Shared Photo: Sunrise Skiff – Coastal Review
A fishing skiff anchored at the North River Bridge in Otway, in Carteret County, is nearly silhouetted at dawn recently. Photo: Doug Waters, coastalreview.org.
CRUISERS NET
Cruisers Helping Cruisers
Comprehensive cruising resource for the Intracoastal Waterways
from Norfolk to the Northern Gulf and Bahamas.
from Norfolk to the Northern Gulf and Bahamas.
FREE to use due to the generosity of our sponsors - please patronize them
Whales that use echolocation mistake plastic for prey: study – Coastal Review
Click here for Whales that use echolocation mistake plastic for prey: study
11/08/2024 by Jennifer Allen
CoastalReview,orgBe the first to comment!
Ocracoke a beacon of maritime history, quiet attraction – Coastal Review
A kitesurfer harnesses the wind in waters near Teaches Hole Channel off Ocracoke Island in 2017. Photo: Mark Hibbs Read more at Coastal Review, coastalreview.org.
Click here for Ocracoke a beacon of maritime history, quiet attraction
CoastalReview.org
11/07/2024 by Eric MedlinBe the first to comment!
Fishing is for the birds, and they can show you how, where Coastal Review
Behold the pelican, its beak can hold more than its belly can. Photo: Gordon Churchill Read more at Coastal Review, coastalreview.org.
Click here for Fishing is for the birds, and they can show you how, where
by Capt. Gordon Churchill
CoastalReview.orgBe the first to comment!
ICW Follies: Outside We Go to Manteo. Cut That Mark! – Peter Swanson
Click here for ICW Follies: Outside We Go to Manteo. Cut That Mark!
NOTE: Unless you have recent and very specific local knowledge, Cruisers Net does not recommend Oregon Inlet.
Be the first to comment!
Coastal Currents: Your Update on Restoration, Exploration, and Celebrations – NC Coastal Federation
Dear Friends of the Coast, This month has been a busy one for staff here at the Coastal Federation. Last week, some of our team was able to travel up to Washington D.C., to take part in the Restore America’s Estuaries Conference, where they presented our work on oysters, water quality, salt marshes and marine debris to a national audience and spent time collaborating with a wide range of federal, state, and local partners.
This newsletter also has updates on everything from oyster “shellebrations” to educational excursions to new merchandise – there’s plenty to explore and get involved in.
Finally, we want to take a moment to recognize the devastation that Hurricane Helene brought to western North Carolina. Those communities have supported our recovery from many past storms, and we are here for them now. If you haven’t already, we hope you’ll consider joining us in making a donation to your charity organization of choice to support their ongoing recovery efforts.
We hope to see you soon at the coast!
Braxton Davis
-Executive Director
The Federation and TowBoat US along with support from the Town of Morehead City and other partners recently removed a 32-foot sailboat anchored near Big Rock Landing that had succumbed to the heavy rainfall and sunk to the bottom of the channel. Abandoned and Derelict Vessels (ADVs), such as this, pose major threats to recreation, wildlife, and water quality. After many years of navigating the world of ADV removal, we know the faster these vessels can be removed, the better for the environment and the safety of other boats out on the water.
The boat removal process itself can take several hours and requires a lot of work from crews utilizing inflatables and water pumps in a coordinated effort to bring the sailboat up.The process of gathering the correct permissions and coordinating crews for ADV removals is often slow. Thanks to the recent adoption of City Ordinance NO. 2024-O-10 by the Town of Morehead City the Federation and its partners were able to get this job done in record time!
Longer, dryer droughts, warmer seasons year-round — the outlook for wildfires is increasingly grim as North Carolina rapidly grows with already more acreage considered wildland-urban interface than any other state. Explore the growing concern about the state’s wildfire risk and the factors causing this increased danger in the latest series from Coastal Review Assistant Editor Jennifer Allen.
Read More!
October is designated as NC Oyster Month and we have been shellebrating our favorite bivalve so far this month and there are still plenty of opportunities to join us at an upcoming event! In the northeast region, you can jump on a kayak and join us for our Oysters Uncovered: A Farm-to-Fork Experience. Where you’ll not only get to paddle out on our demonstration oyster lease and learn all about oysters and oyster farming you’ll also get to enjoy samples of amazing fresh oysters at Dune Street Rawbar & Grill.
Oysters are considered one of the most important species to our estuaries for the number of benefits they provide including helping to filter and clean water, providing habitat for countless other species, and they are pretty amazing to eat too! As you enjoy oysters this fall we hope you’ll also remember to recycle your oyster shells at one of our drop-off locations around the coast.The Federation uses these shells in many of our restoration projects.
Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting 26 students from Elizabeth City State University’s HBCUs Outside cohort for an unforgettable day of exploration and learning at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. The weather was perfect, with sunny skies and perfect conditions for adventure!
Before joining us at Jockey’s Ridge, the students had the chance to explore the maritime forest Nags Head Woods, another intriguing coastal habitat.
For many students, this was their first time visiting Jockey’s Ridge, and it was an incredible opportunity to experience the park’s diverse ecosystems. Our day began with a visit to the Jockey’s Ridge Visitors Center, followed by lunch and an engaging private program led by Park Ranger Justin Barnes.
The group then embarked on a guided hike across the living dune, exploring various habitats on the way to the living shoreline. Just in time for National Estuaries Week, we learned about the estuarine system near the dunes, explored the water and nearby trails, and even had the chance to contribute to the Coastal Federation’s restoration project by planting salt marsh cord grasses.
It was a day filled with learning, fun, and connecting with nature. We were thrilled to see how enthusiastic this group was about all they learned!
Fall birding cruises are happening right now and we hope you’ll sign up and join local birding experts for an educational cruise on the White Oak River in Swansboro. The group will slowly cruise on a covered ferryboat through the estuaries in and around the White Oak River and Bogue Sound, including Huggins and Bear Islands, looking for resident and migratory birds. Participants will meet at the Lady Swan Boat Tours dock in downtown Swansboro and are asked to bring their binoculars, water, and a snack, and dress appropriately for the weather.The next birding cruise will be on October 20, but there are several more scheduled over the coming months so be sure to secure your spot!
Thank you to everyone who has inquired recently about completing charitable distributions from an individual retirement account (IRA).For those of us aged 70½ and older, giving to the Federation through your IRA is a qualified charitable distribution that, in most cases, can count toward your required minimum distribution.
You can also support the coast by donating stock to the Federation.
Both of these giving options are easy to do and now is a great time to cross this off your list! Please contact Sarah King via email or at 252-393-8185 for more information, and so we can be on the lookout for your gift!
As the weather cools down, we have partnered with Recover, an eco-friendly clothing brand, to introduce new hoodie and t-shirt options! We hope you’ll take advantage of this limited-edition offering.
Shop Now!
- Homes on North Carolina’s coast continue collapsing as erosion worsens – The Daily Climate
- NC Oyster Month makes October a shucking good time – CoastalReview.Org
- New project to build storm-resistant reefs and improve water quality in Pamlico Sound – ABC15
- Officials face barriers in finding a solution to threatened oceanfront structures – WTKR
- Groups who joined to take on marine debris assess progress – CoastalReview.Org
FOLLOW US
3609 N.C. 24 (Ocean), Newport, NC 28570
Tel: 252-393-8185Be the first to comment!
Good News from Dismal Swamp Canal, AICW Alternate Route
The Dismal Swamp Route departs the southbound Waterway at MM 7.2 and northbound via the Pasquatank River. Our thanks to Sarah Hill for this invitation from Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
Good Morning!
Hope all is well! Passing along some fall images from the Dismal Swamp Canal & Dismal Swamp State Park- we’re starting to see some autumn colors pop up.
Happy to report from recent boaters, very little to no duckweed- no issues. Locks & drawbridges operating on normal schedule.
We’ve put together a few “Know before you go” DSC Boating tips on our website:
https://www.dismalswampwelcomecenter.com/boating-paddling
Please feel free to share.
Many thanks to everyone cruising the historic waterway ~ we look forward to seeing you soon!
Sarah
Sarah Hill, TMP
Director, Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome CenterChairperson, Camden County Tourism Development Authority
2356 US Hwy 17 North, South Mills, NC 27976
252-771-8333 | shill@camdencountync.gov www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com 
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Herve
Just pass the canal on 10/29-30 /24. 6 feet of water and wonderful stop at the visitor center. A beautiful trip in a serein environment. No rag weeds. A first for us and I am glad we did it.
-
AIWA October 2024 Newsletter
Cruisers Net is proud to be a member of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association whose lobbying work is crucial to keeping the Waterway navigable and safe. Your membership dollars directly support their vital work. Please join and encourage your boating neighbors to do likewise, regardless of their homeport.
One month away! AIWA’s 25th Anniversary Annual Meeting
November 18-20, 2024
Charleston, SCThe AIWA’s 25th Anniversary Annual Meeting is fast approaching and we hope you are making plans to attend and learn from a distinguished group of speakers and network with fellow waterway stakeholders. In addition to confirmed speakers, we are expecting leaders from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. DOT Maritime Administration, and NOAA to attend this year’s celebratory annual meeting in Charleston, South Carolina. The program will include: - State of the Waterway presentations of recently completed projects and upcoming projects for all USACE Districts along the waterway in 2025
- Beneficial use of dredged material and natural infrastructure, including representatives from industry, universities and federal agencies
- Waterway closures and impacts to stakeholders and M-95
- Dredging challenges and safety issues
- Emerging technologies and solutions
- and more!
We expect to finalize the agenda in the next couple of weeks. If there are topics you would like to see added to the 25th anniversary program, please contact us at aiwa@atlanticintracoastal.net.
Early registration rates and the hotel room block close on October 18, and we encourage you to make your plans today!
Sponsorships are available beginning at $525 and includes one event registration.
Registration information, sponsor opportunities, and hotel information can be found on our conference web page. https://
atlanticintracoastal.org/ annual-meeting-2024 Congress Passes Continuing Resolution for
FY2025 Appropriations Bills
After their August recess, Congress returned to Washington with a looming government shutdown at the end of September. After a false start and posturing by a number of members of Congress and outside influences, The House passed a relatively “clean” continuing resolution on September 25. The continuing resolution was then taken up and passed by the U.S. Senate on the same day and subsequently signed by President Biden on September 26, which keeps federal agencies open through December 20th.In making the decision to only pass a three-month extension, the tables are set for another Congressional showdown right before Christmas. While Congress doesn’t have to wait until the last minute, it is highly unlikely that any movement will take place prior to mid-December with Congress out of session until after the election. Passing a three-month extension was the most palatable option for both political parties since each side is gambling that their party will control more votes needed for passage after the election. The best case scenario for the waterway would be for Congress to pass the Energy & Water Appropriations bill in December, but the reality is that if either party controls both the House and Senate after the election, there will likely be another continuing resolution so that controlling party can exert their will to pass new appropriations bills, especially if they also control the presidency. If the House and Senate remain as is, there will be a stronger push to pass the appropriations bills and have a clean slate for the new Congress in January 2025.
In the table below is the current breakdown of funding as it stands today (same as last month). In addition, the House and Senate have also included the following amounts in the Additional Dredging Needs funding pots which we are eligible to receive.
- General Navigation – House: $931.945 million, Senate: $20 million
- Inland Waterways – House: $50 million, Senate: $64.987 million
- Small, Remote & Subsistence Navigation – House: $90 million, Senate: $329,178 million
Updated Local Notice to Mariners (LNM 40/24):
New Waterway Closure Schedule for Onslow Beach Swing Bridge Replacement near Camp Lejuene, NCAfter a multi-month suspension of construction activities to construct a new bridge to replace the Onslow Beach Swing Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, mile 240.7, at Camp Lejeune, NC, the U.S. Coast Guard has given the green light again for the contractor to perform in water construction activities that require multi-day shutdowns of the waterway for two weeks in November. To facilitate construction of the bascule span (structural steel), the new bridge will remain in the closed-to-navigation position and will not be able to open at any time during the extended bridge closure periods, as reflected below: - from 7 a.m. on Monday, November 4, 2024, through 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 7, 2024
- from 7 a.m. on Monday, November 18, 2024, through 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2024
While additional work will be performed at other times with limited waterway openings, during the time periods listed above there will be no openings for waterway users. We encourage everyone to read the full Local Notice to Mariners by clicking here. The specific section related to this project begins on page 33 of 61.
Through efforts undertaken by Mr. Robert Sherer and other recreational boating partners along with input from our commercial members, the AIWA was able to highlight that there are “no good weeks” in the fall for waterway shutdowns. Although we were unable to successfully remove full closures, the U.S. Coast Guard invited and listened to our concerns regarding the waterway closure and pushed the closures back to the last month of hurricane season, reduced the initially requested closures to one quarter of the request, integrated a construction cancellation plan for incoming heavy weather, and took into account the semi-annual snow bird migration.
We know that our engagement on behalf of the waterway users made a difference and we want to thank the U.S. Coast Guard for inviting our engagement in this project.
See you this November in Charleston, SC! 
Copyright © 2024. Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association. All rights reserved. The AIWA is a national non-profit organization with the mission of securing funding and support for the maintenance of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. We are the only organization dedicated to ensuring the future of the AIWW and proudly represent all stakeholders of the waterway.
Contact:
Atlantic Instracoastal Waterway Association
5a Market | Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 379-1151 | atlanticintracoastal.orgBe the first to comment!
LNM: Neuse/Trent River RR Bridge, Closed until Further Notice, New Bern, NC
With a closed vertical clearance of 14ft, the Alfred Cunningham Bridge connects New Bern and James City crossing the intersection of the Trent and Neuse Rivers. New Bern is home to CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, New Bern Grand Marina on the northern banks of the Trent River.
MARINERS BE ADVISED THAT THE NEUSE RIVER RAILROAD BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED FOR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Cunningham Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of New Bern Grand Marina
Be the first to comment!
Live, work and ❣️ – NC Coastal Federation
Dear Reader, Ready to dive in? Your new membership to the Coastal Federation supports:
- implementing nature-based stormwater strategies;
- restoring oysters;
- protecting and restoring salt marshes;
- advocating for sustainable coastal policy;
- eliminating marine debris.
Join us in keeping our coast a healthy place to live, work and play, and be entered to win a weekend stay at the Beaufort Hotel.
Save the coast!
Your membership at any level enters you in the drawing for a weekend for two in Beaufort, NC while your dollars help protect and restore our beautiful coast.You could win:
- Weekend stay for two at the Beaufort Hotel, named #1 “Best Boutique Hotel” in America by USA Today, with breakfast at 34º North
- $50 gift card to Kitty Hawk Kites (Beaufort)
- $25 gift card to Backstreet Pub
- Expert local advice from friends of the Coastal Federation
Share the coast!
Once you have joined, or if you are already a member, you can refer a friend to earn another raffle entry!Thank you!
-Kelly Bodie, Membership DirectorNews | Events | Give | Coastal Review | Forward to a Friend | Subscribe North Carolina Coastal Federation
3609 Highway 24 (Ocean) Newport, NC 28570
252-393-8185www.nccoast.org Be the first to comment!
A Forgotten People: Bohemian oyster shuckers on NC coast by David Cecelski
Click here for A Forgotten People: Bohemian oyster shuckers on NC coast
CoastalReview.orgBe the first to comment!
Change in Town Docking Regulations – Oriental, NC
Oriental is home to longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Oriental Marina and Inn, lying on the eastern banks of inner Oriental Harbor. Our thanks to Bob423 for this information.
Click Here To View the Cruisers Net North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Oriental Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Oriental Marina
Be the first to comment!
Beaufort to extend dock operator’s lease, reset selection – Coastal Review
Click here for Beaufort to extend dock operator’s lease, reset selection
CoastalReview.orgSee Beaufort residents blast dock operator selection process
CoastalReview.orgBe the first to comment!
Lost riverfront destination, Bayview Hotel nearly forgotten – Coastal Review
Guests at the Bayview Hotel flock to the sandy bank of the Pamlico River during the establishment’s heyday. Photo courtesy Historic Port of Washington Project Read more at Coastal Review, coastalreview.org.
Click here for Lost riverfront destination, Bayview Hotel nearly forgotten
CoastalReview.orgBe the first to comment!
Indigenous tobacco from ancient seeds: History comes alive – Coastal Review
Click here for Indigenous tobacco from ancient seeds: History comes alive
Be the first to comment!
Camden County Events ~ Save the Dates! Dismal Swamp Welcome Station, NC
The Dismal Swamp Route departs the southbound Waterway at MM 7.2 and northbound via the Pasquatank River. Our thanks to Sarah Hill for this invitation from Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
Good Morning!
Please save the dates! We’ve got several fall community events planned in Camden County, home of Dismal Swamp State Park, and we hope you will join us to celebrate our local heritage and nature.
*Our Camden Heritage Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 21st, 2024 from 10am-3pm at Camden Community Park (125 Noblitt Dr., Camden, NC 27921). We are super excited to kick off the day with a performance from the award winning Camden County Bands along with local live entertainment throughout the day. This year’s festivities will include living history re-enactors from the 1st NC Regiment of the Continental Line from Tryon Palace, as we commemorate America 250 NC. We hope you’ll join us for a great community day filled with craft vendors, petting zoo, local business displays, K9 demos, carriage rides, classic cars, food trucks, antique tractors, axe throwing & so much more!
*The Dismal Swamp State Park (2294 US Hwy 17 N, South Mills, NC 27976) will host their 10th Annual Dismal Day event, October 12, highlighting the swamp’s rich natural & cultural history from 10am-2pm. The day kicks off with a 5K Fun Run/Walk along the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail. Don’t miss delicious food, music, wagon rides through the swamp, paddling on the canal, OBX Lizard Land reptiles, craft & activities celebrating the “Year of the Bear”, and educational exhibits.
If you are interested in being a vendor – please let us know. (Camden Heritage Festival Registration ends 8/30/24)
Additional event information coming soon. Please feel free to share, post & print.
Thank you for your continued support and we hope you will be able to join us!
Many thanks,
Sarah Hill, TMP
Director, Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome CenterChairperson, Camden County Tourism Development Authority2356 US Hwy 17 North, South Mills, NC 27976
252-771-8333 | shill@camdencountync.gov www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com Be the first to comment!
Life on the Water at Albemarle Plantation, Hertford, NC
Albemarle Plantation Marina, a port on the Albemarle Loop and a CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located just off the AICW on the northern shores of Albemarle Sound on Yeopim River/Creek.
ON THE WATER…AND LOVIN’ IT!
Life on the water means more at Albemarle Plantation.
Water is big at Albemarle Plantation, an authentic coastal community set along the deep blue waters of the Albemarle Sound. This immense coastal estuary is the second largest in America. The water gives life a special energy here.
Could the vast, glittering waters of the Albemarle Sound inspire your next adventure? READ MORE »
143 HIGHLAND PONY DRIVE 2,189 SF • 3 BEDS • 2 BATHS • 3-CAR GARAGE
SET ON A BEAUTIFUL .38 ACRE HOMESITE
$ 500,900MOVE-IN READY + LIMITED TIME SPECIAL INCENTIVES! 
Discover Albemarle Plantation | Book A Tour | Contact Us 
128 Lakeside Drive, Hertford, NC 27944 • (800) 523-5958 • (252) 426-4653 The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and may change at any time without notice. AP Realty Company, LLC/Broker Be the first to comment!
UPDATE: LNM: AICW MM 240.7 Onslow Beach Bridge Open during Construction, Camp LeJeune, NC
NC – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY (AICW) – NORTH CAROLINA CUT
Mariners are advised that a construction firm, on behalf of U. S. Marine Corps. Base Camp Lejeune, will continue to construct a new bridge to replace the Onslow Beach Swing Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, mile 240.7, at Camp Lejeune, NC. Construction activities which began in October 2022, are expected to finish in February 2025. The new bridge will remain open to navigation. The navigational channel of the bridge will be unrestricted at all times. Mariners should navigate the waterway with extreme caution and due regard for prevailing conditions on the waterway.
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers Net Bridge Directory Listing For Onslow Beach Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Onslow Beach Bridge
Be the first to comment!
Good Words for Belhaven Marina, Belhaven, NC, AICW MM 135, Pungo River
Belhaven Marina sits on the northern shore of Pantego Creek south of the Alligator River – Pungo River Canal and is A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
Click Here To View the NC Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing for Belhaven Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Belhaven Marina
Be the first to comment!
Social Media Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com
Be the first to comment!