North Carolina Sea Grant and the Water Resources Research Institute of the University of North Carolina system are seeking qualified applicants to lead the extension efforts of the two state/federal partnership programs. Contact: Katie Mosher, kmosher@ncsu.edu, 919-515-9069 Susan White, snwhite3@ncsu.edu, 919-515-2455

North Carolina Sea Grant is looking for a science writer/digital content specialist for its award-winning communications team. The final candidate in this position will use a variety of media to share information developed through Sea Grant’s research and outreach on myriad topics related to North Carolina’s coastal ecosystems, watersheds and economies. Contact: Katie Mosher, 919-515-9069, kmosher@ncsu.edu

The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics came out on top at this year’s Blue Heron Bowl. As first place finishers, the team will go on to compete at the 2017 National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB), April 20 to 23 at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. The competition, a regional qualifying event for the national program, focuses on marine science, with a theme this year of “Blue Energy – Powering the Planet with our Ocean.” Contact: Katie Mosher, NC Sea Grant, 919-515-9069, kmosher@ncsu.edu

Scientists can play a critical role in informing public policy, yet most scientists lack the experience of working directly with government leaders in the lawmaking process. Now, teams in nine U.S. states — including North Carolina — will receive a planning grant to evaluate the potential to create a policy fellowship for scientists and engineers in their state capital. The new grant is administered by the California Council on Science and Technology, or CCST, to encourage other states to replicate or adapt its successful CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship. Contact: Andrew George, Duke University, ang16@duke.edu Karl Bates, Duke University, Karl.Bates@duke.edu Katie Mosher, North Carolina Sea Grant, kmosher@ncsu.edu, 919-515-9069

Efforts to remove derelict crab pots and other lost fishing gear from coastal waters will expand statewide in 2017 thanks to funding from the North Carolina General Assembly, with North Carolina Sea Grant as the administrator of the new funding. The efforts by the North Carolina Coastal Federation and the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries are designed to improve habitat and water quality, as well as support coastal economies. Contact: John Fear, North Carolina Sea Grant, 919-515-9104, jmfear@ncsu.edu Sara Hallas, North Carolina Coastal Federation, 272-473-1607, sarajh@nccoast.org