Safety

image: Boaters and their dog speed south down the Intracoastal Waterway near Figure Eight Island.

Jul 3, 2025

Boating under the influence can be lethal.

Any level of alcohol intake increases the risk of death on the water.

Jun 9, 2025

What happens to abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear?

A new study suggests how much ghost gear might be out there.

image: Recreational boater family cruises the ICW behind Figure Eight Island.

Jul 4, 2024

Can boating cause carbon monoxide poisoning?

Danger is in the air — and you can’t see or smell it.

May 23, 2024

Are you wearing a life jacket?

A social media campaign sheds new light on an old challenge. And you can spread the word, too.

image: Natural reef off the Florida coast.

Nov 6, 2023

Should We Be Worried About Ciguatera Fish Poisoning in Offshore NC Waters?

Reef composition and changing environmental factors are key to better understanding this potential threat.

image: microscope's view of Vibrio vulnificus.

Sep 1, 2023

How Can We Avoid Vibrio Infections?

Safety guidelines can help you steer clear of Vibrio infections. And you can learn when it’s time to get help.

Mar 13, 2023

Do Fish Consumption Advisories Account for Enough Harmful Chemicals?

New research suggests that fish consumption advisories should account for a broader range of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that could affect health.

Dec 26, 2022

Are the Number of Adults with Shellfish Allergies Increasing?

Research shows that nearly 3% of adults in our country are allergic to shellfish.

image: Gulf Coast red tide. Credit: NOAA.

Sep 26, 2022

What Can Twitter Tell Us About Red Tides?

A new study compared tweets and scientific counts of algae during a year-long red tide.

Sep 1, 2022

Can Boating Cause Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?