Aquarium news : news magazine of the North Carolina Aquariums

              2
Jennette’s
Pier
Reemerges
Summer 2011
A Q U A R I U M
N E W S M A G A Z I N E O F T H E N O R T H C A R O L I N A A Q U A R I U M S NEWS
On the Cover: The new Jennette’s Pier at Nags Head
reopens in May, complete with a 1,000-foot deck, pier
house, classroom, snack bar, tackle shop, live animal
exhibits and more! Read about the history of this famous
Outer Banks landmark and discover some of its exciting
new features, beginning on page 2. Photo by Ray Matthews
Cover Inset: The sleek, clean lines of blue tangs give these
fish a sculpted look. Tangs are abundant in warm tropical
waters and travel via the Gulf Stream as far north as New
York. Inhabitants of shallow reef areas, they feed on marine
plants and small crustaceans. Photo by Julie Powers
When the history books are written, how
the oldest fishing pier on the Outer
Banks became the newest member of
the Aquarium family will make a great
story. For now, the new Jennette's Pier at
Nags Head speaks for itself, as our cover
clearly announces.
Extending a thousand feet into the
Atlantic Ocean, this massive concrete
structure is not your father’s fishing pier,
although it somehow manages to feel
like it, thanks to its wood decking and
benches. The two-story pier house
features a large public meeting space
upstairs, perfect for groups as well as
weddings, while downstairs you’ll find
colorful marine aquariums, live exhibits
and an educational classroom. There’s
also room for a well-stocked gift shop,
food service, bait and tackle, and rod
and reel rental – all under one roof.
What really makes Jennette's Pier unique
are its three towering wind turbines,
each generating 10kW of power, enough
to provide as much as 80 percent of
the Pier’s energy needs. Solar panels,
geothermal heating and cooling, super-efficient
usage of water and energy, and
stormwater management practices are
not only utilized but clearly demon-strated
in interpretive panels, along
with ongoing ocean research projects.
It’s the blend of the old and the new
that makes Jennette's Pier such an icon,
and it couldn’t have come at a better
time, as North Carolina’s public piers
disappear at an alarming rate. As many
as 35 wooden piers once dotted our
300-mile coastline. That number has
shrunk to fewer than 20, and the threats
of storms and development continue to
whittle away at the remaining few.
The million-plus visitors who already
enjoy the NC Aquariums on Roanoke
Island, at Pine Knoll Shores and at Fort
Fisher can now add Jennette's Pier to
their must-see list and celebrate with
us this state-of-the-art addition to the
Aquarium family. See you there!
Let Us Hear from You!
Do you have comments about …
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• The Web site?
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• Aquarium News articles?
We welcome your suggestions and ideas!
ncaquariums.com or 919-877-5500
Aquarium News is published by the
NC Aquarium Society
3125 Poplarwood Ct., Suite 160
Raleigh, NC 27604
919-877-5500
1-800-832-FISH
Managing Editor: Sherry White
Contributors: Ray Matthews, Julie Powers, Karen
Doody, Mark Joyner, Vlad Pambucol, Mike Remige,
Joe Malat, Kristi Midgette Photography, Michele
Bunce, Rickie Lipscomb, Jay Barnes, Amy Kilgore,
Keith Ketchum, Brian Dorn, Claire Aubel, Leah
Reed, Eileen Cicotello, Craig Davies, Emmett
Westbrook, Jenifer Hoskins, Alex Moore, Windy
Arey-Kent, Gwendy Womble, Joanne Harcke, John
Mauser, Alex Dunlap, Larry Warner, Teresa Kelly,
Kristin Clark, Wendy Cluse, Lee Moore, Charlotte
Marsh, Barbara Buchanan, Marc Neill
Design by Sally Johns Design, Raleigh, NC
Printing by Hickory Printing Solutions
Renew Your Membership!
Is your membership about to expire?
Two EASY ways to renew!
1. Call 1-800-832-FISH
2. Check ncaquariums.com and click on
"Join the Aquarium"
Receive timely updates on coming Aquarium activities by signing up for SEAmail, our
monthly e-newsletter. If you’re a member of the Aquarium family, you’ve already found
SEAmail in your inbox. Not a member? Not a problem. Visit ncaquariums.com and sign up
to have it delivered each month!
By Mark Joyner, Executive Vice President
NC Aquarium Society
R
PINE KNOLL SHORES
FORT FISHER
JENNETTE’S
PIER
Photo by Roy Matthews
Soundings
A handsome nudibranch
creeps across the sea
floor. These small, shell-less
snails are often
festooned with exterior
gills in the form of frills,
plumes or tubes.
Photo by Vlad Pambucol
Amphibians on he Edge 7
Bright Spot for Sea Tu tles 10
Pre ty as a P tcher 12
No Horsing Around 14
inside
SUMMER 2011 A Q U A R I U M
N E W S M A G A Z I N E O F T H E N O R T H C A R O L I N A A Q U A R I U M S NEWS
JENNETTE’S PIER AT NAGS HEAD
Photo by Julie Powers
Photo by Lee Moore
Photo by John Mauser
Photo by Julie Powers
Photo by Ray Matthews
15
Animal
Antics
5
Expert Angling
Advice
7
Baby
Bonnets
8
Opal
Debuts
11
Making
Jellies
14
Caring
for
Turtles
The new Jennette’s Pier is loaded with
state-of-the-art “green” technology and
innovative designs.
Most prominent are the three elegant
Bergey Excel-S wind turbines that spin
gracefully above the Pier’s long, wooden
deck. At maximum output, the turbines
can provide as much as 80 percent of the
facility's energy. In addition, one of the
Pier’s shade pavilions is covered in photo-voltaic
cells that convert sunlight into
electricity, which is stored in a battery
bank until needed to power Pier lights
at night.
Besides on-site energy production, the
Pier is designed for energy efficiency
and resource conservation. A closed-loop,
geothermal, HVAC system conditions the
pier house. Eighty wells, set 200 feet
deep, circulate fluid that returns to the
building at a consistent temperature
to aid heating in winter and cooling
in summer.
Water conservation is of particular inter-est.
Rainwater cisterns provide irrigation,
deck wash-down and vehicle cleaning.
An on-site wastewater treatment facility
returns reclaimed water to the Pier and
bathhouse toilets. Together, these two
features alone are projected to reduce
municipal water use by 60 to 80 per cent.
All of these features combined are an
important and tangible demonstration of
clean energy production and conservation
at work.
Jennette’s Pier Reemerges
Aquarium NEWS 3
By Mike Remige, Pier Manager
By Joe Malat
The new Jennette’s Pier at Nags Head
reopens May 21 and promises to be a
popular fishing spot for future generations
of anglers and families – just as it’s been
for more than 70 years.
The original pier, completed in 1939,
was the vision of Warren Jennette Sr. of
Jennette’s Fruit Company in Elizabeth City.
Jennette’s idea was born out of two
seemingly unrelated events.
Firstly, the Swedish steamer Carl Gerhard
sank in the surf in Nags Head in 1929,
near what is now milepost marker No. 7.
Its deck remained above the water’s
surface and fishermen rowed out in
small boats and fished the wreck until it
disappeared years later. Secondly, Jennette
Sr. saw an ocean fishing pier in Kure
Beach, N.C. Remembering the popularity of
locals fishing the Gerhard wreck, he recog-nized
the potential for being able to fish in
the surf zone: The seed for building an
ocean fishing pier was firmly planted.
In 1939, Jennette’s son, William, purchased
570 feet of oceanfront property in Nags
Head for approximately $2,000. With the
help of his brothers and Va. Dare Salvage
& Construction
Co., Jennette’s
Pier was built,
extending 740
feet into the
ocean and
complete with
lights for night
fishing. The
total cost was
$6,000. In just
a few years,
worms had
infested the
massive
structure, and
in 1943 the pier began to crumble into the
sea. Further damage was caused by “The
Great Atlantic Hurricane” in 1944. The pier
was rebuilt in 1947 by Warren Jennette Jr.,
who purchased it from his brother Bill.
As the Outer Banks grew more widely
known as a fishing and vacation
destination, Jennette's became the hub
of activity. But, the pier was battered by
more storms over the years. In 1960,
Hurricane Donna unearthed an old
shipwreck and drove it through the middle
of the pier, beaching the wreck about 75
yards to the north. The pier was repaired,
but in March 1962 a devastating
nor’easter known as the Ash Wednesday
storm destroyed the pier – leaving only
three pilings. Again it was rebuilt and
resumed its popularity.
In 1996, the structure received a facelift,
which included a new 9,000-square-foot
pier house, featuring a 70-seat restaurant,
game room and tackle shop. In 2002, it
was sold to the NC Aquarium Society.
Plans were to develop it into an educa-tional
outpost for the Aquariums. But in
September 2003, Hurricane Isabel swept
the North Carolina coast, knocking out
about 540 feet of the pier and practically
shutting down an Outer Banks institution.
It then became time to rethink the fishing
pier concept. The Aquariums took the lead
to rebuild Jennette’s as an all-concrete,
1000-foot-long, educational ocean pier.
In 1984, 35 fishing piers lined the
North Carolina coast from Kitty Hawk
to Calabash. Since then, coastal storms,
hurricanes and skyrocketing property
values have conspired against them.
Today, fewer than 20 piers remain.
Plan a visit to Jennette's Pier to experi-ence
the novelty of the new and the
nostalgia of the past.
Proud anglers show off their drum catch.
Warren Jennette Sr.
Color Photos by Ray Matthews
Wind turbines generate electricity.
DESIGNED
Green & Clean
Aquarium NEWS 5
Pier fishing has always been a popular pastime and an economical
way of bringing home dinner. Like all sports, there are a number of
tricks of the trade and Joe Malat knows most of them.
A skilled fisherman with 50-plus years of fishing experience, Joe
learned his craft many years ago as a full-time, professional surf
fishing guide on the Outer Banks. He specializes in North Carolina’s
surf, pier and inshore fishing and is also an outdoor writer and
photographer. A former director of the Aquarium on Roanoke Island,
Joe is the author of “Pier Fishing,” “Let’s Go Crabbing” and two
editions of “Surf Fishing.” Here he shares Fishing through some inside fishing tips.
the Seasons...
“What’s biting today?”
“Whatcha’ catchin’?”
Since 1939, some variation of this
timeless question has echoed through
Jennette’s pier house in Nags Head.
Depending on the season, the answer
can change dramatically.
Traditionally, Outer Banks fishing piers
open their doors as winter transitions
into spring. As the weather gets more
pleasant, days get longer. However,
fish movements are triggered by sev-eral
factors, including water tempera-ture,
weather conditions and the
amount of daylight available.
Many fish species migrate seasonally
along the coast, and piers can tem-porarily
stop or slow them down.
Although winter water temperatures
can drop below 40 degrees, striped
bass prefer cold water and can be
found near shore. This makes the long
decks over the surf zone ideal for
reeling in a prize catch. As waters
warm to 55 degrees, skate, dogfish,
and puffers arrive, followed by croak-ers,
sea mullet, bluefish, speckled
trout, red drum and gray trout.
Summer’s warm, clear waters trigger
the arrival of seasonal species, such as
Spanish mackerel, spadefish, king
mackerel, sheepshead and pompano –
fish that prefer water temperatures
from 67 to 85 degrees.
Historically, fall has been considered
prime pier fishing season, when
schools of migrating baitfish swim
close to shore, pursued by bluefish,
speckled trout and red drum. Anglers
line pier railings when spot, croaker
and sea mullet are running.
So, remember the old adage: “A bad
day of fishing is better than a good
day at work!”
By Mike Remige, Pier Manager, and Joe Malat
Photo by Ricki Lipscomb
Q. What’s a good rule of thumb for rod
length, line and casting weight for
pier fishing?
A. Long rods aren’t necessary for pier
fishing. Pier anglers should look for a
7-foot spinning rod, matched to a reel
that will hold about 250 yards of 12-
pound test line. Look for a rod with
some “backbone” or stiffness that will
handle weights up to 2 ounces, but
also be capable of hoisting a wildly
flopping fish up and over the pier rails.
Q. What are the advantages of
pier fishing?
A. You can fish in the surf zone, close to
where waves are breaking on shore, or
in deeper water a couple hundred
yards off the beach. Many fish, such as
pompano, flounder, speckled trout and
puppy drum, often feed very close to
the beach. Spanish mackerel and blue-fish
may prefer slightly deeper water.
Q. What times of year are best for
catching fish?
A. That’s easy, be there when the fish
are! Fish movements and feeding
patterns are usually dictated by
changes in water temperature,
wind direction and velocity. Rather
than focus on specific months, anglers
should monitor water temps. Many
species, such as speckled trout, blue
fish, red drum, flounder and sea mullet
will show an active interest in feeding
when the water hits the mid-50s. These
fish can be in the surf from spring
through fall. Others, such as pompano
and Spanish mackerel, prefer water
above 60 degrees. The very best time for
surf and pier fishing along the North
Carolina coast is fall, from September
through November. However, there’s no
substitute for local knowledge. The
best thing to do is visit or stay in touch
with the folks at your favorite pier or
local tackle shop for the latest info.
Q. Does it matter which way the
wind’s blowing?
A. Generally, I like a bit of a breeze, and I
don’t mind it blowing in my face. I think
the wind often pushes bait and fish
close to the beach, within easy reach of
anglers. Some species prefer to feed in
certain surf and wind conditions.
Speckled trout, flounder, Spanish
mackerel and pompano like it when
the surf is relatively clear and not very
rough. Drum, striped bass and bluefish
will feed very actively when the ocean
is rough as a cob and the wind is
howling. But there are times when all
the conditions are perfect and the fish
simply refuse to bite, but that’s just
fishing. Resourceful fishermen usually
have a million excuses as to why the
fish don’t bite. I know I do.
Q. Why is night fishing best for
some fish?
A. At certain times of the year, night fishing
can be good for a great variety of fish,
such as in summer when the water is
very warm, relatively calm and clear. Red
drum and striped bass feed very actively
at night, often on small baitfish, crabs,
sandworms and mole crabs close to
shore. Possibly they feel more comfort-able
in shallow water when it’s dark.
Small baitfish may feel more comfortable
too, and be ready to feed at night when
the water temp drops a few degrees
and they are less likely to be seen by
large predators.
By Michele Bunce, Special Events Coordinator
Designed to complement Nags Head’s traditional
architectural style, Jennette’s Pier provides a
charming and spectacular oceanfront backdrop for
group gatherings. Business meetings, conferences,
staff retreats – even dinner receptions, anniver-saries,
bridal luncheons and weddings become
one-of-a-kind events in such a unique setting.
The Pier’s second-floor, private reception and
meeting area can accommodate up to 175 guests.
The generous layout features dramatic, hardwood,
cathedral ceilings and a cozy fireplace. A catering
kitchen is strategically located for food prepara-tion
and easy serving access.
Perhaps the greatest asset is the spacious,
wrap-around, covered deck, where guests can
settle into rocking
chairs and take in
the panoramic
view of the
Atlantic Ocean.
Whether your
event takes place
once a month,
once a year, or
once in a lifetime,
consider Jennette’s
Pier for your
next memorable
occasion. For more
information, visit
jennettespier.net.
Photo by Kristi Midgette Photography
A Very Special Venue
You can pick up copies of Joe's "how-to"
books in Aquarium Gift Shops or at
Jennette's Pier.
A bevy of blues makes for a happy angler at old Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head.
Sheepshead
Hours
June 1 to September 30 – 24 hours
October 1 to November 30 – 6 a.m. to midnight
December 1 to March 31 – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
April 1 to May 31 – 6 a.m. to midnight
Walk-On
Adults – $2 Children – $1 (ages 3 –12)
Aquarium members free
Fishing
Adults – $12/day
Children – $6/day (ages 12 & under)
Pin rigs – $3 additional/day
Fishing Passes
Available for 3 days, 7 days, & annually
Phone: 252-255-1501
Website: jennettespier.net
Pier Hours & Rates
Photo by Emmett Westbrook, FotoFX
Cobia
Photo by Paul Gray
Black sea bass
Red drum
Expert Angling
Advice
4 Aquarium NEWS
Aquariums Share Sustainability Ideas
The Aquariums brought progressive ideas for saving resources and dollars to the first N.C. Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Sustainability Conference.
In collaboration with the N.C. Zoo, the Aquariums shared stories of successful projects. The state’s three
public Aquariums are setting examples for other divisions by collecting rainwater for irrigation and installing
wind turbines to generate electricity, such as those at the new Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head. The Aquariums als
recycle paper, plastic, cardboard, aluminum cans – even monofilament fishing line. Landscaping initiatives include
removal of invasive species and construction of rain gardens.
Approximately 200 DENR employees attended the conference, which was broadcast to offices across the state via
Webinar. A random drawing for door prizes included complimentary passes to the Aquariums. The lucky winners were
excited at the opportunity of getting to see first-hand many of the Aquariums’ successful sustainability initiatives.
By Joanne Harcke, Research Conservation Coordinator
Aquarium NEWS 7
The Aquarium at Fort
Fisher welcomed a new
director in February, but
it didn’t have to go far
to find her.
Peggy Sloan, Aquarium
education curator since
2001, assumed the
position formerly held
by Donna Moffitt, who
retired from the state in December after 30
years of service. Sloan has more than 20 years
experience in management and education and
operations in aquarium and zoo settings.
“I’m excited to be in a position where I can
support, promote and contribute to the efforts
of our incredibly talented Fort Fisher staff and
volunteers,” said Sloan. “Together we’ll focus
on the Aquarium’s commitment of conserva-tion
education and serving our community.”
Sloan serves on numerous boards and commit-tees
and has solicited more than $630,000 in
grants and awards for the NC Aquarium
Society. One such program is Coastal
Champions, a joint partnership with the
Aquarium and Time Warner Cable through
“Connect a Million Minds.” The program
provides students with hands-on experience in
science, engineering, math and technology
relevant to Aquarium operations.
Sloan holds a bachelor’s degree in Environ-mental
Science from Stockton State College in
New Jersey and a master’s degree in Marine
Biology from UNC-W. She is noted for her
work in expanding school and public programs
and increasing community involvement.
Aquarium Names
New Director
By Amy Kilgore, Public Relations Coordinator
Photo by Amy Kilgore
Aquarist Marc Neill was doing regular
maintenance above the 235,000-gallon
Cape Fear Shoals exhibit at the
Aquarium at Fort Fisher, when he
spotted a white blur out of the corner
of his eye. He quickly realized it was a
baby bonnethead shark and a female
was giving birth.
Husbandry and education staffs quickly
sprang into action to remove the tiny
sharks before they became prey for
larger fish. Using dip nets and working
above the exhibit, they began scooping
out the newborns while divers quickly
suited up and jumped in to assist. In all,
three baby sharks survived. The mother
and offspring were placed in a holding
area behind the scenes for monitoring.
The newborns were fed a diet of mole
crabs and shrimp.
The female bonnethead was added to
the exhibit months earlier, but no one
knew she was expecting. “We’re very
excited about the birth and the cute,
new additions to our animal population,”
said Hap Fatzinger, aquarium curator.
“Successful births are a mix of opportu-nity
and quality animal care. As a result,
our husbandry staff is very proud of this
surprising event, as well as the many
other successful births we’ve had at
the Aquarium.”
Bonnethead sharks (Sphyrna tiburo)
are the smallest of the hammerheads,
averaging less than 4 feet in length.
Common summertime residents to
shallow estuaries and nearshore habitats
of the Carolinas, they have been ob-served
chasing shrimp onto mud flats,
then lunging onto the mud to snatch the
stranded prey. It’s not uncommon in
areas such as Bulls Bay, S.C., to see
dozens of bonnetheads on a summer
day feeding in shallow waters. As water
temperatures begin dropping in early
fall, bonnetheads follow the food supply
south to warmer climates.
The baby bonnets, now 7 months old,
are on display in the Shadows on the
Sand exhibit on the lower level of the
Marine Building.
Baby Bonnets
A young bonnethead shark (upper left) rooms with its skate and ray cousins.
Photo by Amy Kilgore
By Amy Kilgore, Public Relations Coordinator
Peggy Sloan
The three NC Aquariums were recently voted
“Best of Weddings” for 2011 in brides’ No. 1
wedding resource magazine, the knot. The
designation is a guide to top wedding pro-fessionals
across the country. The publica-tion
reaches more than a million engaged
couples each year.
6 Aquarium NEWS
Photo by
Keith Ketchum
Tying the Knot th Aquariums
Like most Aquarium projects, the many exhibits and programs at Jennette’s Pier have been
partially funded with private support from the NC Aquarium Society. Major contributors like
Dominion NC Power, Pepsi, Cannon Foundation, East Carolina Bank and Kelly’s Restaurant
have generously supported the project, as have area businesses, including Atlantic Realty,
BMH Architects, Black Pelican Catering, Clancy & Theys Construction Company, Outer Banks
Visitors Bureau, Resort Realty, St. Andrews Church, Sam & Omie’s Restaurant, Southern
Shores Realty, Stan White Realty & Construction, Tanger Outlet, The Dunes Restaurant, The
Outer Banks Mall and Village Realty.
The Aquariums invite you to create your own unique sponsorship! With your tax-deductible,
$200 contribution, you can Own-A-Plank and select wording and placement of your per-sonalized
fish tile in deck boards that line the Pier. List the names of your children,
grandchildren, business, or even create a memorial to a loved one. For a contribution of
$1,500, similar recognition fish plaques are available on wooden Pier benches. Learn more
about Pier sponsorships and contribute online at jennettespier.net.
Sponsor Support
Photo by Ray Matthews
There may be no better place to learn fascinating facts about our marine
environment than hovering 25 feet above the Atlantic Ocean on Jennette’s
Pier at Nags Head. Outfitted with a full-sized classroom, the new 1,000-foot,
state-of-the-art, public, educational fishing Pier is uniquely situated to take
popular Aquarium educational programs down onto the beach and up to the
water’s edge.
What would you like to learn? The basics of pier fishing? The fine art of beach-combing?
The lifestyles of such interesting visitors as dolphins, whales, sea
turtles and shorebirds? At Jennette’s you can do all this and much more.
Pier programs can also catch you up on the latest in sustainable design and clean, green, energy-producing technology, as you stand
in the shadow of one of three 10kW wind turbines. Drop in on a Pier seminar that highlights relevant scientific research in the area.
Sit in on talks that reveal hundreds of years of Outer Banks legends and lore. Or, visit after dark for a stunning view of the night sky
and a quick lesson in astronomy. Programs begin soon after the Pier’s grand reopening on May 21.
If you and your family would like to show off your fishing skills, sign up for the Pier’s First Annual Family Fishing Tournament set for
Saturday, June 4. Jennette’s Pier is all about family, fishing and fun!
On-Site Discoveries
By Mike Remige, Pier Manager
The Aquariums offer unique settings and colorful
palettes for weddings, receptions, conferences and
other special occasions. Event coordinators work
closely with hosts to create customized experi-ences.
Rental revenue supports the Aquariums’
mission, programs and future development. For
more information, visit ncaquariums.com. A rental
program is also available at the new Jennette’s
Pier. For information, visit jennettespier.net.
Call to Action
The Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is a
partner in the new, web-based, National
Geographic project “Global Action Atlas.”
The website makes it easy for anyone to
search a wide array of conservation and
humanitarian efforts, both locally and
globally, and provides an opportunity for
positive action and support.
To become a partner, the Aquarium
completed an application and approval
process. The initial venture is the
Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Awareness Project
and efforts to protect these species.
Regular updates are required to remain
on the site, keeping project leaders
motivated toward their goals.
This added exposure will help highlight
the Aquariums’ mission of conservation
and promote action among conservation-minded
individuals. Additional projects
and inclusion of projects from all three
Aquariums will follow.
Want to know how the venture is going?
Follow the progress and learn what actions
you can take to help sea turtles, or find
out how to donate directly to the project.
To see the Aquarium project, visit
actionatlas.org. Select the conservation
heading at the top of the page, then click
on Animals and Plants.
Turtle conservation groups, in
partnership with Partners in
Amphibians and Reptiles
Conservation’s (PARC), have
designated 2011 as Year of the
Turtle. The Aquarium at Fort
Fisher is celebrating by offering
“Turtles on the Twos,” special
turtle programs on the second
day of each month.
Turtles are favorite animals at the
Aquariums. Activities for "Turtles
on the Twos" center on both fresh and saltwater varieties throughout the day.
Feedings, live animal encounters, crafts and more are highlights that reveal
habits and lifestyles of these reclusive animals.
The United States has more turtle diversity than any other country; however,
turtle populations worldwide have declined up to 40 percent. Depending on
whether the species is aquatic, semi-aquatic, or terrestrial, these shy reptiles
face many threats, including habitat loss, highway and predator mortality,
invasive species, disease and climate change. PARC, a partnership dedicated to
the conservation of reptiles and amphibians, believes that working together
citizens, natural resource managers, scientists and pet- and food-related indus-tries
can help ensure long-term survival of turtle species and populations.
by Amy Kilgore, Public Relations Coordinator
Year of the Turtle
Born at the Aquarium, a baby box turtle
dines on meal worms.
Photo by Amy Kilgore
By Wendy Cluse, Conservation
and Research Coordinator
Newbies Added
to Exhibit
My how fast they grow! It was just last September when aquarists at the
Aquarium on Roanoke Island discovered new additions to their box turtle collec-tion
in the Wetlands on the Edge exhibit. To care for the little turtles, they were
taken off display and housed
behind the scenes, where they
feasted on insects, worms, fruits
and veggies. After five months of
fattening up, the youngsters
were ready to be introduced to
the Aquarium family.
Their new habitat in Wetlands on
the Edge features two levels. The
newcomers reside on the upper
level and the adults on the larger,
lower level. The higher elevation
serves a dual purpose: to keep the adults from disturbing the newbies and allow
visitors a good look at the little guys. A trickling stream feeding a small pool
provides a water source for the young turtles.
Photo by Teresa Kelly
Photo by Julie Powers
Box turtles are largely terrestrial, but often
enter water during hot, dry weather.
By Kristin Clark, Aquarist
8 Aquarium NEWS Aquarium NEWS 9
Opal the octopus made her public debut on Valentine’s Day at
the Aquarium on Roanoke Island. Opal is a common octopus
(Octopus vulgaris) and an exciting new addition to the Close
Encounters exhibit.
A local fisherman donated Opal to the Aquarium in September. A
quick examination determined the octopus was female, because
of the lack of a modified, third right arm that males use to store
sperm. The Aquarium staff held a contest to name the new
arrival and “Opal” topped the list. Names are sometimes given to
Aquarium animals for training and identification purposes.
Opal takes part in training and enrichment programs as a way
to build positive relationships with her caretakers. Training also
allows aquarists to teach her to participate in her own care. She
has learned helpful husbandry behaviors, such as approaching
aquarists on cue, recognizing specific shapes and voluntarily
swimming into a basket to be weighed. Toys filled with treats
encourage her to use her eight arms to investigate and display
natural behaviors.
To learn more about Opal, and the fascinating behaviors, habits and
lifestyles of these shy creatures, request a special presentation for
your group or class by calling 252-473-3494 ext. 232.
Opal Debuts
By Eileen Cicotello, Aquarist
Like all octopuses, Opal has excellent vision, a highly-developed nervous
system and she’s smart!
Frogs, toads, salamanders, newts – they’re
all over the place, right? Unfortunately,
these slippery, backyard bug-eaters are not
doing well in the wild. Pollution, habitat
loss and disease are doing a real number
on the world’s amphibians. Several species
are now extinct, and many more are head-ed
in that direction.
North Carolina has one of the most diverse populations of
amphibians in North America. This spring, the Aquarium at Pine
Knoll Shores opened On the Edge, an exhibit showcasing these
secretive animals, with the goal of enlightening visitors about
their plight.
Amphibians are a large group of animals that live in or near our
valuable aquatic resources and are extremely important to our
ecosystems. They help control insect populations and are food
sources for many other animals in and around ponds, streams and
rivers. They’re also known as “environmental indicators,” likened to
the canaries coal miners released into the mines to detect toxic
fumes. Amphibians essentially breathe through their skin and are
quickly affected by pollution in their home waters – an indication
of po ssible environmental problems that could affect humans.
Amphibians around the world are dying because of water pollution
and diseases that have gone unchecked. In addition, an animal
with compromised health may be unable to breed, compounding
the catastrophic effects.
The good news: A worldwide effort to create awareness of the
amphibian crisis is already having a positive impact. We can help
by simply being aware of where they live and keeping pollution,
fertilizer and pesticide run-off from entering our streams and
rivers. With everyone’s help, we hope to see these amazing ani-mals
make a comeback, here and around the globe.
on the edge
Photo by Leah Reed
Photo by Claire Aubel
Salamanders are just one of many amphibians being affected by pollution.
By Brian Dorn, Husbandry Curator
Amphibians
Jellyfish are some of the most curious and puzzling creatures
you’ll ever encounter. With gelatinous bodies and dangling ten-tacles,
they look like something out of science fiction. So how
does a jellyfish reproduce?
Two to three times a year, thousands
of jellies are “born” at the Aquarium
at Fort Fisher by manipulating their
environment. The method, although
complex, is fascinating. From yellow
stingrays to sea horses to jellyfish,
propagating animals allows the
Aquarium to maintain specimens
without depleting wild populations.
The Aquarium propagates two fairly
common jellies; moon jellies (Aurelia
aurita) and Atlantic sea nettles
(Chrysaora quinquecirrha).
Adult jellies release sperm and eggs
into the water. The eggs fertilize and
develop into tiny free-swimming lar-vae
called "planulae." The planulae
float about and settle onto a rock,
shell, or other hard surface and
develop into tiny polyps resembling
small anemones. The polyps make
genetically identical copies of them-selv
es through an asexual reproduc-tive
process called “budding.”
Eventually, the
polyps completely
take over the hard
surface.
Over a period of
weeks, aquarists
slowly lower the
water temperature
and the polyps
begin to "strobi-late,"
a division process that resembles a stack of pancakes.
Each pancake is a new larval jellyfish called an "ephyra," and
each polyp can produce roughly 12 to 15 new ephyrae. The
ephyrae eventually detach and are fed tiny, live, planktonic
animals called "rotifers" multiple times a day. The Aquarium
also propagates the rotifers. In a few weeks, the ephyrae
develop a full bell and begin to look
like the jellies we’re used to seeing,
thus completing the life cycle.
Jellyfish typically live only six months,
creating the need for more jellies.
The Aquarium maintains more than a
thousand jellyfish at the polyp stage,
and water temperature changes are
conducted whenever the need for new
jellies arises. The Aquarium also shares
successful jellyfish cultures with
other institutions.
Beginning Memorial Day weekend, “Winging It: Birds in Flight”
soars into its second season at the Aquarium at Pine Knoll
Shores. Half-hour performances run daily at 1 p.m. throughout
the summer.
Hawks, vultures, pelicans and owls are the program’s stars.
Their aerial displays delight visitors, as the birds swoop, soar
and squawk in the Big Rock Theater. The free-flight program is
entertaining while focusing on conservation issues that affect
these beautiful animals.
The birds spent the winter molting and preparing for the coming
summer season. Their trainers stayed busy creating new scripts
and teaching new behaviors.
Having these amazing birds as part of the Aquarium’s collection
offers a chance to showcase a few of our many feathered friends
that rely on healthy habitats and waterways. The program’s goal
is to raise awareness and provide audiences with information on
how everyone can support wild bird populations.
Tickets for Winging It: Birds in Flight are $4 per person, in
addition to Aquarium admission. Aquarium membership
discounts do not apply. Tickets can be purchased online,
or on the day of your visit.
Aquarium NEWS 11
Barn Owl
Making Jellies
By Windy Arey-Kent, Education Curator
By Alex Moore, Public Relations Assistant, and Marc Neill, Aquarist
Developing jellies are fed
three times daily.
High-Flying Summer
Sea Nettle
Photo by Barbara Buchanan
Photo by Amy Kilgore
Moon Jelly
Photo by Julie Powers
A dozen area teens gave up their Saturdays
to take part in “Connect a Million Minds,”
a pilot program at the Aquarium at Fort
Fisher. Students documented their activi-ties
as they gained hands-on experience in
science, technology, engineering and math
(STEM). The opportunity was made possible
by an Aquarium partnership with Time
Warner Cable for development of a new
Coastal Champions program. Students
worked for three six-week periods.
The first six weeks the novices learned the
difference between fresh, brackish and salt
waters, met some of the Aquarium’s resi-dent
snakes, conducted habitat studies,
performed water quality testing, and
weighed and measured turtles to calculate
how much food was needed to keep the
animals healthy.
The second six weeks included work with
amphibians, jellies, reptiles, fish and sharks.
Food preparation and feedings, assisting
with the Aquarium’s “Scales and Tails”
event and observing a dolphin necropsy
were highlights. The final six weeks
focused on conservation and field explo-ration,
including a canoe trip to Holly
Shelter, fishing, and study of a rocky out-crop
formation near the Aquarium. In June,
three students have the opportunity to
continue the Coastal Champions program
as paid summer interns.
Nimbus, the little white loggerhead at the Aquarium at Pine
Knoll Shores, is living up to its name. Defined as a radiant light
or shining cloud, Nimbus won out over hundreds of other name
suggestions because it seemed fitting for the tiny sea turtle’s
rare pale coloring.
But as the small reptile enchants visitors, it also serves as a
beacon for heightened public interest in sea turtles. The five sea
turtle species found in North Carolina waters are endangered
or threatened.
Nimbus was brought to the
Aquarium for care in early
August. Weak and smaller than
average, it turned up when a
hatched-out Pine Knoll Shores’
nest was excavated for baby
turtles left behind.
Hampered by a cleft palate, it
had to be coaxed into eating. It
also lagged behind in growth, but
appears to be catching up with
other hatchlings of the same age.
A genetic deviation similar to
albinism causes Nimbus’ unusual
coloring. As the turtle has grown,
its nearly white skin and shell have acquired a yellowish tinge
in places. The carapace near the tail has turned slightly darker,
though still remains much lighter than normal coloring for
a loggerhead.
Nimbus is on exhibit in the Tidal Waters Gallery. The turtle is
something of a rock star at the Aquarium – especially with visit-ing
school groups. In addition to its advancement of the sea
turtle conservation message, Nimbus could become a symbol of
individuality. An Aquarium Gift Shop t-shirt for youngsters
features Nimbus and the slogan, “Be different.”
10 Aquarium NEWS
By Julie Powers, Public Relations Coordinator
By Amy Kilgore, Public Relations Coordinator
Mind Connections
Students test salinity using a refractometer.
Nimbus made its public debut in the Tidal Waters Gallery turtle nursery.
Despite complications, little
Nimbus was catching up to its
peers by the age of 6 months.
Photo by Julie Powers
Photo by Julie Powers
Photo by Charlotte Marsh
2
Sink your teeth into shark fun and facts
every “Toothy Tuesday” this summer at the
Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Special
Tuesdays run June 14 through August 9,
with activities, programs and shark feedings
focusing on these magnificent – and often
misunderstood – top predators of the sea.
Can’t get enough of these fantastic fish? Visit
any day during “Shark Week,” July 24-30, for
more “fin-filled,” shark-themed action.
The Aquarium’s ever-popular summer
“Family Nights” return on Thursdays and
have been taken over by pirates! Put on
your eye patch and prepare to have your
timbers shivered each Thursday, June 16
through August 11, from 4 to 8 p.m. Ride
the wave of high seas hi-jinks and turn
your spyglass to t he Queen Anne’s Revenge
exhibit for a glimpse into our pirating past.
The exhibit represents a shipwreck thought
to be the flagship of a pirate fleet once
commanded by infamous Blackbeard.
Watch for swashbuckling programs in con-junction
with the N.C. Maritime Museum,
home to 18th century artifacts recovered
from the wreck.
Participation in “Family Nights,” “Toothy
Tuesdays” and “Shark Week” activities are free
with Aquarium admission or membership.
ou and your family enjoy exploring beaches, forests,
marshes and meadows and collecting nature��s castoffs?
Bones, egg cases, shells, rocks and other finds are
considered natural treasures by some. If collecting
nature’s oddities is a favorite pastime, consider
taking part in Nature Swap at the Aquarium at
Fort Fisher.
Nature Swap showcases natural objects, such as
shark teeth, skulls, shells and other found items.
Learn more about your treasure by bringing it to the
Aquarium and examining the staff’s collection. You’ll
earn points for your finds and can use the points to
trade for other items of interest.
“The Perdues are Aquarium members who bring in their finds each Saturday,”
says Joanna Zazzali, Aquarium registrar. “It’s fun to see what the kids have
found from week to week.”
Swap encourages exploring the outdoors, however, collectors
are cautioned to do no harm when gathering their treasures.
To participate in Nature Swap, your find should be clean and
in good condition. A maximum of three items per day is
allowed, and you can earn extra points by doing a bit of
arch on your find.
There are some finds the Aquarium cannot accept: items from
Aquarium grounds; bird parts, feathers,
eggs, or nests; alligator parts or mounts; live
plants; sea turtle parts; and marine mammal parts.
Nature Swap is held on Saturdays and Sundays from
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. across from the Coquina Outcrop touch
pool. Visit the Aquarium to share and swap your treasures!
Aquarium NEWS
By Leah Reed, Public Relations Assistant
Nature Swap Shop
by Amy Kilgore, Public Relations Coordinator
13
Photo by Claire Aubel
Photo by Sherry White
Photo by Alex Dunlap
Triple Your Fun
This Summer!
Whelk egg case
12 Aquarium NEWS
The Aquarium and surrounding grounds at Pine Knoll Shores
are home to thousands of unique animal and plant species that
exemplify the wonders of North Carolina’s natural habitats. A
small but spectacular recent addition to the plant collection is
the stately pitcher plant, one of several insect-eating species in
the carnivorous garden near the bridge at the Aquarium entrance.
Aside from their insect-eating diet, pitchers have additional
compelling characteristics.
Resembling small vases
capped with subtle hoods,
pitchers’ varying shades of
chartreuse, purple, white and
green demand attention from
both insects and visitors.
Some of these unusual plants
form a tidy, cabbage-like
rosette close to the ground.
Others stretch upright nearly
3 feet toward the sun. To add
to the splendor, some species
flaunt large, showy, down-ward-
turned flowers from
April until September.
The distinctive shape and
brilliant colors of these plants
help snare winged insects and
the occasional ant. Once a
hapless bug enters the plant’s
tube beneath the cap, down-ward-
pointing hairs direct it
deeper into the hollow cavi-ty.
There, the bug eventually
drowns in digestive fluids.
These oddities of the plant
community are often found
in swampy meadows along-side
other insectivorous
plants such as Venus fly-traps
and sundews, also
part of the Aquarium’s
carnivorous showcase.
Many carnivorous plant
species are threatened or
endangered in our area as
development encroaches on
their native range. Poachers
are also responsible for
dwindling numbers. As
tempting as it may seem,
it is illegal to take any of
these beauties from the
wild. If owning these little
insect-eaters is a must for
you, make sure they come
from a reputable dealer.
Because carnivorous plants supplement their diet with insects, they
can survive in poor, nutrient-deficient soil. They thrive in sandy, wet,
acidic areas where many other plants can’t exist. They need only a
little sunshine, rainwater and the occasional bug. If only everything
could be so easy!
Perhaps waiting to steal a meal, a tree frog hides in the mouth of a pitcher plant.
Photo by Emmett Westbrook, Foto FX
Tiny hairs beneath the pitcher plant’s
hood direct insects into its hollow
tube, where victims tumble into
digestive juices.
Pretty as a Pitcher
Stately pitchers reach for the sun.
Skate egg case
Violet snail
Scotch bonnet
By Gwendy Womble, Conservation Horticulturist
Perdue youngsters bring in nature treasures every week.
Photo by Brian Dorn
Animal Antics
Animals do the darndest things. To catch some of their odd behaviors takes being in the right place at the
right time. Here’s a humorous look at some of the antics captured by Aquarium staff, volunteers and visitors.
Sand Tiger sigh
Turtle yoga
Photo by Craig Davies
Photo by Sherry White
Photo by Claire Aubel
14 Aquarium NEWS Aquarium NEWS 15
Cariing for
Aiiliing Sea
Turtles
This summer visitors to the Aquarium on Roanoke Island can help
rehabilitate a sick sea turtle. The new, fun, hands-on OPERATION:
Sea Turtle Rescue exhibit simulates many of the steps needed to
get a sick or injured sea turtle back on its flippers.
These gentle creatures face many threats – from mistaking float-ing
plastic bags for food to "cold-stunning" caused by a dramatic
drop in water temperature. The Aquariums have a long history of
working with these ancient reptiles. Staff at the Aquarium on
Roanoke Island and the local Network for Endangered Sea Turtles
(NEST) spend much time and contribute many hours caring for
sick turtles. Their efforts are rewarded when they return healthy
animals to the sea.
In the new exhibit, visitors are invited to “rescue” a small turtle
replica and take their patient to a diagnostic station. There, they
are prompted to perform a mock X-ray, blood test and physical
exam. The results determine what has affected their turtle. At a
nearby rehabilitation station, a video explains what's needed for
treatment. Visitors administer the simulated care and place their
turtle in a rehabilitation tank. With a successful recovery, their
turtle is returned to the sea.
The exhibit’s aim is to increase
visitor awareness of some of the
common yet major threats facing
these animals, and the ongoing
efforts by agencies, organizations
and volunteers to preserve sea
turtle populations.
Sea turtles are federally protected
by the U.S. Endangered Species
Act. Only trained personnel and
volunteers affiliated with specially
permitted agencies and institu-tions
are authorized to handle or
house them. With the exception
of nesting, and some species that
occasionally come ashore to bask
in Australia and Hawaii, sea turtles
spend their entire lives in the ocean. Nesting season on North
Carolina beaches is May through September; however, nestings
may occur as early as April or as late as October. If you come
upon a sea turtle in distress, call 252-241-7367.
No Horsing Around
The Sea Horses exhibit at the Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores recently expanded to showcase a herd of
baby sea horses. The youngsters were born behind the scenes in a new propagation program, thanks to
much effort by the husbandry staff.
It takes a lot of work to nurture a sea horse brood to adulthood. Aquarists must be vigilant in anticipat-ing
when the male sea horse will release its young so they can care for the tiny animals from the start.
Newborns are smaller than rice grains when they emerge. After they are collected and placed in the
appropriate holding tank, the hard work of feeding and cleaning, feeding and cleaning begins.
At the Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, baby sea horses eat only live, baby brine shrimp, which aquarists
must hatch out daily. The baby sea horses must be provided with extra helpings to make sure they get
enough to eat while learning to hunt. This requires twice-daily tank cleanings so uneaten food doesn’t
pollute the water. The babies graduate to frozen mysis shrimp after a few months, making cleaning
much easier.
But these animals are worth the extra effort. Sea horse populations are declining worldwide. Dried sea
horses for the souvenir trade and loss of habitat are two main causes. In North Carolina, sea horses live
in saltwater, estuarine wetlands and sea grass beds.
Breeding sea horses for educational exhibits reduces pressure on wild populations, and the expanded
exhibit helps spread the word about the need for conservation. The exhibit also features a new video
and a display highlighting the slender pipefish, a member of the sea horse family.
By Brian Dorn, Husbandry Curator
Photo by Teresa Kelly
After a collision with a boat
propeller, metal sutures and
screws hold together a young
sea turtle’s shell.
By Larry Warner, Exhibits Curator
Photo by Julie Powers
Baby sea horses require much care. Yellowbelly Slider Loggerhead Sea Turtle (juvenile)
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16 Aquarium NEWS
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800-832-FISH (3474) Aquarium NEWS 17
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