brought relief from the year-long drought to some areas, but others saw little to no improvement. Parts of the state remain in severe or extreme​ drought, according to the U.S.

Water quality swimming advisory lifted for sound-side site in Dare County

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

Flood Resiliency Blueprint releases final Lumber River Basin Action Strategy, identifying 17 priority flood resilience actions

The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Flood Resiliency Blueprint program released the Lumber River Basin Action Strategy (RBAS), a comprehensive framework designed to guide long-term flood resilience plannin

REMINDER: N.C. Coastal Resources Commission to meet Aug. 26-27

The North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) will meet Aug. 26-27 at the Dare County Government Complex, 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo. Members of the public may attend in-person or join the meeting online. The Coastal Resources Advisory Council (CRAC), a 20-member group that provides the CRC with local government perspectives and advice, will meet in person at 10 a.m. on Aug. 26.

Water quality swimming advisory lifted for sound-side site in New Hanover County

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

Water quality swimming advisory lifted for sound-side site in Dare County

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

Save the dates for Division of Marine Fisheries scoping period for Kingfishes (sea mullet) Fishery Management Plan review

Do you love to catch a sea mullet and fry it up for supper? Maybe you catch them to make a living? Either way, you may want to save the dates to participate in the upcoming scoping period for Kingfishes.

Drought improves for much of North Carolina, but not all

The recent rainy trend continued in many parts of North Carolina last week, further improving drought conditions. However, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor report released on Thursday, parts of the state remain in severe to extreme drought.

Flood Resiliency Blueprint releases final Tar-Pamlico River Basin Action Strategy, identifying 33 priority flood resilience actions

The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Flood Resiliency Blueprint program released the Tar-Pamlico River Basin Action Strategy (RBAS), a comprehensive framework designed to guide long-term flood resilience planning and decision-making across the basin.