Evening at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.

Located just 1/4 mile from the Sheraton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront Hotel, this newly renovated 35,000 sq. ft. building houses several aquariums and the impressive Living Shipwreck display. Our guest lecturer will discuss aquatic life unique to NC coastal waters. Heavy hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer, and other beverages will be served. Bus transportation will be provided.

Cost to conference participants is included in the registration fee. Guests are welcome at $30.00 per person. Please advise your attendance on the Registration page.

Excursions: Saturday, March 15

Two excursions will take place in the afternoon of Saturday, March 15. Please note the limited capacities for these events. Since they will occur at approximately the same time of day, you may choose only one. It is important that you indicate your attendance at the reception and choice of excursions on the Registration page.

Excursion 1: North Carolina Maritime Museum and Stroll, Beaufort, NC.

Located on Beaufort's beautiful waterfront, this museum documents NC's historical alliance with the sea. The 18,000 sq. ft. building houses exhibits of ship models, native coastal birds, fish and mammal specimens, decoys, small watercraft, as well as artifacts from the newly discovered wreckage of Blackbeard's flagship, the Queen Anne's Revenge. Marine archeologist, Dr. David Moore, will discuss piracy, Blackbeard in history, and the QAR dive project. Refreshments will be served. Afterwards, stroll the shops along the waterfront. Bus transportation will be provided. Limited to first 100 participants at $20.00 per person. This excursion may be chosen on the Registration page.

 

Excursion 2: Duke Marine Laboratory & Susan Hudson Research Vessel

The Marine Laboratory is a campus of Duke University situated across the channel from Beaufort, NC, on Pivers Island, making its location ideal for education and research in all aspects of ocean and marine sciences. Dr. Michael Orbach, Director of the Marine Laboratory, and Dr. Daniel Rittschof, Associate Professor of Zoology, will discuss topics ranging from the history of the Cape Lookout National Seashore and the 100+ wild horses residing on Shackelford Banks Island, to how oceans regulate climate, chemical ecology, and coastal and global environmental efforts. Onboard the Susan Hudson, a 57-foot oceanographic research vessel, explore the coastal waterways and disembark for a guided walking tour at Shackelford or the Rachel Carson Estuarial Research Reserve, home of many endangered species. Please wear laced-up, closed-toed shoes. Passengers must be at least six years of age. Refreshments will be available in the auditorium and on the boat. Bus transportation will be provided. Limited to first 76 participants at $25.00 per person. This excursion may be chosen on the Registration page.