Negotiations Continue Following Bid Opening for Aquarium Pier at Nags Head Construction

Bids opened earlier this month for the construction of the new North Carolina Aquarium Pier at Nags Head exceeded the funding available for the pier project.

Six general contractors submitted bids, with the lowest bid coming from Clancy and Theys, a North Carolina company based in Raleigh.

“We are negotiating with Clancy and Theys to value-engineer and reduce construction costs for the project,” said David Griffin, director of the N.C. Aquariums. “Should we be unable to sufficiently reduce the construction cost of the project’s current design project, we will redesign and rebid the project.”

Griffin added, “We are committed to building a new pier on the site of the former Jennette’s Pier, and we remain optimistic about getting a contract for construction.”

The new state-operated Aquarium Pier at Nags Head will offer educational and recreational opportunities to further the Aquarium’s mission-inspiring appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments.

Meanwhile, the N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is finalizing an agreement with the town of Emerald Isle for an aquarium pier there. The N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher and the town of Carolina Beach are also discussing a partnership to bring an Aquarium Pier to Carolina Beach.

Aquarium explores amphibians in new photo exhibit.

The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island explores the lives and loves of amphibians in new photo exhibit by Mike Dunn, “Amphibian Days and Nights.” The show runs in conjunction with the aquarium’s celebration of the international “Year of the Frog”—a conservation campaign to save rapidly declining amphibian populations. The show runs December 5 th, 2008 through March 27th, 2009 and is included with Aquarium admission.

The temporary exhibit features the photographs of Mike Dunn on display through March 27. Photos include engaging close-ups of elusive frogs, toads and salamanders native to North Carolina. Mike worked as an educator at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh for 19 years, and spent eight years with North Carolina State Parks. Photography plays an important role in how he spends his time. His favorite photography spots include the area around his home in Chatham County, Yellowstone National Park and Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge near Plymouth, North Carolina.

Mike’s articles and photographs have been published in Wildlife in North Carolina, Carolina Countryand15-501 magazines. A frequent contributor to the Museum’s Naturalist magazine, he also serves as a judge for the annual NC Wildlife Photography of the Year contest. Mike has offered an annual educator workshop on the amazing lives of amphibians for more than a decade, inspired in part by his experience witnessing the breeding migrations of spotted salamanders near his home. Today, he helps develop amphibian habitats by creating water gardens locally and on school grounds across the state.

Santa Paws Needs Your Help!

This holiday season the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Isand is collecting gifts for our four legged friends at the Outer Banks SPCA. Starting December 1st through the 22nd contributions of 7lbs of dry dog, puppy, cat or kitten food (preferably Purina brand) will give that individual FREE admission to the aquarium at the time of donation! During this time any other contributions may be dropped off at the aquarium as well.

A few other items on Santa Paws' wish list are toys (cat & dog), rawhides, blankets, pillowcases, bleach, paper towels, dog shampoo and clumping kitty litter. For more information call 252-473-3494.

Oceans Revealed: Power of the Planet

Opening Spring of 2009

An amazing new adventure is beginning at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. Construction for “Oceans Revealed: Power of the Planet” is currently underway and will open in the spring of 2009.

Since “Oceans Revealed” is such an exciting new feature of the Aquarium, a logo that incorporates the idea of the oceans and a powerful Earth was designed. This new logo also relates to the educational programming that is planned. New programs will include weather, hurricanes, currents, animals and so much more!

For educators who are planning a class trip to the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island during the spring of 2009, this new exhibit will bring new educational opportunities, capture the imagination and enhance the knowledge of every child through its technology.