conservation

Conservation

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

RECOGNIZE. CARE. PROTECT.

The North Carolina Aquariums and Jennette’s Pier are dedicated to animals in our care and in the wild. We recognize the challenges threatening animals locally and globally. We are committed to learning more and taking action through research, fieldwork, education, and the daily efforts of our team members.

Initiatives underway focus on threatened and endangered species including the Carolina gopher frog, sand tiger sharks and sea turtles. In addition, as an accredited-member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and a partner in SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction, we work diligently to keep the most vulnerable animals from disappearing and protect them for future generations.

CONSERVATION PROJECTS

find out more about the ANIMALS WE'RE HELPING.

Sea Turtles

Carolinia Gopher Frogs

Sand Tiger Sharks


CONSERVATION PROJECTS

CONSERVATION STUDIES. FIELD RESEARCH.

Crystal Skipper

The crystal skipper is a unique butterfly found only along a 30-mile stretch of North Carolina’s barrier islands, from Bear Island to Fort Macon. Crystal skippers rely on a common dune grass, seaside little bluestem. This host plant provides the only place for female skippers to lay eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the caterpillars exclusively feed on the grass. The Aquariums and other conservation leaders have been planting small patches of bluestem to support crystal skippers and help maintain connectivity between protected areas.

Crystal Skipper Article

 

girls kayaking

Diamondback Terrapin Study

Unfortunately, there is not much data about the current status of the diamondback terrapin population in the state. To help gather more information, the North Carolina Coastal Reserve & National Estuarine Research Reserve is working with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to help estimate the number of terrapins in our area through a paddling survey. The Aquariums have participated int the paddling surveys.

2018 Project Field Notes | 2011 Project Field Notes

Diamondback Terrapin Study

Living Shorelines

“Living shorelines” is a term used to define a number of shoreline protection alternatives that allow for natural coastal processes to remain through the strategic placement of plants, stone, sand fill, and other structural and organic materials. The Aquariums have partnered with several conservation leaders to build living shorelines at the Aquarium sites as well as planting living shorelines at sites across the coast. 

NOAA: What is a Living Shoreline | Living Shorelines Academy | NC. Coastal Federation Living Shorelines

people studying shorelines

Marine Mammal Stranding Network

The Marine Mammal Stranding Network of the Central Coast of North Carolina is supported with funding from the John H. Prescott Foundation,  the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, and the North Carolina State University Center for Marine Sciences and Technology. A team of dedicated staff and volunteers from local, state and federal conservation leaders, including the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, respond to all marine mammal strandings that occur along central coastal North Carolina.

The Outer Banks Marine Mammal Stranding Network is also made up of local, state and federal conservation leaders, including Jennette's Pier, and is dedicated to responding to stranded, entangled or injured marine mammals from the Virginia North Carolina state line to Ocracoke, covering more than 130 miles of coastline and receiving 60 percent of North Carolina's strandings annually.  

The University of North Carolina Wilmington Marine Mammal Stranding Program responds to strandings along the southeastern coast of North Carolina. The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher assists the team of dedicated staff, faculty and students on an as-needed basis. 

Marine Mammal Stranding Network of the North Carolina Central Coast  |   Outer Banks Marine Mammal Stranding Network  |  UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program

seal posing

CONSERVATION PARTNERS

COLLABORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS WITH CONSERVATION LEADERS. 


HELP SAVE THE OCEAN

CONSERVATION IS IN YOUR HANDS.

Even small actions cause ripples. Skip the straw, refuse to use plastic bags, turn out lights.
You can make a positive impact and help protect our world for future generations.
Volunteer for different programs
 at each of the three NC Aquariums and Jennette's Pier.