Located at Pine Knoll Shores, Fort Fisher, and Roanoke Island, the state's three public aquariums are twenty years old in 1996. A $30 million expansion and renovation program will double the size of each one.
North Carolina's state aquariums at Pine Knoll Shores, Fort Fisher, and Roanoke Island are more than just a place to view marine life. Several programs, including marsh walks and on-board collecting cruises, are offered by the aquariums.
North Carolina is home to over 29 species of sucker fish, and they exist in every river system in the state. They play an important role in the ecology of the river basins and are indicators of water quality, as they cannot survive in polluted areas. With some species in decline, it is important to ensure their survival.
Located at Pine Knoll Shores, Roanoke Island, and Fort Fisher, the state's three public aquariums are observing their 20th anniversary in 1996. In 1995, over 1,000,000 people visited them.
Until recently, North Carolina's three public aquariums at Fort Fisher, Pine Knoll Shores, and Roanoke Island were relatively unknown; however, their dazzling displays and hands-on programs are rapidly gaining an enthusiastic following.