The North Carolina Aquariums plan to preserve a cherished coastal tradition that storms and economics have nearly erased. Work has begun on three educational ocean fishing pier complexes, to be operated in conjunction with the state Aquariums.

The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, in partnership with the Town of Emerald Isle, will begin planning, design and site preparation for a sound-to-sea fishing pier complex in spring 2009. The new ocean fishing pier and related facilities will be modeled after a similar project currently underway in Nags Head involving the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island.

Planning for the pier at Emerald Isle is moving forward after the N.C. Division of Marine fisheries awarded the project $2.2 million from the Waterfront Access and Marine Industry (WAMI) Fund in 2008.

The Aquarium and the Town are partnering to build the pier at the Eastern Ocean Regional Access. The town owns the property, and will turn it over to the state for the project. The 4.1-acre site was home to the Emerald Isle Pier until it was torn down after damage from two 1996 hurricanes.

The site stretches across Bogue Banks at about its midpoint, eight miles from the Aquarium. The pier will be 1,000-feet in length, with concrete pilings to withstand storms and timber decks to reflect tradition.

Preliminary plans include a tackle shop, snack bar, educational exhibits, classroom and meeting facilities, and staging areas for data collection and research on the pier; a fishing dock, kayak launch area and other amenities on the sound-side section of the property; and bathhouses and parking for beach-goers.

“Helping people get out and enjoy their natural surroundings is the most effective form of environmental education,” said Aquarium Director Jay Barnes. “We are looking forward to getting started on the project, and appreciate the efforts of the town of Emerald Isle in making this educational pier a reality.”

The estimated project cost is $16 million, and the Aquariums plan to fund it through Aquarium admission receipts, pier user fees, grants, contributions from other government agencies and donations to the North Carolina Aquarium Society, a membership-based support group.

In February 2009, the Aquarium and Town announced appointments to the Aquarium Pier Advisory Committee, a group of advisors who will provide input into the design, planning and operation of the complex. Project proposals have been received from sixteen architectural firms, and final selection of the project architect is expected in March.

Questions and suggestions about the project can be directed to Aquarium Director Allen Monroe, former Director Jay Barnes and Emerald Isle Town Manager Frank Rush.