Press Releases

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

State recreational water quality officials today lifted a water quality swimming advisory for a sound-side swimming area in New Hanover County. 

Division of Marine Fisheries to temporarily close Elizabeth City office to license sales Oct. 1

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries announced today the temporary closure of license sales through the Elizabeth City Office will go into effect on Oct. 1 and will continue until further notice. 

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

An advisory against swimming was posted today at a sound-side site in New Hanover 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. 

Precautionary swimming advisory issued for ocean area 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.

Secretary’s Environmental Justice and Equity Advisory Board to hold listening session October 12

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Secretary’s Environmental Justice and Equity Advisory Board will hold a listening session on Tuesday, October 12, remotely via teleconference to discuss biogas in North Carolina communities

DEQ accepting public comment on Draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan amendment

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality is accepting public comment on the Draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan 2021 Amendment and Appendix.

REMINDER: Application period for CARES Act II Fisheries Relief Program closes Oct. 1

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is reminding those who wish to apply for assistance from the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act (CARES Act II) Fisheries Relief Program that they must do so by Oct. 1. The financial assistance is available to eligible commercial fishermen and marine aquaculture operators, seafood dealers and processors, and for-hire fishing operators who can document a greater than 35% revenue loss in 2020 compared to the previous five-year average due to COVID-19.

State certifies new state record golden tilefish

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries has certified a new state record golden tilefish.

Recreational striped bass season opens Oct. 1 in the Albemarle Sound Management Area

The recreational striped bass season in the Albemarle Sound Management Area will open for a fall season on Oct. 1 with a daily possession limit of one fish per person per day.

Marine Fisheries Commission seeks advisers

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission is looking for commercial and recreational fishermen, scientists, and other interested parties to sit on various fisheries advisory committees.