Press Releases

Water quality swimming advisory issued for ocean-side site in Dare County

An advisory against swimming was posted today at an ocean-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.

Nineteen amended, readopted fisheries rules take effect Aug. 23

Nineteen rules go into effect as of Aug. 23, including amendments pertaining to reducing shellfish lease user conflicts, repackaging foreign crab meat, and limiting certain gears on state ocean artificial reefs. The rules were amended and readopted under a state mandated periodic review schedule.

Marine Fisheries Commission swears in new commissioners, tables Estuarine Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan Amendment 2 until November

Three new members of the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission members took the oath of office and participated in their first meeting this week.

APNEP Updates Map of Vital Fish Habitat

Regional partners, led by the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership (APNEP), have published an updated map of the extent of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in North Carolina’s sounds during 2020. SAV, also known as seagrasses or underwater grasses, improve water quality, decrease shoreline erosion, and are an essential habitat for many fishery and wildlife species.

Public Hearing to be held September 20 on update to Oil Refinery Facility Permit rules

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will hold a public hearing September 20, 2022, on proposed amendments to its 15A NCAC 01E “Oil Refinery Facility Permit” rules as part of the required rule review and readoption process set forth in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 150B-21.3A.  The purpose of this public hearing is to allow interested persons to submit oral comments regarding DEQ’s proposed amendments to 15A NCAC 01E, which relate to Oil Refinery Facility Permits.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Peer review workshop for spotted seatrout stock assessment scheduled

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will hold a spotted seatrout stock assessment peer review workshop Aug. 30 through Sept. 1 at the Courtyard by Marriott, 5046 Henderson Dr., Jacksonville.

Water quality swimming advisories lifted for two sound-side sites in Carteret County

State recreational water quality officials today lifted water quality swimming advisories at two sound-side sites in Carteret County.

State certifies state record Red Hind

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries recently certified a new state record Red Hind (Epinephelus guttatus).

State awards funds for 61 clean transit bus replacements

The Division of Air Quality today announced grant awards to replace 61 transit buses with cleaner low-emission vehicles, including 25 electric buses, using Volkswagen Settlement funding.

DAQ Extends Public Comment Deadline on Draft Air Permit for Carolina Poultry Power

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is  giving an additional 30 days for public comment on a draft air quality permit for the Carolina Poultry Power RG3, LLC facility in La Grange. Public comments will now be accepted until Sept.