Aboard the Natty Lou on The Straits,
from Bland Simpson’s “The Straits by Skipjack.” Credit: Barbara Garrity-Blake.
Inside the Spring 2024 issue…
ICE TO OCEAN
From the Sources of Sea Level Rise to the Coast of North Carolina
An ecological transformation of coastal NC has begun.
By Dave Shaw
SUNNY WITH A CHANCE OF FLOODS
Scientists and locals tackle chronic flooding.
By Marlo Chapman
THE STRAITS BY SKIPJACK
“If Hell ever comes, it’ll come from the southwest.”
By Bland Simpson
THE RIP CURRENTS SAFETY POSTER
Share this poster. Print it out, put it up, and save a life.
WARMING WATERS
New Study Links 50-year Trend in Atlantic Hurricane Escalation to Climate Change
“More than 90 percent of the warming we’re seeing from
human-caused greenhouse gases goes into our oceans.”
by Stephen R. Levine
THE GUIDE TO COASTAL LIVING
Living shorelines provide invaluable benefits to our communities and coast.
by Anika Pruim, Ashley Caine, and Mark Polk
COASTWATCH CLASSROOM
The Impact of Sea Level Rise on Tidal Marshes
This lesson plan offers an interactive slideshow and much more.
by Allie Best
HOOK, LINE & SCIENCE
Fishing at Wind Farms, Live Imaging Sonar, and More
What if new tech made fishing more like catching?
by Scott Baker and Ruthie Froning
NATURALIST’S NOTEBOOK
Are Fishing and Boating Regulations Protecting Endangered Whales?
Some whales face sizable threats.
by Maya Afilalo
VITAL SIGNS
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Hit Highest Levels
“We need to change policy and approaches in the light of the latest evidence
about the state of the climate system. Time is no longer on our side.”
by David Lewis
EMERGING CONTAMINANTS
Mystery in the Cape Fear
New testing reveals eight unrecorded forms of PFAS.
by Hanne Parks
CREATURE FEATURE
Conan O’Brien Worms, Sea Dragons, and Ocean Aliens
The ocean contains no shortage of curiosities.
by Marlo Chapman
HEALTH SCIENCE
Can Fish Bones Protect Us from the Sun?
We may have a healthier option than the UV filters now in use in sunscreens.
by Hanne Parks
CRAB WATCH
What’s the Deal with that Weird Big Blue Crab on the Beach?
A new species has arrived, and, well, check your garage.
by Sara Mirabilio
MARINER’S MENU
Spring’s Savory Dishes
Broiled soft crabs with basil butter — and more great recipes.
by Vanda Lewis and Joyce Taylor
CURRENTS
The Coastal Conference returns to the coast this year — and more of the latest news.