North Carolina Aquarium

Description

· Three coastal facilities comprise the North Carolina Aquariums. They are located on Roanoke Island, at Pine Knoll Shores near Atlantic Beach, and at Fort Fisher south of Wilmington. · The Mission of the Aquariums, stated simply, is to "inspire appreciation and conservation of North Carolina's aquatic environments." · The Aquariums are operated by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources in cooperation with the Aquarium Society. Other agencies within the Department include the North Carolina Zoo, State Parks, Marine Fisheries and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. · The Aquariums have been nationally accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association since 1990. · Facilities include Aquarium galleries, touch tanks, interactive exhibits, and auditoriums, classrooms, meeting rooms, nature trails and gift shops. The Aquarium staff consists of personnel in education, exhibits, animal husbandry, research and conservation, operations, visitor and member services and administration