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image: humpback whale underwater.

Nov 24, 2025

Would a humpback whale pass a basic human eye test?

Some whale species may see the world differently than we assumed.
image: red drum.

Oct 27, 2025

Does pharmaceutical pollution pose a risk to red drum?

A new study of Florida estuaries reveals potential impacts on the health of the species.
image: Recreational boater family cruises the ICW behind Figure Eight Island.

Aug 29, 2025

Can boating cause carbon monoxide poisoning?

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

Jun 16, 2025

Have lionfish numbers peaked on the East Coast?

A long-term study reveals unexpected trends.
image: orca pod.

May 5, 2025

Are killer whales swimming off the North Carolina coast?

Sightings of orcas are extremely rare, and most occur in two seasons.
image: black sea bass on a reef.

Apr 28, 2025

What’s the best way to count reef fish?

Scientists compared two methods — high definition video and wire traps — to see which better sampled an array of fish off the Southeast coast.

Jan 20, 2025

Where are red snapper thriving?

New research sheds light on habitat preferences and regional trends.
Top left: Three prominent ocellated spots form a triangle on the body of Gulf flounder. Top right: On summer flounder, five ocellated spots form a pattern like the five side of a die. Bottom: Southern flounder have non-ocellated spots. Courtesy of the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries

Jan 13, 2025

The Most Popular Hook, Line & Science Posts from 2024 

Flounder identification, potential nuclear war impacts, and blue land crabs found the most readers.
image: bluefin tuna.

Dec 30, 2024

Why do some anglers target bluefin tuna while others do not?

The answer partially depends on annual income.
image: striped bass.

Oct 28, 2024

Does it matter how you catch a striped bass?

A new study suggests that how you land a fish could make a real difference when it comes time to release it.