Heather Divoky is featured at Cape Fear Native

Heather Divoky is our featured artist this month. Her collection - "Seeking Harmony: Man Meets Nature" - will be featured through June 26th.

Heather graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in Art History. Although she loves the history of art and considers herself a scholar, Heather also is an active participant in the art world as both a traditional artist and a graphic designer. Her aesthetic philosophy is often informed by history, past and current, though she maintains a whimsical, magical style uniquely her own.

With bursts of color and incredible detail, Heather's inspirations are varied and often (though not always) include Mesoamerican Art, Outsider Art, and the Art Nouveau period. In her latest endeavor, Heather is exploring the simple interaction of raw nature and human attachment. She brings these two ideas together harmoniously through her typical use of ink and marker, but also by investigating new mediums such as wire and cloth. These concepts and materiel combine to create a fun, interesting view of harmony between man and nature.












more...

Cape Fear Native Features Heather McLelland's Ceramics

This month at Cape Fear Native we're featuring local ceramics artist Heather McLelland.  Her collection of jugs, bowls, mugs, trays, spoon rests and whiskey cups will delight you with their colorful and whimsical designs.  The collection is on display until May 22nd. 

A truly talented potter, Heather describes her approach to her art.

"As an artist I am trying to gain perspective and knowledge of clay and its potential. The focus of my work is to blend the lines of ancient and modern ideas, while letting the people close to me and my natural surroundings influence me. Putting myself in foreign places allows me to see what my influences are and how they have become a part my daily routine. The comfort I feel when making utilitarian pots allows me to embrace the routine in my chaotic life.

"In our fast paced world with its ever-changing societal values, I believe creating with clay allows me to work in the light of patience, while using my hands allow me to express my thoughts as a stream of conscience evolving design. This approach allows me to see my work as not just for domestic use, but as a personal journey through the process of creating a piece.

"I hope that my pots invite the user to ask questions, hold or bond with the piece and have it become a part of their daily routine, in whatever form that may be. "

Come by and pick out your favorite piece - for a gift or for your own pleasure!




more...

Featured at Cape Fear Native is Lativa Accents & art

    
     This month our featured artist is Lativa Accents and Art with Claudia Bustamante. Bustamante designs beautiful eco-friendly jewelry from native materials of Colombia, including tagua seeds, coconut shells and bombono seeds. Quite the entrepreneur and artist, she is expanding her brand to include locally hand-roasted coffee from her native country's coffee beans.
     " I was born in Colombia South America. Since I was little, I was always passionate about writing, art, languages and travel. I went to art school for two years and received a degree in advertising design. Later on, I followed one of my other dreams to be a journalist, so I got my Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications/Journalism, the career that I love the most.
     "While living in London in 2001, I took a trip to Colombia to visit my parents and had the opportunity to learn how to make eco-friendly jewelry. From that moment, I started developing my passion for art and jewelry. I was so inspired learning how to use natural elements from my own country to create unique jewelry pieces that people love.
     "In 2004, my journalism career brought me to Wilmington to work as a director for a Latino magazine. The magazine did not survive, but this change gave me the positive opportunity to achieve another dream – having my own business designing eco-friendly jewelry. The following year I created LATIVA Accents & Art, eco-friendly. I was lucky enough to have my own store in downtown Wilmington for almost a year.
     "Since then, my business is expanding and now I have my jewelry pieces in four retail stores around the area. As a part of my business, in 2012 we expanded our Lativa brand and created Lativa coffee Company, artisan roasted Colombian coffee, hand-roasted locally in Wilmington. This business is growing hand in hand with my jewelry business. I’m fortunate to have achieved so many things up to now, and I still want to reach more goals as a business owner and entrepreneur. I want to see my two businesses grow and expand around the United States and, maybe, one day overseas.
     "I feel lucky and thankful that I can do what I love the most and follow my dreams through all these years: write, design and be my own boss. My best reward is when I see my customers so impressed with my jewelry and enjoying a fresh cup of Lativa coffee. That's priceless!"
 

more...

Featured artist is Ryan Stokes

Featured this month at Cape Fear Native are the strikingly beautiful paintings of Ryan Stokes. Stokes paints on reclaimed and river wood from the Cape Fear.

A native North Carolinian, Stokes holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Appalachian State. He has worked in graphic arts locally for ten years, starting Ryan Stokes Art as a way to showcase his unique approach. "I have experimented with many different mediums from painting, wood building, stone sculpture and photography," he shares. "Much of my art is a reflection of what is going on in my life. Common themes that run throughout are internal struggle, desire, transformation and exhilaration."

"I draw inspriation from the natural beauty of this great state," Stokes continues. "My most recent works are created on reclaimed wood from the Wilmington area. I came up with a unique process of using a combination of different paints and stains to create abstract images. This creates a rich surface texture and makes the images pop off the wood, creating depth. Specific areas are left bare to let the natural beauty of the wood shine through."



more...

Bid on art and gifts to benefit Mother Hubbard's Cupboard

Here at Cape Fear Native, we're having a month-long food drive to benefit Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard. For a donation of $1 or a canned good, you can bid on a variety of locally-made art, river wood crafts, pottery, photos, bags, jewelry and tiles. Bidding will continue until January 22, with partial proceeds benefitting the Cupboard.

“We understand that many families in our community lack the funds to have the kind of holiday meals that many of us enjoy,” says Kass Fincher, owner of Cape Fear Native. “The volunteers at Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard do an amazing job in gathering and distributing food for these folks, and we wanted to pitch in and help them raise money to stock their shelves.”

Located at 114 Princess Street in downtown Wilmington, Cape Fear Native features the works of local artists and craftspeople inspired by nature. Here you’ll find original paintings on canvas and reclaimed river wood, handmade jewelry, local photography, sail bags, pottery, wood products, tiles, note cards, historic maps, books and our exclusive Wilmington city map tees/totes/prints.

more...

Samantha Evans is featured artist this month

Samantha Evans of Reborn Designs is a talented metal and jewelry designer.  Her collection will be featured starting November 23rd at Cape Fear Native.

Evans describes her work. “Reborn Designs are inspired by nature. From the brilliant colors of the enamels to the underlying sterling silver or copper base, I use natural materials and themes for my jewelry. I craft each piece by hand, making every Reborn Design an original work of art.

“I find serenity at the beach and many of my designs reflect the sea. I offer consultations to design a custom jewelry piece that signifies your source of strength or peace. I hope you enjoy wearing your Reborn Design as much as I have enjoyed creating it."

Join us for Evans' opening reception on Friday, November 23rd, 6 - 9 PM. Her collection will be featured until December 27th.







more...

Jared Tramaglini is featured artist this month

Featured this month at Cape Fear Native is Jared Tramaglini, a self-taught artist who tries to capture the simplistic beauty of nature. Heavily influenced by time spent sailing the Caribbean and exploring the Colorado Rockies, Jared’s work lifts the spirit, exuberant in nature’s beauty.

“I want my work to encourage people to keep their heads up while they walk down the street and appreciate the colors, animals and plants that surround us on a daily basis. The outdoors has, and continues to play a crucial role in my mental and spiritual well-being. I just want to pass that positive light on any way I can. I find it an achievement if, after viewing my work, people take on a different perspective about the community they live in. Wilmington is a beautiful and diverse pocket in the world to live, but only if we embrace it and keep a positive outlook.”

Join us for "Passages in Flight," Tramaglini's opening reception on Friday, October 26, 6 - 9 PM.  His wonderful collection will hang until November 22.  Check out some of his work here.  You can also shop online here for the work of Jared and others represented at Cape Fear Native.





more...

Cape Fear Native features Libby Cullen

 
Libby Cullen, fine art photographer, is the featured artist at Cape Fear Native this month, with "Coastal Views," a wonderful collection of local landscape photography.  The show will be up until October 24th. Stop by and register to win a free print!

Libby Cullen is an educator and an architectural and fine art photographer. Her work has been published in magazines and shown in museums and galleries. Some of Cullen's work is in the permanent collection of the High Museum of Atlanta. During her longtime residency in Washington, DC, Cullen taught photography at American University, Gallaudet University, and the Smithsonian Institution. She continues to offer photography workshops in Alexandria, Virginia and Wilmington, North Carolina.

Cullen describes her passion for the area. “For the past few years, I have observed the Coast on foot and in kayak. This perpetually varying tableau, resultant of seasonal changes, tides, wildlife, and human activity, continues to motivate me to document the delicate relationship.”

Past exhibitions include: Art Exposure - Hampstead, NC, Beijing Federation of the Arts - Beijing, China, Corcoran Gallery of Art - Washington DC, Erie Art Center - Erie, PA, George Mason Fine Art Gallery - Fairfax,VA, High Museum of Atlanta, GA, Howe Outrageous Gallery - Southport, NC, Kathleen Ewing Gallery - Washington, DC, Maryland Federation of Art - Annapolis, MD, Masur Museum of Art - Monroe, LA, MC Erny Gallery at WHQR - Wilmington, NC, Sandy Spring Museum - Sandy Spring, MD.

more...

Scott Baker wins Sea Grant Regional Outreach Award

Scott Baker, North Carolina Sea Grant fisheries specialist, was selected for the 2012 South Atlantic Sea Grant Regional Outreach Award. He was recognized for leading a study that resulted in Community Supported Fisheries, or CSFs, and other promising new business models. The project has helped to enhance sustainable incomes for fishermen, while educating consumers about the seasonality, quality and diversity of local seafood, as well as the traditions of fishing communities.

“Scott has been a leader in the development of innovative methods for North Carolina fishing families to market their wild-caught products. His ideas and concepts are making a difference, not only here in our state, but around the country as well,” says Jack Thigpen, Sea Grant extension director.

Baker first envisioned a direct-marketing arrangement for local seafood, similar to Community Supported Agriculture. He helped guide a pilot project supported by the N.C. Fishery Resource Grant Program, which is funded by the N.C. General Assembly and administered by Sea Grant. Although the study ended in 2008, results are ongoing.

Communities in Alaska, California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, South Carolina, Australia and Canada have embraced the CSF model. Fishermen who operate or belong to CSFs can sell seafood at premium prices to customers. Direct sales also mean more money returns to fishing communities, which enhances their economic vitality. Above all, CSFs have demonstrated how commercial fishermen, communities and consumers can connect over locally harvested seafood.

This CSF work was featured in the Winter 2010 issue of Coastwatch.

Every two years, each of the six Sea Grant regions sponsors outreach awards. The South Atlantic region covers North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Puerto Rico. Baker now will compete with other regional recipients in the national competition, with the overall winner being announced in September.

more...

State records smashed with queen trigger and gag grouper catches

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries officially certified two state record fish catches Friday. A Jacksonville man broke the state queen trigger fish record with a 10 pound, 11 ounce fish caught July 3, and a Newport man established the state gag grouper record with a 43 pound, 8 ounce fish caught May 12.

Benjamin Peterson of Jacksonville caught the queen trigger 55 miles out New River Inlet using squid as bait on a Shimano Trevela rod and Shimano Sarasota 18000 reel with Power Pro 65 pound test braided fishing line. It measured 23.5 inches fork length (tip of the nose to fork in the tail) and had a 22-inch girth. Peterson’s queen trigger replaces the previous state record of 10 pounds, 5 ounces, set in 2011. The world record queen trigger was 14 pounds, 3 ounces, when it was caught in Mexico in 2009.

David Abernathy of Newport established the state record for gag grouper with a 43 pound, 8 ounce fish caught off Morehead City using a Roscoe jig on a Shimano Saragosa reel and Star Spinning rod with a 65-pound test fishing line. It measured 45 inches total length (tip of the nose to tip of the tail) and had a 31.5-inch girth. North Carolina previously did not have a state record gag grouper.

To establish a state record fish, the angler must submit an application that is then reviewed by N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries staff and a N.C. Saltwater Fishing Tournament Advisory Board. The fish must be exceptionally large for North Carolina waters and within a reasonable range of the world record. The world record gag grouper was 80 pounds, 6 ounces, caught off of Florida in 1993. 

more...

Aquarium Gallery showcases wood burning art

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher’s newest installation in the Spadefish Gallery combines elements of fire and water in “Ocean Pyrography: The Art of Mary Jane Mumpower.” The new exhibit, which opened July 1 and runs through the end of September, features images of aquatic animals and marine environments fluidly seared into wood.

Through pyrography, or wood burning techniques, artist Mary Jane Mumpower creates detailed scenes with varied textures and patterns making her art visual and tactile.

“It is my hope that the pieces I have on exhibit here will convey the diversity of techniques I taught myself while exploring this wonderful art form,” says Mumpower, a Jacksonville native. Mumpower began her artistic journey at a young age and received formal training in drawing, painting and sculpture at Coastal Carolina Community College. Unafraid to try her hand at new ways to express herself, she also made jewelry, sculpted and took commissions for mural work. Yet, pyrography truly ignited Mumpower’s artistic passion and captured her focus for the past several years.

The Spadefish Gallery at the Aquarium showcases local artists throughout the year. Artwork that coincides with the Aquarium’s mission of “inspiring appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environment” is located on the second floor of the Marine Building.

more...

Reach out to a baby shark

Visitors to the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher can now hear, "Go ahead, touch the shark."

Some may balk at the suggestion to willingly extend their hands in a shark-filled pool. Yet, Aquarium staff designed a unique and safe animal interaction in a new Bamboo Shark exhibit. The touch pool features two species of baby bamboo sharks, whitespotted (Chiloscyllium plagiosum ) and brownbanded (Chiloscyllium punctatum), and a low-profile design to make it easily accessible to small children.

"The new Bamboo Shark exhibit will offer our guests an incredible experience," said Hap Fatzinger, husbandry curator. "Our hope is that by touching one of these amazing animals people will consider sharks less fearsome and take the time to understand their importance in the balance of the world's oceans."

Additionally, the exhibit offers visitors a bigger picture of shark populations and diversity world-wide, Fatzinger said. Whitespotted and brownbanded bamboo sharks are considered harmless to humans and are listed as "Near Threatened" on the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red List. Both species are native to the Indo-West Pacific Ocean region. They differ vastly from the three North Carolina native shark species currently on exhibit at the Aquarium: the bonnethead, the sand tiger and the sandbar.

more...

Aquarium's Coastal Champions get hands-on experience

Most teens don’t wake early on a Saturday morning excited to slog ankle deep in smelly marsh mud, clean trash along the Cape Fear River or cut and weigh bait fish to feed horseshoe crabs. Yet a dozen students from New Hanover High School and one from Laney High applied to do that and much more in the Coastal Champions program.

While other teens are headed to the mall or the beach for leisure time, the Coastal Champions make the most of their spring Saturdays. The students, ages 14 to 17, meet early, travel together to the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher and spend hours immersed in hands-on activities, exploring the natural world and developing skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The Aquarium’s Coastal Champions program is in its second year and receives funding from Connect a Million Minds, Time Warner Cable’s 5-year, $100 million philanthropic initiative addressing America’s declining proficiency in STEM. Each week brings new adventures and learning opportunities to the Coastal Champions. They calculate ratios used to make salt water for Aquarium operations, weigh and measure fish food for optimal animal health, learn and share conservation facts with Aquarium visitors and more.

Field trips are part of the Coastal Champions experience. One recent Saturday, the group hiked to the salt marsh, cast nets, and caught shrimp and blue crab to study the animals and their habitat. On another trip they cruised the Cape Fear River by boat, witnessing the down-river environmental impact of trash and increased salinity of the waterway.

Gabriela Gutierrez knows there are other things she could be doing with her time, but said the Coastal Champions program is where she’d rather be. “I enjoy every second I have been here,” said Gabriela. “I love the ocean and it is a great opportunity to help and learn at the same time.”

The Coastal Champions share what they see and learn through blogging, videos and posts on the program’s Beach Reach Facebook page. “After spending a morning at UNC-W, we learned that harbor seals are an important part of the ocean ecosystem, and are also great divers,” one post read. “They hold more oxygen in their hemoglobin than humans so they can stay underwater longer.”

Aquarium educators work side-by-side with the students to pump up the fun and the learning. “We work hard to vary the experiences the students have and give them maximum exposure to STEM concepts,” said Jennifer Metzler-Fiorino, education curator at the Aquarium. “The Coastal Champions program cultivates an interest in marine science and offers ‘wow’ moments every week for the students.”

Selection for the program is based on the teens’ strong interest in science and involvement in the New Hanover County Schools’ AVID program, which helps prepare students who qualify for additional help preparing for college. When the 2012 program ends in June, the Aquarium rewards three Coastal Champions for their commitment and involvement with paid summer internships.

Stay tuned to www.connectamillionminds.com and www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher to follow the students’ stories of their marine experiences.

more...

Students work to preserve Civil War ship artifacts

This past week, the Department of Cultural Resources' Underwater Archaeology Branch (UAB) in conjunction with Fort Fisher State Historic Site and the Friends of Fort Fisher worked with students from East Carolina University's Maritime History Program and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington as they catalogued and preserved artifacts from the Blockade Runner Modern Greece.

The artifacts, previously held in outdoor tanks, needed to be cleaned, recorded, catalogued, photographed and organized. The students from ECU and UNCW worked tirelessly to make sure this significant find of Civil War era objects would be preserved for the future. Among their efforts were surprising new finds of British Enfield Rifles, Bowie knives, leg irons, bayonets and other war materials, as well as household and farm items such as files, chisels, scissors, knives, forks, spoons, hoe heads and picks.

Watch their process here.

more...

StriperFest winner snags a big one

Cord Hieronymus, a native of Wrightsville Beach with over 25 years of fishing and navigation experience, won for tagged striped bass in last weekend's catch and release StriperFest Tournament sponsored by Cape Fear River Watch. He grew up in a family that had a fishhouse and a dad that ran a commercial fishing boat.

Running a large variety of boats ranging from sportfishers to commercial King Mackerel and Tuna fishing vessels, Cord is a seasoned United States Coast Guard licensed captain who specializes in finding quality fish as quickly as possible and provides an enjoyable experience for both novice and seasoned anglers. Captain Cord is full time charter and commercial Captain.

Congrats to Cord and all the participants in this most successful striper tournament yet!

more...

Babies bring out new visitors to the Aquarium

A yearling green sea turtle, a school of juvenile African pompano and four baby bonnethead sharks now make their home in the “Shadows on the Sand” exhibit at the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

Move-in began in recent weeks. First, five baby bonnethead sharks (Syphyrna tiburo) joined a variety of rays already living in the exhibit. The shark siblings, all female, were born at the Aquarium in September. Their mother can be seen swimming in the Cape Fear Shoals exhibit.

Next, a yearling green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) joined the bonnethead pups. This animal hatched from eggs found in a late-laid nest in Emerald Isle and arrived at the Aquarium in December 2010. The turtle initially weighed one ounce (28 grams) and measured 2.28 inches (5.8 centimeters). Now significantly larger, the yearling will help educate visitors about the federally protected species.

After staff determined the sharks and turtle were acclimating to their new surroundings and each other, a school of juvenile African pompano (Alectis ciliaris) were added to the exhibit. These fish were collected from Core and Pamlico Sounds and sport spectacular trailing dorsal fins.

“Shadows on the Sand gives visitors a glimpse into a nursery of sorts,” says Aquarium Curator Hap Fatzinger. “Here Aquarium staff feed and care for these young animals as they grow and visitors can compare them with the more mature animals, including bonnetheads and African pompano, found in other exhibits.”

more...

Local man completes journey for water

Brook Hinman just completed his 3,400 mile journey, from the Oregon coast to Carolina Beach, walking across the country to support clean water for people all over the world. Brook raised over $25,000 for the nonprofit charity:water.

From their website, Brook's wife Angel documents the journey and its purpose:

"Brook is walking this summer for a variety of purposes, most important being to help the Water Walkers all over the world. Women and children are the primary individuals responsible for fetching water in developing countries; this means kids often have to take time out of school and playing to walk miles on unsafe trails and often without protection. These Water Walkers are subject to sexual predators and kidnappers on their walks. Even if the walk is safe from abuse, which it rarely is, these women and children are usually walking without proper shoes and lifting extremely heavy loads for extended periods of time that can lead to growth and back problems. Brook hopes to gain just a little first hand experience about these women and children's walks, while raising awareness about their daily plight.

"Brook is also just a rambler; that is to say, he love to wander, travel and explore. This walk is in many ways his foray into extreme adventuring and has filled his life with fulfilling work. I am along for the greatest material any aspiring writer could ask for, as well as helping to make a difference in this world. My traveling buddy, our son K.O., is keeping me occupied, but when I am not keeping K.O. from scaling major heights and taking over the world, I am writing to chronicle our trip, keeping our family and friends updated, and most of all, working on raising awareness and donations for the good people at charity: water.

"We love what we have been blessed with this summer. God has truly given us the wild side of provision, and we give Him all the glory, and thank all the kind individuals out there that are helping to make this summer one of beauty, life, and adventure."

More info on charity:water here.

more...

Buy local fish in season

Want to find out what local seafood is available by season? And what to look for this fall that's in season?

The NC Sea Grant, the NC Aquariums and the NC Division of Marine Fisheries have put together a guide for each season that you can download. Go here for Autumn, here for Winter, here for Summer, here for Spring.

And want more help on making sure your seafood purchase is fresh? Here are some things to look for.

FRESH FISH
*Eyes that are bright, clear, full, and often protruding. As a fish deteriorates, the eyes become cloudy, pink, and sunken.
*Gills that are bright red or pink and free from slime. Avoid fish with gills that are dull pink, gray, brown, or green.
*Flesh that is firm and elastic and springs back when pressed gently with the finger. It should not separate from the bone. As fish ages, the flesh becomes soft and slimy, and slips away from the bone. The flesh of fillets should be firm and elastic, and have a fresh-cut appearance with no browning or drying around the edges.
*Skin that is shiny and not faded, with scales that adhere tightly. Characteristic colors and markings fade as a fresh fish gets older.
*An intestinal cavity that is pink, with a bright red blood streak. The streak should not be dark or brown.
*An odor that is fresh and mild. Fish fresh from the water have no fishy smell.

FRESH SHRIMP
*A mild odor and firm meat, are not slippery, and retain their natural color. Beware of shrimp that are bright pink or red, or that suffer from black spot, a defect that is a sign of age or poor handling.

COOKED SHRIMP
*Red shells and meat with a red tint. They should have no disagreeable odor.

LIVE CRABS AND LOBSTER
*Show movement of the legs.

COOKED CRABS AND LOBSTER
*Should have a bright red color and no disagreeable odor.

CLAMS AND OYSTERS IN THE SHELL Should be alive. Shells should be tightly closed or should close tightly when tapped.

North Carolina Sea Grant has developed a chart - Quality Counts - that helps guide consumers in selecting North Carolina seafood. Listing 11 types of seafood, the chart describes what to look for and what to avoid for each seafood type.


more...

Vote for this photo!

Mike Melnotte - a Wilmington photographer - needs your votes.

His entry in the Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest with National Geographic was picked as one of 12 finalists out of almost 6,000 other entries.

The photo of his daughter with a ladybug on her nose is called "Trust."  Perhaps something larger than a ladybug would have been less trustworthy.

Mike's photo is currently in first place in the Family/Community category.

Let's help him win!  Vote for it here.

more...

New triggerfish record

 
A Greensboro man reeled in a state record queen triggerfish during a recent fishing trip off Wrightsville Beach. William Timothy Cox of Greensboro caught the 10-pound, 5-ounce fish May 22 at Same Ole Hole, located about 40 miles off Wrightsville Beach.

The fish measured 30 inches from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail and had a 23-inch girth. He was fishing on a private vessel and caught the fish using cut bait on 80-pound line test with a Billfisher Rod and Penn 11414 reel. This establishes a new state record queen triggerfish; no prior state record existed.

To establish a new state record, the fish must be within reasonable range of the world record and exceptionally large for North Carolina, as determined by N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries staff and a N.C. Saltwater Fishing Tournament Advisory Board. The world record queen triggerfish was 14-pounds, 3 ounces, caught off Cancun, Mexico in 2009.

For more information, contact Carole Willis, N.C. Saltwater Fishing Tournament coordinator with the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries at (252) 808-8081 or Carole.Y.Willis@ncdenr.gov.

more...

Wilmington man sets new state blackfin tuna record

A Wilmington man set a new state blackfin tuna record with a 40 pound, 11 ounce fish caught off Wrightsville Beach in May.

Michael C. Accattato caught the fish May 10, breaking the former state record of 40 pounds, caught off Oregon Inlet in 2007. The fish measured 39 inches total length and 29.5 inches around the girth.

Accattato used a Synit Pe3 Shimano Stella 8000 SW rod and reel with a Williamson Jet popper lure on 70-pound test line. He was fishing with Capt. Richard Crosson, Jr. of Living Waters Guide Service in Wilmington.

The world record blackfin tuna weighed 49 pounds, 6 ounces and was caught off Marathon, Fla. in 2006.

For more information, contact Carole Willis, N.C. Saltwater Fishing Tournament coordinator with the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries at (252) 808-8081 or Carole.Y.Willis@ncdenr.gov.

more...

Jaws comes to the Aquarium

Coming in mid-June to the Aquarium at Fort Fisher is a one big set of jaws.

"Megaladon: Diving with North Carolina’s Ultimate Predator" will present the replicated jaws of an extinct fish with teeth four-six inches long. The huge shark-like animal was probably 50-60 feet long. Megalodon ruled the sea from 20 million to about two million years ago. Climate change during this time may have caused their extinction by altering the migratory routes of whales, which was the food of choice for Megalodon.

The Aquarium’s replicated jaw has an interesting story. The original Megalodon teeth were found in Aurora, NC – a full set. Megalodons had four rows of teeth. Most Megalodon models use two or three teeth molds repeated on each row. This jaw is made from molds from the complete set: four rows of each individual tooth. 

The various artifacts and fun features of the display will allow visitors an opportunity to test their shark smarts as they learn about the extinct predator of the deep. Aquarium visitors will also learn more about modern day sharks which face similar threats and how important these species are for healthy ocean ecosystems.

...from Aquarium News

more...

Fort Fisher gets a facelift

 

Fort Fisher was the site of a tremendous planting effort last month designed to improve public access, treat stormwater runoff and restore wetland habitat. Staff members and volunteers from Cape Fear Resource, Conservation & Development and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission planted 175 native trees and shrubs, including red cedars, wax myrtles, live oaks and beautyberry.

Funding for the purchase of the trees and shrubs came from a NC General Assembly grant. The March planting represents the final phase of a much larger restoration project completed through the work of the Zeke's Basin Advisory Committee, NC Wildlife Resources Commission, New Hanover County, Fort Fisher Aquarium, NC Coastal Federation and several other entities.

more...

Master Gardeners answer your questions

Want answers to questions about what and when to plant vegetables? Or what shrubs are best suited for your backyard?

Master Gardeners are trained volunteers willing to share their time and expertise to help you garden more successfully. The Master Gardener Program is part of the educational outreach of North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

Volunteers offer ‘Ask a Master Gardener’ clinics, held the second Wednesday of each month (April – October) at the Poplar Grove Farmer’s Market in Hampstead, 9am – 1pm, as well as the third Monday of each month (April – October) at the Pender County Public Library in Hampstead, 10am – 1pm.

Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer your gardening questions throughout the Poplar Grove Herb and Garden Fair, coming up March 26 and 27 at Poplar Grove Plantation in Hampstead ($5 admission).

more...

CFCC Marine Tech program targeted for budget cuts

At Cape Fear Community College, the Marine Technology program provides skills for careers in marine scientific support. Students receive classroom training as well as practical training aboard their ship. The curriculum prepares individuals to use and maintain sophisticated equipment such as electronic navigation devices, physical and chemical measuring instruments, sampling devices, and data acquisition and reduction systems aboard ocean-going and smaller vessels. The students spend a minimum of 30 days at sea during their two years in the program. Additional periods are spent off campus conducting marine projects relating to the estuaries, bays, and marshes of the area.


The program is approved by the department of community colleges to conduct cooperative education programs with sponsoring marine agences. Credits are often transferable to four year institutions offering related degrees.  The research vessel Dan Moore is their ocean-going training vessel. The ship is a 30 meter fisheries research vessel formerly operated by the State of NC Division of Commercial and Sport Fisheries. In addition to the Dan Moore, the school also operates a variety of small craft and has its own dock, chemical and biological laboratories, net loft, fishing gear shop, electrical lab, welding shop, woodworking shop, and oceanographic equipment repair and calibration facility.

Unfortunately, the Marine Technology program has been targeted for elimination in Governor Perdue’s budget. The students, staff and friends are urging the community to call our local representatives to demand continued funding.

Watch slideshows of recent training voyages.

more...

Spadefish Gallery offers new exhibit

The Spadefish Gallery at the Aquarium has a new exhibit entitled “High Surf Advisory.” The works are by world acclaimed artist Gary Cleaveland with Red Flag Surf Studio. Cleaveland is a self taught artist who uses the rhythm of ocean tides as his muse to create sensational works of art.

Cleaveland catches the raw beauty of waves using an array of non-traditional mediums. He captures deep blues, vibrant turquoises and crisp whites by using cans of ordinary spray paint. This exhibit showcases a stunning collection of original, recently completed, large-scale, wave paintings.

Works are for sale and can be purchased by contacting the artist directly at www.redflagsurfstudio.com. “High Surf Advisory” will be on exhibit March 1 - April 28, 2011.

The Spadefish Gallery at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher showcases local artists throughout the year. Artwork that coincides with the Aquarium’s mission of “Inspiring Appreciation and Conservation of North Carolina’s Aquatic Environment” is located on the second floor of the Marine building, near the auditorium.

more...

The Bluefish Society supports UNCW Center for Marine Science

When you join the Bluefish Society - the annual giving program of the UNCW Center for Marine Science - you are helping CMS scientists and staff provide outreach services like the Planet Ocean Seminar series and information on local, regional and national environmental issues. Contributions to the Bluefish Society provide CMS with a steady source of unrestricted funds, which are indispensable, given the fiscal challenges facing the State of North Carolina and its public universities. Funding for outreach programs has been drastically reduced in recent years, largely due to budget cuts within the UNC system and the diminished financial returns from endowments established for CMS.
Since bluefish operate most effectively in schools, if you join this “school” of Bluefish Society donors, you can personally help to keep the outreach tradition at CMS afloat. Bluefish Society contributors receive advance notice and registration for preferred seating for the popular Planet Ocean Seminars, invitations to selected special events at the center, donor name(s) on a poster displayed in our lobby, discounts on the excellent Odyssey programs offered by UNCW’s Public Service Department, and a handsome Bluefish Society lapel pin.

Contributors also have the opportunity to interact with world-renowned scientists, high-level government officials, and other environmental experts featured at Planet Ocean Seminars.

An individual membership is $75 per year; membership for a couple is $150; family membership is $200 per year.

For further details, call  910-962-2301.

View and print Bluefish information sheet.

Download, print and complete membership application.

more...

NC Division of Marine Fisheries changes rules after striper kill

The NC Division of Marine Fisheries monitors and manages commercial and recreational fishing practices.  A recent incident involving a striped bass catch and kill demonstrates the challenges this agency faces.

On January 15, an overloaded fishing net prompted fishermen on a commercial trawler to release thousands of striped bass they caught Saturday off of Bodie Island. After towing through a school of striped bass, fishermen on the commercial trawler Jamie Lynn found the net was so full it was too heavy to bring onto the boat. In order to retrieve the net, the fishermen had to open it and release the fish, the boat captain said. The boat captain estimated 3,000 to 4,000 fish were released from the net.

Many recreational and commercial fishermen picked up the discarded fish. When Marine Patrol officers arrived on the scene, there were approximately 250 dead fish. The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries confirmed the specifics of the event through an eyewitness account and an interview with the boat captain.


Staff with the division were unable to confirm reports that commercial trawl fishermen were high-grading. High-grading occurs when a fisherman discards a previously-caught, legal-sized fish in order to keep a larger fish within the daily possession limit. While high-grading is not illegal, it is not an ethical fishing practice and the division does not condone it. For this reason, the division put in place management measures designed to limit discard mortality. They replaced the current 50-fish-per-day commercial trip limit, which has been in place for 15 years, with a 2,000-pound-per-day trip limit. To avoid the need to throw back dead fish, commercial fishermen will be allowed to transfer trip limits to other fishing vessels that hold a striped bass ocean fishing permit for the commercial trawl fishery. The transfers must be made in the ocean.

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission will review these actions at its Feb. 11 meeting in Pine Knoll Shores. The division opens and closes North Carolina’s commercial ocean striped bass fishery and sets trip limits under a quota system set out in the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Striped Bass. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is a compact of 15 East Coast states that manages migratory fish in state waters (within three miles from shore).

North Carolina’s share of the coast-wide commercial ocean striped bass annual quota is 480,480 pounds. It is split evenly between three commercial fisheries: the trawl fishery, the gill net fishery and the beach seine fishery. Approximately 110,000 pounds remains of the 160,160-pound quota for the trawl fishery this year. This is the first time in several years that N.C. commercial fishermen have come close to catching their quota. Discards are a part of all fisheries, and the division strives to implement measures that minimize waste in all the fisheries it manages.

According to a 2010 Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission report, coast-wide commercial landings of striped bass in 2008 totaled more than a million fish; commercial discards were estimated at 395,400 fish. Coast-wide recreational landings in 2008 totaled more than 2 million fish. Recreational discards were estimated at more than a million fish. Estimated discards are factored into stock assessments, and the most recent stock assessment for striped bass found that the species is healthy.

It is incumbent upon all fishermen – commercial and recreational – to use common sense in the way they fish. Commercial trawl fishermen should limit their tow times to avoid overburdened nets. Recreational fishermen should practice ethical angling techniques. Fishing responsibly today will help ensure there will be fish in the future.

more...

Cape Fear Sail and Power Squadron teaches safe boating

The Cape Fear Sail and Power Squadron is a non-profit organization dedicated to safe boating education and promoting high standards of navigation and seamanship.

The squadron is a unit of District 27 of the United States Power Squadron.

This squadron covers the greater Wilmington area, with the Cape Fear River to to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. It has over 200 members, divided between power boaters and sailors. Several times a year they conduct boating safety classes for the general public. Throughout the year, they teach advanced and elective courses for members.

A member can progress from basic boating knowledge to advanced navigation through the comprehensive courses offered. Members can also take courses in marine electronics, sail, engine maintenance, cruise planning, weather, and many other specialty interests.

The CFSPS also does courtesy Vessel Safety Checks (VSC) for any boat owners in the area, and they assist NOAA by verifying nautical charts through a program called Cooperative Charting. All their educational efforts still leaves room for fun. The group meets monthly and schedules group cruises throughout the year.

Membership information is here.  Calendar of events is here.

more...

NC Aquarium Spade Art Gallery

The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is featuring a new exhibit -"Look Again" in the newly renovated Spadefish Gallery until February 25. Artist Sabrina Buchanan is a senior at Ashley High School. Sabrina plans to attend Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia next year, where she will continue to focus on her craft.

Buchanan says, “As an artist it's in my job description to entertain the viewer. I enjoy being able to reveal beauty or uniqueness in the everyday so many of my works are extremely detailed and vibrantly colored.” Buchanan’s works of art have been featured at several local businesses, including the Surf House in Carolina Beach. Her works have been on display in collective art shows, including the CARE and the Women’s Works art shows. She has received several awards, such as three Scholastic Gold Keys at the regional level and one National Scholastic Key, which won her a display in New York City. Although she utilizes several mediums in her art, her favorite medium is colored pencil because of the intense color and ability to create fine detail.

The Spadefish Gallery at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher showcases local artists throughout the year. Artwork that coincides with the Aquarium’s mission of “Inspiring Appreciation and Conservation of North Carolina’s Aquatic Environment” is located on the second floor, near the auditorium. Artwork is available for purchase by contacting the artist.

 ... from Aquarium news

more...

Research Vessel Cape Fear

UNCW's Marine Science Center operates a 70-foot research vessel called the Cape Fear.  The boat is used for research, training and educational cruises nearby or far away.  Operations are conducted from the Chesapeake Bay all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.

Many may not know that the boat is available for charter, accommodating eight scientists and two crew for extended trips, or larger groups/classes for day cruises within 20 miles of shore.  Typical work aboard the Cape Fear include diving operations, side scan and seismic surveys and oceanographic instrument deployment and retrieval.

The Cape Fear can cruise at 13 knots, weighs 77 tons, carries 1800 gallons of fuel, with a Twin Cat 3406 - 700 horsepower engine.  It is constructed of fiberglass and features six independent watertight compartments.  The aft work area deck is 600 square feet, with a canopy covering 75% of the area.  It has a water-level dive platform and a steering station on the aft work deck. 

For more information, contact Captain Jay Styron, at styronj@uncw.edu.




more...

North Carolina Clean Marinas

 

Three coastal marinas have been certified as North Carolina Clean Marinas, a designation given to marinas that go beyond the state's environmental regulations. The Joyner Marina in Carolina Beach, River Dunes Marina in Oriental, and Manteo Waterfront Marina earned the status as North Carolina Clean Marinas.

The Clean Marina program illustrates how marina operators can help safeguard the environment by using management and operation techniques that exceed environmental requirements. To earn the certification, the marina's owners prepare spill prevention plans and conduct safety and emergency planning. Marina operators also control boat maintenance activities to protect water quality. Marinas must complete the recertification process every two years in order to retain their certification as a North Carolina Clean Marina.

In addition to the three newcomers, 14 coastal marinas have been recertified as North Carolina Clean Marinas. They are:

• NOAA Center for Coastal Fisheries and Habitat Research, Beaufort • New Bern Grand Marina, New Bern • Northwest Creek Marina, New Bern • Radio Island Marina Club, Beaufort • Seapath Yacht Club, Wrightsville Beach • Town Creek Marina, Beaufort • Bayliss Boat Yard, Wanchese • Caspers Marina, Swansboro • Cypress Landing Marina, Chocowinity • Deatons Yacht Services, Oriental • Duke University Marine Lab, Beaufort • Harbor Village Marina, Hampstead • Masonboro Yacht Club and Marina, Wilmington • Matthews Point Marina, Havelock N.C.

In addition to the 17 certified marinas mentioned above, the Cape Fear Marina/Bennett Brothers Yachts in Wilmington and Southport Marina have also been certified as Clean Marinas. The North Carolina program is a partnership between N.C. Boating Industry Services, the N.C. Marine Trade Association, the N.C. Division of Coastal Management, the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program, N.C. Sea Grant, the U.S. Power Squadron, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and N.C. Big Sweep.

more...