Leave a comment

North Topsail Beach Schedules Meeting.

channelmarkernews

The North Topsail Beach Board of Alderman has scheduled a special meeting for Thursday May 7, at 630 pm. As we went to Press the Town also called for an emergency meeting for May 6th. We will cover the outcome of it when it is known. Discussion of the ban on Weekly Rentals due to Covid-19 will occur. A decision likely will be made as to extending or removing the ban that is scheduled to expire May 8. Also on the agenda is a review of candidates to fill a vacant seat on the Board of Alderman. The vacancy was … Continue reading North Topsail Beach Schedules Meeting.

Leave a comment

Ocean sees Annual Spring Warm up, Updated Cobia limits.

channelmarkernews

Seawater surface temperatures nearshore got in to the upper 60’s this week as the sun lingers longer in the sky. Popular with the local Fishermen, temps in this range can lead to exceptional catches for those angling on Onslow Bay. Cobia usually show up in good numbers at this point in the Spring, along with the Fishers who target them . Minimum size limit is 36 inches, measured from mouth to split in fork on tail. To see more click the link below. Continue reading Ocean sees Annual Spring Warm up, Updated Cobia limits.

Leave a comment

Commercial Crabbing at Inlets Closed

channelmarkernews

The Division of Marine Fisheries has closed the harvesting of Blue Crabs “By any Means” starting May 1 at all the inlets on Onslow Bay. From Cape Lookout to Cape Fear, the banks and surrounding inland waters will be closed to any commercial crabbing until Oct 31. The use of crab pots, dredges, and similar devices are all outlawed in these areas during this period. Heavily used recreational areas such as Bouge, New River, New Topsail, Masonboro, and Carolina Beach Inlet were all included. A popular activity for many that frequent these inlets will now be protected in the summer … Continue reading Commercial Crabbing at Inlets Closed

Leave a comment

Onslow Commissioners issue Covid-19 Re-Opening Resolution.

channelmarkernews

Monday evening the Onslow County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution to Phase-in Reopening of the County. Mostly citing statistics and urging the State to follow Federal guidelines, No restrictions were lifted nor were any new ones enacted, by the resolution. Resolutions like this are normal business for local boards. Often put out out in support of one side or another in a social debate. No laws, regulations, or ordinances were established by this Resolution. Read the document itself below. Continue reading Onslow Commissioners issue Covid-19 Re-Opening Resolution.

1 Comment

Merritt Dredges at New River Inlet.

channelmarkernews

For the past week the Army Corp of Engineers have been conducting regular maintenance dredging of the New River Inlet. Historically the navigable channel here has been shifting, filling, and sliding around, causing a headache for those who traverse it. Some years it takes a more northerly track, but right now it is trending straight out to sea. The inlet sees the Merritt work about twice to three times a year, depending on workload caused by other inlets in our area. Shrimpers, Fishers, and Boaters of walks of life use this inlet daily. The Merritt is a side casting dredge … Continue reading Merritt Dredges at New River Inlet.

Leave a comment
Sticky post

Wrightsville Beach Access Re-Opened, Parking Still Limited.

channelmarkernews

Town Leaders in Wrightsville Beach issued a press release and proclamation re-opening it’s beach strand beginning Monday at Noon. To enjoy the sand, one must be in movement, walking or exercising. Popular beach activities such as fishing, sunbathing, “games”, dogs, or any related equipment will not be allowed on the beach. All Town owned parking lots will remained closed. There will be limited parking available for commerce, but the order specifically states that these public parking areas shall not be used as parking for beach goers. More exact parking rules can be found in the release for those that will … Continue reading Wrightsville Beach Access Re-Opened, Parking Still Limited.

Leave a comment

“Free to Roam” Topsail Island Beaches are open for footprints.

channelmarkernews

On Saturday the Town of Surf City removed it’s ban on simply walking on the beach. This brings the Town in line with the other two municipalities that Surf City shares the island with. Although access to the beach strand itself was blocked by the Town for Covid-19, Topsail Beach and North Topsail Beach, never actually closed off the beach itself. For those that are packing the car now to head down for the day, wait. Although the island’s beaches are free to recreate, there is no public parking at any of crossovers or entry points. The Town of Topsail … Continue reading “Free to Roam” Topsail Island Beaches are open for footprints.