North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores to begin fishing pier planning
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores will begin planning, design and site preparation for a sound-to-sea fishing pier complex after the NC Division of Marine fisheries awarded the project $2.2 million in state funds this week.
The money came from the Waterfront Access and Marine Industry (WAMI) Fund, which the Marine Fisheries Division administers. The 2007-08 state budget included $20 million in WAMI money for projects to improve public and commercial waterfront access.
The Aquarium and the town of Emerald Isle 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 rapid disappearance of ocean piers due to hurricanes and economic factors prompted the Aquarium’s proposal. Aquarium staff sees the proposed pier as an avenue to promote conservation through exhibits, and with programs that are educational as well as recreational.
“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.”
Fishing conservation workshops, beach walks, sleepovers, science camps, school programs, kayak excursions and surfing classes are envisioned for the complex.
The site stretches across Bogue Banks at about its midpoint, eight miles from the Aquarium. The Aquarium has proposed a 1,000-foot pier, with concrete pilings to withstand storms and timber decks to reflect tradition.
Preliminary plans include exhibits, classrooms, event rooms 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 beachgoers.
Construction could possibly begin by 2010, with completion targeted for 2012 or after. Total cost of the project is estimated at $16 million.
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is one of three aquariums the NC Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources operates under the North Carolina Aquariums Division. Each is seeking to build educational ocean piers. The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island was awarded $1.5 million in WAMI funds toward development of a pier project already underway in Nags Head. The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is considering various sites.
The Aquariums plan to pay for the projects with money from Aquarium admission receipts, pier user fees, grants, contributions from other government agencies and donations from the North Carolina Aquarium Society, a membership-based support group.
