Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership

06/17/2026

The amount of seagrass in North Carolina's estuaries has decreased more than 16% over a 14-year period, according to a new assessment of survey data between 2006 and 2020.

APNEP and partners have since intensified and expanded seagrass monitoring efforts, completing surveys of the Albemarle-Pamlico estuary from 2021 to 2025 that will support future assessments of this valuable resource.
Find more information here: https://apnep.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/06/17/updated-analysis-shows-north-carolinas-seagrass-habitat-still-declining

06/11/2026

06/11/2026

Welcome to our Species Series! Did you know, more than half of the carnivorous plant species found in the United States are native to North Carolina, most of them in the coastal plain of APNEP’s region? These plants are a living testament to how biodiverse our region is and reminds us that protecting their habitat means protecting one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. 🌿

06/08/2026

Please join us in welcoming APNEP’s 2026 Communications and Outreach Interns, Mackenzie and Dylan! 🌿

Mackenzie is a rising senior at studying Environmental & Ecological Sciences. She is interested in environmental education and outreach, as well as meteorology and climate action initiatives. 

Dylan is a rising junior at majoring in Environmental Studies and Journalism. Having grown up on the Tar River in Elm City, NC, Dylan brings a personal stake to his work and hopes to protect the water systems he loves through education and conservation.

We are excited to welcome them aboard and look forward to having their help this summer. Keep an eye out for some of their upcoming content 👀

06/02/2026

Today is World Peatlands Day! 🌿

In North Carolina, “peatland” and “pocosin” are often used interchangeably. More accurately, all pocosins are peatlands, but not all peatlands are pocosins. Peatlands offer many ecological benefits including the ability to lock away large amounts of carbon, storing more than double the amount of carbon in all of earth’s forests combined! They also act as natural sponges and can help filter runoff during large storms and flooding events.

APNEP is partnering with the NC Natural Heritage Program to inventory peatlands across the region. The data will directly inform conservation priorities, restoration targets, and water quality protections for years to come. Visit apnep.nc.gov or sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on more efforts like this!

05/22/2026

A land acquisition in North Carolina is safeguarding diverse wildlife habitats while expanding public access, thereby preserving the natural beauty and ecological richness of the landscape for generations to come.

The land boasts diverse habitat ideal for wild turkey, white-tailed deer, black bear, and various wildlife species. It includes four miles of frontage along the Bay River, and Smith and Newton Creeks.

Get out and explore!
https://coast.noaa.gov/states/stories/public-game-lands.html

05/21/2026

As temperatures rise, DEQ’s Division of Water Resources reminds the public to avoid contact with discolored water that could indicate the presence of an algal bloom.

Report suspected algal blooms online or call your Division of Water Resources regional office: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/deb256fcc1134bbc83b72c80109392f1