![The cover of the Action Plan for Nature-Based Stormwater Strategies](https://www.nccoast.org/wp-content/plugins/pt-content-views-pro/public/assets/images/lazy_image.png)
Progress with the Nature-Based Stormwater Action Plan
The Action Plan for Nature-Based Stormwater Stategies Across North Carolina, leaders are using nature-based stormwater strategies to take on the persistent challenges of stormwater flooding. To combat this, the North Carolina Coastal Federation released the Action Plan for Nature-Based Stormwater Strategies on March 3rd, 2021. This roadmap, developed alongside The
![2021 Pelican Awards & Taste of the Coast](https://www.nccoast.org/wp-content/plugins/pt-content-views-pro/public/assets/images/lazy_image.png)
Celebrating the 2021 Pelican Awards
After a year hiatus, the Pelican Awards and Taste of the Coast was back at the Crystal Coast Civic Center on Saturday August 7 in Morehead City to celebrate the 2021 Pelican Award winners. Each of this year’s winner have shown exceptional dedication to coastal stewardship. “Each year this celebratory
![Sunset from a skiff used to collect Marine Debris](https://www.nccoast.org/wp-content/plugins/pt-content-views-pro/public/assets/images/lazy_image.png)
1 Million Pounds of Marine Debris Removed from NC Coast
Crew members Mike Willis and Joey Huey with debris from Masonboro. Since 2020, over 30 commercial fishermen and women have been working in small crews to remove large scale marine debris created by past Hurricanes from the central and southeast coasts of North Carolina. The N.C. Division of Coastal Management,
![The federations removes a derelict vessel from Lockwood Folly River](https://www.nccoast.org/wp-content/plugins/pt-content-views-pro/public/assets/images/lazy_image.png)
Hurricane Marine Debris and Derelict Vessels Being Removed from Brunswick County Waters
Brunswick County, N.C. – Working with Brunswick County and state partners, the North Carolina Coastal Federation has been focusing its efforts to tackle large-scale marine debris in the county since mid-February. The project includes crews of commercial fishermen removing debris by hand, and the removal of abandoned and derelict vessels
![Artistic representation of coastal microplastics](https://www.nccoast.org/wp-content/plugins/pt-content-views-pro/public/assets/images/lazy_image.png)
Highlights from the 2021 Microplastics Forum
Fragments of Plastic Everywhere In the words of the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s Assistant Director of Policy, Ana Zivanovic-Nenadovic, “Plastic is everywhere.” We use plastic in almost every facet of modern life--to store food, to make clothing and package products we buy, to name a few. This has created many
![Shoreline Plantings Wrap Up Several Large Living Shoreline Projects](https://www.nccoast.org/wp-content/plugins/pt-content-views-pro/public/assets/images/lazy_image.png)
Shoreline Plantings Wrap Up Several Large Living Shoreline Projects
OCEAN, NC — This spring, the North Carolina Coastal Federation partnered with Carteret Community College, the Town of Oriental, Carteret County, the Town of Pine Knoll Shores, community volunteers, students and contractors to complete several large-scale living shoreline projects in Carteret and Pamlico counties. Over 100,000 salt marsh and wetland grasses
![Washington Baum Bridge Permeable Parking](https://www.nccoast.org/wp-content/plugins/pt-content-views-pro/public/assets/images/lazy_image.png)
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Permeable Parking Project
The Washington Baum Boating Access Area on Roanoke Island in Dare County now includes 6,903 square feet of permeable parking that allows rainwater to soak into the ground instead of flowing into Roanoake Sound.
Meet Our 2020 Interns
Central Interns Ella Harlacher I knew I wanted to intern at an environmental organization, so when the Coastal Federation visited my school I decided I would reach out to learn more. My marine science teacher was supportive and informed me of how welcoming the staff is, which is definitely the
![The Town of Pine Knoll Shores is working to reduce nuisance flooding by managing stormwater](https://www.nccoast.org/wp-content/plugins/pt-content-views-pro/public/assets/images/lazy_image.png)
The Town of Pine Knoll Shores is working to reduce nuisance flooding by managing stormwater
Photo By: Brain Kramer OCEAN, NC — Stormwater from heavy rains, on top of already saturated soils, frequently cause houses, yards and roads to flood. These flood waters then become polluted runoff, degrading coastal waterways. The Town of Pine Knoll Shores and the North Carolina Coastal Federation recently completed a project
![Shucking Oysters](https://www.nccoast.org/wp-content/plugins/pt-content-views-pro/public/assets/images/lazy_image.png)
North Carolina Coastal Federation Unveils Statewide Plan to Protect and Restore Oysters
Photo By: Daniel Pullen OCEAN, N.C. - Today, the North Carolina Coastal Federation released the North Carolina Oyster Blueprint for 2021-2025, an action strategy created by more than 50 contributors across the state to advance restoration, protection and harvest of oysters. This is the fourth edition of the Blueprint, which
![Oyster farmer working on oyster lease](https://www.nccoast.org/wp-content/plugins/pt-content-views-pro/public/assets/images/lazy_image.png)
Ramping Up Programs to Help Oyster Farmers
In an unprecedented display of bipartisanship, the General Assembly passed SB 648 in 2019 adopting many of the strategy’s recommendations. The bill recognized the potential economic value of shellfish aquaculture in our state, especially as a future economic driver in uniquely economically stressed coastal regions. The bill also called for
![Permeable Parking Spaces Installed at Ward Shore Park to Capture Rainwater Runoff](https://www.nccoast.org/wp-content/plugins/pt-content-views-pro/public/assets/images/lazy_image.png)
Permeable Parking Spaces Installed at Ward Shore Park to Capture Rainwater Runoff
OCEAN N.C. - The installation of permeable parking spaces is one of many projects recently implemented by the Town of Swansboro in partnership with the North Carolina Coastal Federation. Using funding from the EPA Section 319 grant program, project partners removed sections of asphalt and compacted turf, and replaced it
![Lake Mattamuskeet Watershed Restoration Plan Virtual Meeting Set for April 15](https://www.nccoast.org/wp-content/plugins/pt-content-views-pro/public/assets/images/lazy_image.png)
Lake Mattamuskeet Watershed Restoration Plan Virtual Meeting Set for April 15
WANCHESE, N.C. - Whether you live or farm within the Lake Mattamuskeet watershed, or visit the lake because you love to fish, hunt, or enjoy viewing waterfowl and wildlife, you can learn and ask questions about the latest actions to restore the lake from the comfort of your home. A virtual public
![Results and Reflections on the 2021 Lost Fishing Gear Recovery Project](https://www.nccoast.org/wp-content/plugins/pt-content-views-pro/public/assets/images/lazy_image.png)
Results and Reflections on the 2021 Lost Fishing Gear Recovery Project
WANCHESE, N.C. - The Lost Fishing Gear Recovery Project led by the North Carolina Coastal Federation in January, involved 60 commercial watermen and women who worked throughout the northeast and central coasts of North Carolina. Their efforts were focused on collecting lost crab pots as part of a marine debris removal
![Press Release Icon](https://www.nccoast.org/wp-content/plugins/pt-content-views-pro/public/assets/images/lazy_image.png)
Three High School Seniors Honored by the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s Expanded Awards Program
OCEAN, N.C. - The North Carolina Coastal Federation is honoring three graduating high school seniors with outstanding dedication to our coastal environment with the 2021 Coastal Stewardship Award. High school seniors from the 20 North Carolina coastal counties were invited to apply for the award and share their accomplishments and
![Beaufort adds Permeable Parking Strip to Soak in the Rain on Orange St.](https://www.nccoast.org/wp-content/plugins/pt-content-views-pro/public/assets/images/lazy_image.png)
Beaufort adds Permeable Parking Strip to Soak in the Rain on Orange St.
Ocean, N.C. - The North Carolina Land and Water Fund recently supported an innovative stormwater project that is transforming a typical paved street in the Town of Beaufort into a stormwater treatment device. The North Carolina Coastal Federation and Town utilized the grant funding to ensure a scheduled capital improvement
![Press Release Icon](https://www.nccoast.org/wp-content/plugins/pt-content-views-pro/public/assets/images/lazy_image.png)
Conservation Corps Partners with Coastal Federation to Restore Coast
OCEAN, N.C. - This spring, Conservation Corps North Carolina (CCNC) will work alongside the North Carolina Coastal Federation to complete several restoration projects. This partnership is made possible by a generous grant from Duke Energy Foundation. "We’re pleased to support projects like this that protect and expand access to North
![Oyster Bag Living Shoreline](https://www.nccoast.org/wp-content/plugins/pt-content-views-pro/public/assets/images/lazy_image.png)
Living Shoreline Construction Begins in Topsail
Oyster bag living shorelines effectively stabilize eroding shorelines and also preserve the coastal environment. Photo By: Restoration Systems LLC TOPSAIL, N.C. - The Town of Topsail Beach is partnering with the North Carolina Coastal Federation to install four living shoreline demonstration projects to reduce soundside erosion and maintain valuable fisheries