ANNUAL REVIEW 2016

• The wildly successful DINOSAURS! exhibit, featuring animatronic dinosaurs, roared into the Aquarium in 2016 and was so popular it was extended for an additional three months, running from March to December.

• In collaboration with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, Fort Fisher staff helped save animals from extinction by giving a head start to the threatened Carolina Gopher Frog. Nearly 500 frogs were raised and returned to natural habitats from collected eggs.

• The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher increased its conservation work with sharks. The Aquarium Division partnered with OCEARCH, an internationally recognized shark research group, tagging tiger sharks in June. Additionally, staff tagged sand tiger sharks to better understand what habitats may be critical for migration, mating and giving birth. Research will be ongoing.

• In 2016 the Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores created the Volunteer Service Corp program and Beach Keepers. Both programs helped the Aquarium collaborate with local conservation leaders and allowed individuals and their families to engage in an active conservation effort to better their community.

• Throughout the summer sea turtles were a highlight of the Aquarium with the new Loggerhead Odyssey exhibit.

• In the fall of 2016 Aquarium Teen Ambassadors was launched. This program complements the highly successful summer Junior Volunteer program.

• Turtle conservation efforts continued to be a high priority in 2016 as the Aquarium held its third public offshore sea turtle release. 33 healthy young loggerhead sea turtles were released 22 miles offshore, near the warm waters of the Gulf Stream.

• 2016 blew in with a blast of cold weather that brought hundreds of cold-stunned sea turtles to the Roanoke Island Sea Turtle and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center. Conservation work continued throughout the year as more than 600 sea turtles were rehabilitated and released back into the ocean.

• In August, we celebrated the reopening of our newly renovated facility which included the enhancement and upgrade of exhibits and new features like the Sea Treasures and Seven Rivers galleries.

• After more than a year of research, the gravesite of Richard Etheridge (1842 – 1900) and his family, located on the Roanoke Island Aquarium grounds, was rededicated, with updated interpretive plaques that highlight the heroic contributions of Etheridge and all-African American Lifesaving Service on nearby Pea Island.

• 2016 was a great year for Jennette’s Pier visitors, with more than 100,000 people fishing or strolling on the pier.

• With a grant from the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, Jennette’s Pier hosted a fifth anniversary celebration in May, which included a family fishing tournament. About 75 people participated with plenty of fish caught and released.

• Oceanview Hall once again received awards from The Knot, WeddingWire and WeddingSpot for being a top wedding location. In addition, Southern Bride and Groom magazine featured the location in a “Destinations Wedding” article.

• The Annual Jim Mumford Memorial Red Drum Tournament was held in the fall and drew another good crowd to the Pier for great fishing.

• Summer camps at the Pier provided fun in the surf, sun and sand with different water adventures each day from kayaking, fishing and learning to read the beach for dangerous rip currents.

900 Loggerhead Road | Kure Beach, NC 28449 1 Roosevelt Boulevard | Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512 374 Airport Road | Manteo, NC 27954 7223 S. Virginia Dare Trail | Nags Head, NC 27959

Aquariums Celebrate 40 Years!In 1976, North Carolina opened three multi-purpose Marine Resources Centers along

the coast—Fort Fisher near Cape Fear, Pine Knoll Shores near Cape Lookout, and

Roanoke Island, near Cape Hatteras. Free to the public, these facilities offered small

aquarium exhibits and touch pools, as well as space for teachers and researchers. In

1986 the centers were renamed the North Carolina Aquariums. That same year the

North Carolina Aquarium Society was incorporated as a membership-based support

organization. An admission fee was implemented in 1994 to support programs,

exhibits and maintenance. As interest in conservation and the tourist population

grew, plans for Aquarium expansion got underway. Fort Fisher saw major expansion

in 2002 that tripled its size. Pine Knoll Shores was expanded to three times its

original size in 2006. Roanoke Island was expanded in 2000 and then renovated again last year. Jennette’s Pier was added

to the Aquarium family in 2011. As the oldest fishing pier on the Outer Banks, it was rebuilt with a two-story pier house that

includes marine aquariums, tackle and gift shop, educational classroom and second floor meeting space.

PINE KNOLL SHORES ROANOKE ISLAND JENNETTE’S PIER

2016 STATS:More Than 185,000 Visitors

60 Weddings16 Events

7,300 Education Program Participants

2016 STATS:More Than 189,000 Visitors

1,177 School Children Hosted106 Volunteers

More Than 12,000 Volunteer Hours

2016 STATS:More Than 386,000 Visitors

Outreach to More Than 24,000269 Volunteers

19,000 Volunteer Hours

2016 STATS:Record Attendance with More Than 470,000 Visitors

24,000 School Children Hosted190 Volunteers

More than 25,000 Volunteer Hours

“”

With more than one million visitors in 2016, the North Carolina Aquariums and Jennette’s Pier connect families, schools and visiting tourists with the marvels of North Carolina’s aquatic life. We’re proud of the Aquariums’ work in coastal conservation, animal care and public education, and we thank you for helping to make them among the nation’s best.

Olivia Holding, Chair of the BoardNC Aquarium Society

FORT FISHER

(Closed for renovations from January – June 2016)

4 www.ncaquariums.com

TEEN AMBASSADOR PROGRAM EXPANDS LEARNING OPPORTUNITIESIn the fall of 2016, the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores launched

a new teen initiative as a complement to their highly successful

summer Junior Volunteer program. The program, Aquarium Teen Ambassadors, runs from October through May and is designed as a

youth development, skill building and leadership program. Curriculum

focuses on allowing 7th through 10th grade students to participate in

programming and eventually, work as volunteers at the Aquarium.

Ambassadors will be trained by Aquarium staff through experiential

learning opportunities and skill development in the areas of flora

and fauna of NC, natural history of NC species and environments,

conservation action initiatives and messages, public speaking,

engaging with diverse audiences, customer service, leadership and

careers in marine science.

In addition to the training, social and outdoor recreational experiences

will be provided along with unique volunteer opportunities to work at

special Aquarium events and programs such as Trick-or-Treat Under the Sea, winter and spring camp programs and with the Aquarium Volunteer Service Corps doing field conservation projects.

The NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island reopened in the summer of 2016 after a $6.5 million renovation. The Sea Jellies gallery is one of several new exhibits. The NC Aquarium Society, which sought private support for the renovations, provided more than $5 million for the project.

Teen Ambassadors, a new initiative at the Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium, engages 7th – 10th grade students with experiential learning opportunities. The program is designed as a youth development, skill building and leadership program preparing teens to eventually become volunteers at the Aquarium.

THE AQUARIUMS’ EFFORTS CONTINUE IN SHARK RESEARCHThis was a busy year for sand tiger shark lovers at the NC Aquariums. Through a partnership with OCEARCH, Aquarium staff

participated in an offshore research trip to tag the sharks as part of a global effort to better understand and help protect

their populations. A citizen science project allowing divers to upload photographs of sharks encountered while diving off

NC reefs and wrecks for individual identification has been initiated through a partnership with Wild Me Wildbook™. This

nonprofit group specializes in the analysis of wild animal image data collected by citizen scientists to better understand the

role NC habitats play in the support of wild shark populations.

Building upon the accomplishments of our ongoing partnership with the South-East Zoo Alliance for Reproduction and

Conservation (SEZARC), much exciting work with sand tiger sharks lies ahead. In December 2016, Aquarium staff and

researchers from more than 15 institutions gathered to prioritize knowledge gaps and establish research focus areas.

Collectively, we strive to ensure there are sustainable populations of these ambassadors for sand tiger shark conservation

in the wild and in our care.

Researchers, including NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher’s Madeline Marens, tag and measure a tiger shark before releasing it back into the wild.

THE NC AQUARIUM ON ROANOKE ISLAND REOPENS WITH BIG RENOVATIONSIn August 2016, local and state government officials, NC Aquarium

Society members, and the Outer Banks community at large joined

the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island to celebrate the reopening of a

newly renovated facility. The $6.5 million renovation, announced in

2014, includes enhanced and upgraded exhibits, and new features like

the shipwreck-themed Sea Treasures Gallery and the Ironclad Sanctuary,

which tells the story of the civil-war era warship, the Monitor. The

renovations were made possible with more than $5 million in private

support provided by the NC Aquarium Society.

The renovations allow the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island to

offer visitors a more immersive experience, surrounding them with

environments that engage, connect and inspire curiosity about the

natural world. The Roanoke Island Aquarium celebrated its 40th

Anniversary in 2016 with a whole new look!

CONSERVATION AT THE AQUARIUMSDuring 2016, the NC Aquariums took big strides

to expand their conservation research program

and portfolio. A staff committee directed the

Conservation Grant Program and with funding

from the NC Aquarium Society, six scientific

research projects were completed. Another

round of diverse and valuable conservation

research is anticipated in 2017.

The Aquariums hired a new conservation

research coordinator in 2016. Dr. Carol Price

brings considerable conservation experience to

the Aquariums. She will work closely with the

Aquarium Conservation Advisory Committee

to continue the conservation work already

underway with sea turtles, sand tiger sharks,

and gopher frogs. Working together, they

will develop a strategic plan to help guide the

Aquariums’ future conservation efforts.

6

OUR WORK MAKES A DIFFERENCE FOR NORTH CAROLINA.

REAL IMPACT IN EDUCATIONThe three Aquariums and Jennette’s Pier have a long history in informal science education—not

just for school students, but also for families and visitors of all ages. Programs range from live

animal demonstrations and squid dissections to green energy competitions and get-wet field

trips. An energetic and talented staff produce a year-round schedule of innovative programs

that mix science, inspiration and fun. The programs have become so popular, in fact, that the

Aquariums now have one of the largest non-school education offering in the state, hosting more

than 400,000 annual participants in programs, field excursions and outreach.

ECONOMIC POWERHOUSEWith more than 1.2 million annual visitors, the Aquariums

rank at the top of North Carolina’s most-visited

attractions. This makes them major players in the state’s

$20 billion tourism economy. Their greatest return may

be along the coast, but their value is felt statewide. With

an estimated $70 million annual impact, the Aquariums

operate with the lowest cost-per-visitor ratio of any state

museum, zoo or attraction. For those considering private

support, that’s a powerful return on investment.

www.ncaquariums.com

“”— Rosemary Reeves, Marine Educator

8 www.ncaquariums.com

A Fort Fisher visitor climbs aboard a massive replica of a 23-foot brachiosaurus, part of the DINOSAURS! exhibit which included four other life-sized, prehistoric creatures.

FORT FISHER DINOSAURS! EXHIBIT A HUGE SUCCESSIn the spring of 2016 the NC Aquarium at

Fort Fisher opened the wildly successful

DINOSAURS! exhibit. The temporary,

seasonal exhibit featured five animatronic

dinosaurs that roared, spit and overall

WOWED visitors of all ages. In fact, this

exhibit was so popular it was extended for

an additional three months, running from

March to December.

SEA TURTLE CONSERVATIONThe NC Aquariums began 2016 taking care of nearly 600 cold-stunned

sea turtles—a record year! After receiving care from Aquarium husbandry

and veterinarian staff and many other partners and volunteers, the

turtles were released back into the sea. Throughout the year, the STAR

(Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation) Center, located at the Roanoke

Island Aquarium, provided skilled rehabilitation, inspiring guests to help

conserve turtles. Additionally, 35 sea turtle hatchlings were rehabilitated

and released into the ocean.

The NC Aquariums also began a significant effort to identify key sea

turtle conservation needs and goals. Guided by AZA (Association of

Zoos and Aquariums) conservation experts, Aquarium staff collaborated

with more than 20 scientists, regulators, commercial and recreational

fishers, and resource managers to craft a NC Sea Turtle Conservation

Action Plan. This plan focuses on specific work the Aquariums can do to

help protect this iconic species. Sea turtles are one of ten AZA-identified

species featured in the SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) initiative,

and the NC Aquariums are gearing up to help their efforts.

JENNETTE’S PIER EMERGING AS A PREMIERE WEDDING VENUEOceanview Hall at Jennette’s Pier continued to shine as a top wedding reception

venue on the Outer Banks. The facility rentals department hosted 60 wedding-related

events, as well as several dozen other events throughout 2016. While this made for

an extremely busy year, the dynamic trio that runs the department continued to

be complimented on their efforts with a number of recognitions. Last year, the Pier

received a 2016 Wedding Spot Award as one of the best waterfront wedding venues

in North Carolina, was featured in Southern Bride and Groom magazine and received

WeddingWire “Couples’ Choice Award” for being a top venue that demonstrates

excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism. Winners are

determined by reviews from more than a million WeddingWire newlyweds.

AQUARIUM COLLABORATES WITH NC WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION TO SAVE CAROLINA GOPHER FROGSFor the second season, the Fort Fisher Aquarium staff, in

collaboration with NC Wildlife Resources Commission,

continued working to save the threatened Carolina Gopher

Frog from extinction. Over the course of two seasons,

nearly 500 frogs were raised and returned to natural

habitats from collected eggs. This species previously lived

in more than 30 populations across North Carolina. Today,

only six populations remain.

The Volunteer Service Corps participated in a marsh grass planting project and a recycled oyster shell planting project partnering with the North Carolina Coastal Federation and the Trinity Center. Both projects focused on creating new habitats for marine life and decreasing shoreline erosion.

The Beach Keepers program brought Aquarium staff and the community together to pick up trash along Shackleford Banks, Cape Lookout National Seashore and the entire Bogue Banks, from Fort Macon to Emerald Isle. The three Beach Keepers events, held in May, July and September involved leaders from four local municipalities, Fort Macon State Park, the Cape Lookout National Park Service and more than 100 individuals who volunteered their time.

CONSERVATION PROJECTS CONNECT THE AQUARIUM WITH THE COMMUNITYThe Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores created two programs

in 2016 that offered a chance for people to engage in an

active conservation effort and better their community. The Volunteer Service Corp and Beach Keepers programs allowed

the Aquarium to collaborate with conservation leaders

in our community and gave individuals and families the

opportunity to volunteer without having to dedicate large

amounts of time usually required of full-time volunteers.

A baby sea turtle snacks on some shrimp at the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center.

SUPPORT THE ANNUAL FUNDThe Aquariums and Jennette’s Pier offer year-round exhibits and programs

for more than 1.2 million visitors. Your contributions to the Aquariums’ Annual

Fund help make this possible. Annual Fund gifts support animals, education

programs, new exhibits and conservation projects. To make a donation to the

Aquariums or Jennette’s Pier visit www.ncaquariumsociety.com.

10

WE SUPPORT THE AQUARIUMS AND THE GREAT WORK THEY DO. YOU CAN TOO.

Jim Moore, President & CEO, James E. Moore Insurance Agency, Inc., Wilmington, NC, Sponsor of Sea Turtle Conservation at NC Aquarium Fort Fisher

SPONSOR SOMETHING GREATAll three Aquariums and Jennette’s Pier feature a range of

exhibits, programs and conservation initiatives—many of

which are available for sponsorship. Make a gift to help build

a new display or fund an education program, and you’ll be

recognized as a major sponsor to the Aquariums’ 1.2 million

annual visitors. Learn more about sponsorship availability

by visiting www.ncaquariumsociety.com.

BUSINESS MEMBERSHIPSThe Aquariums are now recruiting local businesses to join

the growing list of Business Members who support activities

and programs. Own a small business and already have a

family membership? Check out the enhanced benefits offered

through the Business program that can benefit you, your

employees and customers. Business Memberships start at

$300 annually and feature complimentary tickets, discounts

for employees and other benefits.

ANGELFISH SOCIETYLike many who have a love for the Aquariums, members of

the Angelfish Society help build a promising future through

planned (estate) gifts and bequests. Whether small or large,

these gifts will make a difference in years to come—helping

the Aquariums and Jennette’s Pier continue their forty-year

legacy of conservation education and family fun. For more

information, email development@ncaquariums.com.

AQUARIUM SCHOLARSFor 40 years North Carolina school teachers have brought

their classes to the Aquariums for informal education

programs and get-wet field trips. In recent years, tightened

school budgets have reduced the number of visiting students,

especially those from rural counties. Aquarium Scholars, set to

launch in 2018, will help fund visits (along with outreach to

the classroom) for thousands of Title I students across North

Carolina. The Aquariums are now growing corporate support

for this effort. Learn more at www.ncaquariumsociety.com.

“”

Jonathan & Mary HowesJames E. Moore Insurance AgencyJoanna FoundationKaren & Jay JohnsonMike & Gree JonesJohn & Marian KutzerLandfall FoundationMr. & Mrs. Steve MacCurrySusan E. MartinAnn MaxwellMicrosoft TechSoupMinnesota Zoo FoundationMt. Olive Pickle CompanyMunson Aquatic Conservation Exhibit AwardNC Community FoundationNCDENR Office of Environmental EducationNew England AquariumGreg & Laura NicholsOBX Bank/Monarch BankOcean FoundationDavid O’Loughlin FamilyOlympus Dive CenterOuter Banks Dive CenterOuter Banks Community FoundationBill & Connie ParkerPaverScape DesignsPennymenPizza Huts of Eastern NCGail PluckerPPDEmily Proctor

Cape Fear Garden ClubCapital Development ServicesCarteret County Sportfishing ClubCarteret-Craven Electric Membership CooperativeCraig CastorCenturyLinkCherbec FoundationMarc & Sissy ChesnuttClancy & Theys ConstructionColdwell Banker Sea Coast RealtyCommunity Foundation of Southeastern NCCooperative Bank for SavingsDairy QueenWalter DanielsDiscovery DivingDive RiteGraham & Ashley DozierDuPontEmbarq Corporation Charles & Becky EvansFirst Union FoundationFlorida AquariumFotoFXJake & Mazie FroelichGeorgia AquariumGoodnight Education FoundationArt & Carolyn GreenTed & Peggy HaiglerHarvey McNairy FoundationAllan & Nancy HarvinCary Hawthorne

MAJOR DONORSKealy Family FoundationBen & Jean KilgoreMary Katherine Lawrence & Art KloseBob & Carol MattocksPercy W. & Elizabeth G. Meekins Charitable TrustNC Coastal Area Management ActNucor SteelJane Smith PattersonMichael & Debbie ThompsonTown of Nags HeadUnion Concrete

Conservators(Gifts of $25,000 - $100,000)Association of Zoos & Aquariums MACE AwardMarvin & Cynthia BarnesBB&TBill & Georgia BelkSteve BellAlice BostCarteret CountyCarteret Publishing CompanyCoastal Beverage CompanyDrew & Vickey CovertDare County Tourism BoardTom Davis FundEmerald Isle RealtyFotoFxDick & Billie FutrellGlaxoSmithKline FoundationGrady-White BoatsA.C. & Dot HallHatteras YachtsArt & Alice KeeneyKelly’s RestaurantKurtis ChevroletJanie & Carter LambethAlex & Carolyn MacFadyenSam & Kim McConkeyAllan & Margaret Mims FoundationNational Marine Sanctuary FoundationNC State University Sea GrantNEST – Network for Endangered Sea TurtlesNew Hanover County

Betsy & Mitchell OakleyOceanReef, Inc.Outer Banks Visitors BureauPark FoundationWarren & Barbara PerryWalter & Pam PhillipsLonnie & Carol Lynn PooleBuddy & Stu PopePotashCorp–AuroraThomas ReeseRockett, Burkhead & WinslowSafari Club InternationalSafrit’s Building SupplySouthern BankBuck Suiter FamilyMathew & Maureen Sullivan, in Memory of Eugene SullivanSunlite Supply, Inc.Bill & Mary Hannah TaftGeorge & Suzanne TaylorTime Warner Cable’s Connect a Million MindsTransportation ImpactTriangle Land ConservancyTwiddy & Company FamilyWachovia FoundationWells Fargo FoundationDavid & Sydney WomackYadkin BankZ. Smith Reynolds Foundation

Sponsors(Gifts of $5,000 - $25,000)Accelerando, Inc.Tootsie Adderholdt & Alice EngelAmbrose SignsCasey Ball & Dan TomlinsonBembridge Insurance AgenciesFrank & Wendy BlockMarvin & Rebecca BlountBluewater GMACBMH ArchitectsGil BurnettCharlton & Peg BurnsJohn & Ann Campbell

MAJOR DONORSThe NC Aquarium Society gratefully acknowledges the following generous major donors for their cumulative giving in support of the NC Aquariums and Jennette’s Pier.

Grand Benefactors(Gifts of $1 Million or More)NC Clean Water Management Trust FundNC Waterfront Access & Marine Industry FundPepsi Bottling Ventures / PepsicoTriad Foundation

Benefactors(Gifts of $500,000 - $1 Million)Dare CountyBill & Barbara DoboBob & Dot DoboDominion NC PowerNC Association of Outdoor AdvertisersNC Coastal Recreational Fishing License ProgramNOAA – National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

Guardians(Gifts of $100,000 - $500,000)AnonymousDianne S. AveryBig Rock Blue Marlin TournamentBurroughs Wellcome FundCannon FoundationCentura BankCrystal Coast Tourism AuthorityDuke Energy (CP&L)Mary Whiting Ewing FoundationFirst Citizens BankAJ Fletcher FoundationGeneral Federation of Woman’s Clubs of NCTom & Bee GwynnOlivia HoldingBill & Marilyn HullInstitute for Museum & Library Services

12 www.ncaquariums.com

Pure FishingRBC BankRealty World, The Selling Team, Llew & ElaineChuck & Bonnie RevelleRosie Lasinski FundGeorge & Sylvia Rountree, IIISalty Dawg MarinaLila & Harry SchiffmanDavid & Magdalena ScholleScuba-TechSeaWitch Motel & CaféWes & Jacque SeegarsJon & Karen SegalJim, Judy & Robin SerneSharkbitesSound BankAlexander & Jennifer SpealStrata SolarTedder FamilyTennessee AquariumDave TichenorTowboat US, Oregon Inlet NCKarl Von Der HeydenWeston FoundationDavid & Judy WhichardRay & Linda WhiteRick & Myrna WillettsWilliam Etheridge FoundationHope Williams & Tom BersuderWooten & Batchelor FamiliesBill & Lyndia WrightPeter & Darlene Young

Accelerando, Inc.

Deborah Albert

William Archer

Melanie E. Askey

Atlantic Strategies Group

Casey Ball & Dan Tomlinson

Marvin & Cynthia Barnes

Jodi Bates

Irwin Belk Education Foundation

Myra Best

Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC

David E. Bird

Frank L. Block

Jamie Rosa Bloomfield

Charlton & Peg Burns

Edith M. Burns

Dan Cameron Foundation

John & Ann Campbell

Rebecca Carmody

Carolina Beach Scuba

Jeanette Chidester

David N. Clary

Clary’s Rental Properties

Michele Clippinger

Coastal Carolina

Neuropsychiatric Center

Sally & Allan Cone

Dr. Jim Congleton

Crystal Coast Tourism Authority

Dairy Queen

Richard C. Darden

Dare County Tourism Board

Davenport & Co.

Carol S. Deemer

Bill & Barbara Dobo

Bob & Dot Dobo

Dominion Foundation

Lauren Donnachie

Estate of Walter Drapinski

Anja Einseln

Brigette R. Ellis

William Etheridge Foundation

Jorman & Sue Fields

Florida Aquarium

FotoFX

Janet S. Frampton

Dick & Billie Futrell

Catherine Garrett

Georgia Aquarium

Sherry J. Glenn

Goodnight Education Foundation

Carolyn & Art Green

Barbara Hahn

A.C. & Dot Hall

Allan & Nancy Harvin

Kimberly Head

Wayne R. Hiner II

Ella & Frank Holding Foundation

Olivia Holding

Leslie M. Hollowell

Cathryn A. Holstein

Mary Howes

Igoe Creative

Jarrett Bay Boat Works

Marvin & Sally Johns

Brent Johnson & Karen Sage

William Keadey

Kelly’s Restaurant

Kurtis Chevrolet

John & Marian Kutzer

Glenn Lamp

Nancy Landona

Mary Katherine Lawrence

& Art Klose

Jon-Paul Levins

Shelby F. Long

Alex & Carolyn MacFadyen

Christopher Manis

Mann Custom Boats, Inc.

Brian M. Marshall

Debra Massott

Michael Matheny

Bob & Carol Mattocks

McAdams Foundation

Kim & Sam McConkey

Craig McCormick

Margo McKnight

Bill & Francis McMillan

Allan & Margaret Mims Foundation

Minnesota Zoo

Monterey Bay Aquarium

James E. Moore Insurance Agency

Mt. Olive Pickle Company

Nance’s Inc.

NC Community Foundation

NEST – Network for

Endangered Sea Turtles

Greg & Laura Nichols

Tee & Gray Nunnelee

Betsy & Mitch Oakley

OBX Bank/Monarch Bank

David O’Loughlin Family

Olympus Dive Center

Outer Banks Community

Foundation

Brian & Suzanne Pecheles

Pennymen Group

Pepsi Bottling Ventures

Walter & Pam Phillips

Charles & Mary Pierce

Richard Pighinni

Edythe Poyner & Steve Williams

George Smedes Poyner Foundation

Pure Fishing

Jacquelyn Ragan

Randy & Tiffany Ramsey

Chuck & Bonnie Revelle

Sandra Rybacki

Joe & Angela Sample

JoAnn Sanford

David & Magdalena Scholle

Jon & Karen Segal

James Shafer

Guy P. Shannon

Michael J. Shearin

Peggy Sloan

Southern Bank

Alexander & Jennifer Speal

Brenda Spruill

Eddie R. Stallings, Jr.

Craig & Leigh Sudbrink

Summit Plastic Surgery

& Dermatology

Bill & Mary Hannah Taft

Anne K. Tanner

George & Suzanne Taylor

Tennessee Aquarium

The Ivy Cottage

Karin Thompson

Lucy G. Till

Transportation Impact

Triad Foundation

Nancy Tunstall

UNC Chapel Hill

Courtney VanSciver

Mary Watzin

Wells Fargo Foundation

Tim Wemple

Weston Foundation

Ray & Linda White

Leslie E. Wiles

Chip Wilkinson

Hope Williams & Tom Bersuder

Holly R. Willis

Stephanie Wodowski

David & Sydney Womack

Debra Woody

Kathleen Yeager

Peter & Darlene Young

We offer our profound thanks to those who renewed their support of the Aquarium Society with gifts of $500 or more in 2016. We all appreciate their vital role in sustaining our state’s Living Treasures.

14 www.ncaquariums.com

2016 DONORS [ ]BUSINESS MEMBERSThe NC Aquarium Society gratefully acknowledges the following businesses and individuals for their annual support of the NC Aquariums and Jennette’s Pier:

Offshore Club ($1,000 Annually)Accelerando, Inc.Deborah AlbertAtlantis LodgeMarvin & Cynthia BarnesBill & Georgia BelkMyra BestBiggs Cadillac Buick GMCFrank L. BlockCharlton & Peg BurnsDairy QueenDan Cameron FoundationLauren DonnachieFotoFXDick & Billie FutrellCarolyn & Art GreenOlivia HoldingIgoe CreativeJarrett Bay Boat WorksBrent Johnson & Karen SageKurtis ChevroletGlenn LampMary Katherine LawrenceAlex & Carolyn MacFadyenBob & Carol MattocksDavid & Lesley McAdamsKim & Sam McConkeyMargo McKnightBill & Francis McMillanGreg & Laura NicholsBetsy & Mitch OakleyDavid O’Loughlin FamilyWalter & Pam PhillipsCharles & Mary PierceEdythe Poyner & Steve WilliamsRandy & Tiffany RamseyChuck & Bonnie RevelleSandra RybackiJoseph & Angela SampleJon & Karen Segal

Lex & Jennifer SpealSummit Plastic Surgery & DermatologyBill & Mary Hannah TaftGeorge & Suzanne TaylorThe Ivy CottageKarin E. ThompsonWeston FoundationRay & Linda WhiteWilliam Etheridge FoundationHope Williams & Tom BersuderDavid & Sydney WomackKathleen Yeager

Business Leaders ($500 Annually)Atlantis LodgeBunge Rose HillClary’s Rental PropertiesCoastal Carolina Neuropsychiatric CenterMann Custom Boats, Inc.Mt. Olive Pickle CompanyNance’s Inc.

Business Members ($300 Annually)Al Williams PropertiesAmos Mosquito’sAndrew RobyAnonymousAtlantic Sewage ControlAustin Fish Co., Inc.Braswell Carpet Cleaning CompanyBunge Rose HillChalk & Gibbs Insurance and Real EstateCoastal Carolina Orthodontics Coastal DentistryCrisis Response InternationalDH Lickey, Inc.Diversified Concrete Plumbing, Inc.El Gato Pelon Inc.Island Automation PCJack Mackerel’s Island GrillJoe Lamb & AssociatesJohnson Family DentistryKitty Hawk KitesLone Cedar Café

Marjoram’s Specialty Moving ServicesMollie A. Fearing & AssociatesPaynter Security Consulting GroupRick Soles Property ManagementSkin Wellness Dermatology AssociatesSound BankThe Brent Milgrom Family Foundation, Inc.The Outer Banks HospitalThe Reel Outdoors, Inc.The SaltBox CaféWells Family DentistryWindjammer Inn

CLEAN THE BEACHIf you’re a member of the NC Aquarium Society you probably spend at least some time

each year at the beach. Unfortunately, some visitors leave behind trash or trash from

other places ends up in our waterways and washes up on the shore. Next time you’re

at the beach, take just a few minutes to pick up any trash you see and dispose of it

properly. Or, look for opportunities to clean up the beach with others who care about

the environment at the Aquariums, Jennette’s Pier or with another local organization.

VOLUNTEERVolunteer opportunities at the Aquariums range from Information Desk Assistants

and Touch Pool Interpreters to Turtle Rehab Care and Dive Operations. Whether

you’re looking to interact with visitors or just the animals, you may have just the skills

we need. You don’t have to be experienced, just have an interest in North Carolina’s

habitats and animals. Volunteers receive training in environmental education and

animal handling. We even have a program for teenagers. Visit www.ncaquariums.com

and find the location nearest you for volunteer opportunities and an application.

SIMPLE ACTIONS MAKE A DIFFERENCE• Pick up Trash You See on the

Ground or in the Water

• Turn Off the Lights When You Leave the Room

• Don’t Let Your Balloons Float Away

• Conserve Water by Repairing a Dripping Sink

• Walk or Ride Your Bike Instead of Driving

• Hang Your Clothes on a Line to Dry

• Use Cloth Napkins

• Recycle

16

I’M ONE OF MANY THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT THE AQUARIUMS. YOU CAN HELP TOO!

BETTER BAG CHALLENGEPlastic bags account for more than

10% of trash washing up on US shores.

Because they mistake plastic bags

for sea jellies or plankton, more than

a million birds and thousands of sea

turtles and sea animals die from

ingesting plastic bags each year. Just

one person making the switch from

single use plastic bags to reusable

bags can save 22,000 plastic bags

from ending up in the trash or floating

around the environment. Give it a try.

You may find reusable bags are not

only eco-friendly but user friendly

as well.

SKIP THE STRAWStraws top the list of extreme waste

with more than 5 million being used

every day in the US alone. You might

think they are recycled, but because

they are so small, straws are rarely

picked up by recycle workers. Because

plastic contributes to more than 250

thousand tons of trash found in our

oceans, straws pose a huge risk to

sea life. In fact, researchers estimate

that 90% of seabirds, and 50% of sea

turtles have consumed plastic. So

what can you do? Skip the Straw. And,

encourage your local restaurants to

only provide a straw to patrons that

specifically request one.

PLANT POLLINATORSOver the past decade there has been

a decrease in pollinators. What you

may not realize is that bees and other

pollinators are vital to our food supply.

Here are a few things you can do

to help alleviate this looming crisis.

Choose plants that bloom at different

times of the year so there is always

food available. Reduce your use of

pesticides or try organic options like

planting garlic to ward off some pests.

When selecting plants for your garden

choose native plants that offer the

right kind of food for the pollinators in

your area.

www.ncaquariums.com

REUSABLE DRINK BOTTLEIt takes a plastic bottle a minimum of

400 years to decompose. So, switching

to reusable bottles is one big way you

can help protect our environment.

There are many benefits but one of

the biggest is it keeps one more plastic

item out of the landfill. Plus they are

affordable, BPA free and help you

increase your water intake because

it’s readily accessible. If everyone

switched to a reusable water bottle

it would prevent more than 26 billion

bottles from going into the landfill

each year.

40 ACTS OF KINDNESSIn celebration of the Aquariums’

40th Anniversary the three facilities

engaged their social media followers

in a “40 Acts of Kindness Challenge.”

You too might wonder, “What can

I do to help the Aquariums?” and

“What Conservation Efforts Really

Make a Difference?” Surprisingly

there are many ways you can help

and a number of them require very

little effort but still make a big

impact on the environment.

“ ”— Ada Nunn, Volunteer

INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCE REHAB-TO-RELEASE DURING OFFSHORE EVENTThe NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores sea turtle conservation efforts start with rehabilitation

and end with the sea turtles being released back into their habitat. This year the third public

offshore sea turtle release included 50 individuals who were given the opportunity to

interact with Aquarium staff and sea turtle conservation leaders from across the country.

Representatives from the three NC Aquariums, as well as staff members from four other

aquariums, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission Sea Turtle Project volunteers, and the

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center joined the excursion. Of the 33 healthy young

loggerhead sea turtles released, most had been rehabilitated by the NC Aquariums. Four of the

turtles had spent a year at partner facilities as animal ambassadors. To track two of the released

sea turtles visit www.seaturtle.org.

SURF’S UP AT SURF CAMPEach summer, dozens of children learn to

surf in one of Jennette’s Pier Waterman’s

Ocean Adventure week-long camps. A

host of experienced wave riders give the

campers the basics on wave riding and

safety before they hit the water.

Sessions are scheduled around low tide

because the summer swells break better

on sandbars at that time. Shallow water

also allows the kids to stand up if they

slide off of the soft-top learning boards.

An Aquarium employee participates in the turtle release. These turtles, ranging in age from two-weeks old to a two-year-old, were released 22 miles offshore near the warm waters of the Gulf Stream.

Campers practice their “pop-ups” before hitting the surf. For more detailed information, including financial records and organizational history, visit www.ncaquariumsociety.com.

2016 AQUARIUM FUNDING AND REVENUEAfter 40 years of operations, it’s important to note that the Aquariums and Pier’s enduring success is thanks to a dedicated

staff, enthusiastic volunteers, broad support from state leaders and private support made available through the Aquarium

Society. Thanks to an entrepreneurial approach, the Aquariums now fund more than half of their operational needs from

earned revenue and private contributions.

2016 NC AQUARIUMS & JENNETTE’S PIER

Property, Equipment& Supplies

12%Services

19%

PKS BondPayment

9%Personnel

60%

EXPENSES (ROUNDED)

PersonnelServicesProperty, Equipment & SuppliesPKS Bond PaymentTotal Expenses

$9.1 million$2.9 million$1.8 million$1.4 million$15.2 million

StateAppropriations

43%

AdmissionReceipts

45%

Rentals &Events12%

REVENUE (ROUNDED)

State AppropriationsAdmission ReceiptsRentals & EventsTotal Revenue

$6.9 million$7.1 million$2.0 million$16 million

18 www.ncaquariums.com

NEW PINE KNOLL SHORES EXHIBIT DELIVERS CONSERVATION MESSAGEThe summer of 2016 was the summer of sea turtles. Inside

the Aquarium, the new Loggerhead Odyssey exhibit told the

story of the sea turtles that hatch along North Carolina

beaches and what we can do to help them. The new exhibit

featured a live-animation sea turtle character named

Caretta, who shared stories about being a sea turtle.

She answered questions, talked about conservation and

engaged visitors with ways that they can help sea turtles.

Aquarium surveys showed that visitors gained a better

understanding of the Aquarium’s conservation messaging

and felt more connected to that message after interacting

with Caretta.

As part of Caretta’s conservation messaging, the Aquarium

integrated a Selfie Station—a visitor-operated photo booth

that allowed individuals to take their own picture with Caretta and choose a personal conservation action. As part of the

Selfie Station experience, participants were asked if they wanted to receive weekly emails. The emails offered simple tips to

avoid using single-use plastics. By the end of July, more than 4,800 people had participated in photo booth activities and

more than 1,200 individual emails had been distributed with the conservation tips.

RAISING BABIESBreeding and raising animals is a growing priority for aquariums around the world. It reduces the need to capture animals

from the wild and allows the Aquariums to head start animals for release into the wild. In 2016, aquarists trained with Dave

Cerino from Carteret Community College to use fish aquaculture systems called MOLARS—Modular Larval Rearing Systems.

In these specially designed units, 95 blue striped grunts were successfully hatched and raised. Once they are big enough, they

will be ready to place in one of the exhibits.

Families enjoyed interacting with Caretta and learning about ways they could help save endangered sea turtles.

2016 AQUARIUM SOCIETY

Membership &Development

9%

EXPENSES (ROUNDED)

Aquarium & Pier SupportGift Shops & Cost of GoodsMembership & DevelopmentManagement & GeneralTotal Expenses

$3.4 million$3.4 million$0.8 million$0.6 million$8.2 million

Aquarium &Pier Support

42%

Management& General 7%

Gift Shops & Cost of Goods

42%

Gift Shop Sales46%

Contributions, Grants & Sponsorships

18%

NCA Lease 14%

REVENUE (ROUNDED)

Gift Shop SalesMembershipContributions, Grants & SponsorshipsConcessions & Other IncomeInvestmentsNCA LeaseTotal Revenue

$4.2 million $1.4 million $1.6 million $0.3 million $0.3 million $1.3 million $9.1 million

Membership 15%

Concessions & Other Income 4%

Investments 3%

This document was published by the NC Aquarium Society.

North Carolina Aquarium Society3125 Poplarwood Court, Suite 160Raleigh, NC 27604

NONPROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE

PAIDRALEIGH, NC

PERMIT NO. 1930

NC AQUARIUM SOCIETY BOARD OF DIRECTORSOlivia Holding, ChairRaleigh, NC

Charlton Burns, Chair Elect Morehead City, NC

Drew Covert, TreasurerMt. Olive, NC

Deborah AlbertWilmington, NC

Marvin L. BarnesDurham, NC

Bill BelkCharlotte, NC

Myra BestRaleigh, NC

Rebecca BlountGreenville, NC

Alice Bost Greenville, NC

Brick BrownRaleigh, NC

Charles EvansManteo, NC

Carolyn GreenGreensboro, NC

Allan B. HarvinGoldsboro, NC

Susi H. HamiltonRaleigh, NC

Art KeeneyEngelhard, NC

Mary K. LawrenceNewport, NC

Bob MattocksNew Bern, NC

Susan Moffat-ThomasNew Bern, NC

Adrienne MooreWilmington, NC

Greg NicholsGoldsboro, NC

Tee NunneleeWilmington, NC

Betsy OakleyGreensboro, NC

Connie ParkerWilmington, NC

Jane Smith PattersonChapel Hill, NC

Brian L. PechelesGreenville, NC

Walter PhillipsNewport, NC

Charles PierceAhoskie, NC

Edythe PoynerRaleigh, NC

Randy RamseyBeaufort, NC

Chuck RevelleMurfreesboro, NC

Bruce RobertsBrevard, NC

Joseph SampleGarner, NC

Wes SeegarsGoldsboro, NC

Jon SegalNew Bern, NC

Bill TaftGreenville, NC

George W. TaylorWilmington, NC

Mary C. WatzinRaleigh, NC

Ray WhiteNags Head, NC

Hope WilliamsRaleigh, NC

Rick WillettsWilmington, NC

David WomackGreenville, NC

Darlene YoungGreensboro, NC

EXECUTIVE STAFF

Neal Conoley, PresidentWendell, NC

Mark Joyner, Executive Vice PresidentWake Forest, NC

Jay Barnes, Director of DevelopmentRaleigh, NC

Heather Flynt, ControllerRaleigh, NC