Island Grille chefs dish up their culinary expertise with seafood in the next session of the Aquarium’s Succulent Seafood series on Monday, Nov. 9. Succulent Seafood takes participants to local restaurants for a first-hand look at how the professionals prepare their favorite recipes for local fish, shellfish and crustaceans. Participants also learn about conservation and the life cycles of various seafood species.
The two-hour sessions begin at 2 p.m. on selected Mondays, and culminate in a taste-test. Future sessions include the Crab’s Claw and Riverside Steakhouse . The cost is $15 per person, per class, and advance registration is required.
Hear how you can catch the heavyweights using light tackle techniques. An Aquarium fishing clinic on Saturday, Nov. 7, features local angling expert Bryan Goodwin. Goodwin shares his expertise on li
ght tackle as well as tips on how to find the best inshore fishing spots in Carteret County.
“Anybody can catch fish,” said Goodwin. “The hardest part is finding the fish, and that’s my specialty.”
As an eighth generation fisherman in Carteret County, Goodwin has spent more than 25 years as a fishing professional. Goodwin owns and operates Native Guide Service and Liquid Video Productions. He produces two local fishing shows - “The Coastal Carolina Fishing Report” and “Down East Outdoors.”
The clinic is at the Aquarium from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., and is free with admission or membership. Advance registration is not required. For more information on the clinic, contact Educator Todd Spangler at ext. 288. The Aquarium also offers weekly hands-on surf and pier fishing lessons for modest fees and a one-day comprehensive course in the spring - click here for more information.
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores waives admission fees for all visitors on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11. No affiliation with the military, past or current, is required to enjoy the day among the animals and exhibits. The Aquarium is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as usual.
Veterans Day is one of two days reserved each year for the public to visit any of the three state-operated Aquariums without charge. The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, which falls on Jan. 18 in 2010, also is designated for free admission.
The Aquariums allow free admission for all visitors on these two holidays to guarantee that everyone, regardless of financial ability, can enjoy the Aquariums.
In addition to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, the state operates the Aquarium at Fort Fisher and the Aquarium on Roanoke Island. The Aquariums Division is administered by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The Aquariums work together to inspire appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments.
Click the photo to see how much solar energy these panels are capturing.
The Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is on the beam when it comes to energy conservation.
Solar panels near the Aquarium entrance silently harness the power of the sun. The residential-scale panels meet a small percentage of the facility’s power needs with an environmentally friendly energy source. The panels, placed at the front of the building so visitors can see them at close range, are also an educational exhibit.
“The system is a visible and functional representation of the Aquarium’s commitment to conservation and education,” said Pat McNeese, the Aquarium’s Conservation and Research Coordinator.
A live read-out on the amount of solar energy being collected can be viewed via the web-based Sunpower® monitor. The monitor also provides cumulative totals, and a scorecard of reduced emissions. (more…)
SORRY! DINNER WITH SANTA IS SOLD OUT.
Dine with the fishes and tell Santa your wishes during a holiday evening for families and children on Friday, Dec. 11. Tickets are now available for the Aquarium’s first “Dinner with Santa.”
The highlight of the night, of course: Every child gets a chance to whisper requests in Santa’s ear. Santa and his helpful elves set up a little piece of the North Pole by the Living Shipwreck to receive their young guests. A souvenir photo of each child’s encounter is provided. (more…)
Goliath grouper
The Pew Environment Group presents its views on sustainable fishing in a free program at the Aquarium on Wednesday, Nov. 18, starting at 3 p.m. “Was Mother Wrong? What’s happened to all the fish in the sea?” explores threats to fish populations, the economic and environmental value of healthy fisheries, governmental and scientific roles in fisheries management, and how the public can help ensure sustainable fish populations for future generations.
Leda Dunmire, Pew Environment Group outreach coordinator for its campaign against overfishing in the Southeast, presents a slideshow and leads an open discussion of fisheries issues. Light snacks and beverages will be served. The Pew Environment Group is part of the Pew Charitable Trusts. Visitors coming to the Aquarium specifically for the presentation will not be charged the usual admission fees — check in at the admissions window for directions to Clearwater Classroom.
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is looking for volunteers who want to immerse themselves
in their work. The Aquarium’s volunteer dive team is recruiting new members for 2010. The deadline to apply is Nov. 30.
The program offers certified SCUBA divers a unique and rewarding underwater experience. Volunteer divers inside the 306,000-gallon Living Shipwreck converse with visitors about the many animals gliding around a replica of the U-352, a famous World War II shipwreck. Volunteer divers also assist with other programs underwater, as well as help care for animals and maintain exhibits.
Divers selected during the fall recruiting drive start their duties in January. In addition to SCUBA certification, divers must be at least 18 years old, be in good health and be willing to make time and training commitments. See the Pine Knoll Shores Volunteer page for application forms and more information on the program and requirements.
2nd place, 2008 Aquatic Life at the Aquariums, Karen Doody - koi at Pine Knoll Shores
If you like to take photos, picture this — your pastime could win you $500 in the 2009 North Carolina Aquariums’ Underwater Photo Contest. And you don’t even have to get wet. The Aquatic Life at the Aquariums category features photos of animals and exhibits at the three state Aquariums - at Fort Fisher, at Pine Knoll Shores and on Roanoke Island.
Divers can compete in two other categories, Underwater Animal Close-ups or Underwater Open, with photos taken in the waters off the coast of North Carolina or within the state’s freshwater systems.Photos must be submitted online at by midnight, Dec. 31, 2009. (more…)
Aquarium Director Jay Barnes, left, accepts Community Advocate award from Chamber President Mike Wagoner.
The Carteret County Chamber of Commerce honored the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores recently with a Community Advocate award.
The award, presented during the annual JobLink appreciation luncheon, singles out employers that “go the extra mile” to make Carteret County a better place, said Chamber President Mike Wagoner.
Wagoner said the county is fortunate to be a family-friendly tourist destination.
“The crown jewel, the place that really puts us on the map, is the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores,” he said.
Whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, paddling tours with the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores offer prime views for peak season coastal birdwatching.
Aquarium guides take to the water each weekend throughout the fall, weather permitting, with excursions along the shores of Bogue Sound. Many birds traveling the Atlantic Flyway during the annual fall migration stop over on the North Carolina coast. The Aquarium treks are timed to showcase migrating and resident waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds and other wildlife during morning and evening hours when animals tend to be active.
On Saturdays beginning at 4 p.m., explore the tidal flats and quiet backwaters in the Sunset Kayak Trip. On Sundays, partner up for a leisurely ride through the salt marsh in the Early Bird Canoe Trip, starting at 9 a.m.
Both tours include basic paddling instruction and are suitable for beginners. The Aquarium provides vessels and life jackets, and participants can opt for kayaks or canoes on either excursion.
Paddling trips are $20 per person - sign up for both in one weekend for a 10 percent discount. Advance registration is required - contact the Aquarium Registrar, 252-247-4003, ext 257.
