Press Releases

Precautionary swimming advisory issued for an ocean-side and sound-side areas in Emerald Isle where floodwater pumping is occurring

MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today advised beachgoers to be aware of the floodwaters being pumped to the ocean surf and to the sound in Emerald Isle. Surfers and swimmers should avoid these areas.

Coastal Habitat Protection Plan Steering Committee to meet

The N.C. Coastal Habitat Protection Plan Steering Committee will meet from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, Sept. 23 at the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Washington Regional Office, 943 Washington Square Mall, Highway 17, Washington, NC 27889 and by web conference.

Marine Fisheries Commission advisory committees to meet in September

Three advisory committees of the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission will meet this month to discuss adaptive management in the blue crab fishery. The meetings will be held in person and livestreamed on YouTube.

Precautionary swimming advisory issued for an ocean-side site in Emerald Isle where floodwater pumping is occurring

MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials today advised beachgoers to be aware of the floodwaters being pumped to the ocean surf in Emerald Isle. Surfers and swimmers should avoid these sites.

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

MOREHEAD CITY – 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.

State officials advise against swimming in coastal waters impacted by a tropical storm in New Hanover and Brunswick Counties

MOREHEAD CITY – State recreational water quality officials are advising the public to avoid swimming in North Carolina coastal waters from Mason Inlet down to Shallotte Inlet, to include Holden Beach, Long Beach, Oak Island, Caswell Beach, Bald Head Island, Kure Beach, Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach that are being heavily impacted by Tropical Cyclone 8.

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

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

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.

State awards more than $2.8 million to improve public beach and coastal waterfront access

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management has awarded more than $2.8 million to fourteen local governments to improve public access to coastal beaches and waters for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

REMINDER: N.C. Coastal Resources Commission Science Panel to meet Sept. 10 by web conference

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) Science Panel is scheduled to meet via web conference on Sept. 10 at 2:30 p.m. to continue its review of Inlet Hazard Area boundaries. The public may listen to the meeting by computer or phone.