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What’s the Deal with that Big Blue Crab on the Beach?

Critters

From turtles to tree frogs to naked sea butterflies, we’ve published material on all kinds of critters. And there’s much more in our Sharks section, too.

image: snapping turtle.

Jun 23, 2025

Turtle Road

"One time, a strong early-middle-aged man showed up at my cabin, shirt and arms all covered in blood. He had just tried to get a snapper off of Old Greensboro Highway with a stick and his bare hands and arms, and that beast had bitten and slashed him till he looked as if he had been in a knife fight..."
image: blue crab.

Jun 3, 2025

Will North Carolina’s Blue Crabs Go Extinct?

Environmental stressors may push blue crab populations to their breaking point.

image: Diamondback Terrapin.

Mar 25, 2025

Gearing Up

A new study shows that small gear adjustments can make a big impact.

Dec 16, 2024

The 2024 NC Coastal Conference in Review

The 2024 North Carolina Coastal Conference on November 13 and 14 in New Bern brought together over 330 coastal enthusiasts for insightful presentations and discussions about the future of North…

Oct 16, 2024

Hook, Line & Science

The latest science on shrinking fish, saving Manta Rays, and tracking species by measuring environmental DNA.

Oct 16, 2024

Tracking Loggerheads

Satellite tagging on Bald Head Island reveals that loggerheads cover long distances up and down the East Coast — and beyond.

Sep 18, 2024

The Undersea Vision of Fabien Cousteau

PROTEUS™ — the undersea equivalent of the International Space Station — will speed scientific discovery and spur medical breakthroughs. 

Jun 28, 2024

Seashells of North Carolina

Seashells are icons of our North Carolina coast, offering inspiration for art and science. They provide the history of family vacations and ancient communities as well as ecosystems past and present.

Jun 26, 2024

Vital Signs: Caribbean Creep

“Fouling” species — such as sea squirts, bivalves, barnacles, and seaweeds — can create substantial communities that cover docks, piers, and boat bottoms.
image: blue land crab emerging from hole.

Mar 26, 2024

What’s the Deal with that Big Blue Crab on the Beach?

A new species has arrived in North Carolina — and you might even find one in your garage.