Gareth McGrath

A dispute over shellfish leases in coastal North Carolina is escalating as a moratorium in New Hanover County nears expiration USA TODAY NETWORK

Experts say a developing weather pattern thousands of miles away in the tropical Pacific could help keep this a relatively calm 2026 hurricane season.

A new Wilmington chapter of a major climate group aims to teach people on how to demand change for PFAS and other issues.

Long associated with the N.C. coast, oysters are a delicacy that can be challenging to raise due to factors on and off the water

Proposed legislation would soften the state's long-standing ban on hardened structures on beaches. Opponents say the move would be shortsighted.

Gareth McGrath, USA TODAY NETWORK In a ceremony bringing an end to a multi-year effort to protect the popular and undeveloped southern tip of Topsail Island, the N.C.

May 20, 2026, 5:02 a.m. ET

After a dismal calving season last year, the North Atlantic right whale saw more than double the number of births this season. But the population remains tiny.

Many Wilmington-area beaches are seeing fresh injections of sand. But as nourishment costs rise, is that a long-term answer to growing erosion challenges?

The Trump administration wants to scale back some Biden-era rules covering PFAS limits in drinking water. Clean water advocates say that's a mistake.