NC Aquarium Society hosts shark event to raise awareness and funds
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Shark conservation will take center stage Saturday as the North Carolina Aquarium Society hosts its annual Suds for Sharks event in Wilmington.
The family-friendly event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 29 at Savard Beer & Board. Proceeds will support shark conservation efforts.
Shark experts from the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher will be on hand for trivia, bingo, one-on-one conversations and updates on ongoing shark conservation efforts.
Guests can also enjoy shark-themed drink specials served in a commemorative 50th Anniversary pint glass. A portion of pint sales will benefit SAFE: Shark & Ray.
Hap Fatzinger, North Carolina Aquariums director, shark expert and program leader for SAFE: Shark & Ray, and Windy Arey-Kent, SAFE: Shark & Ray conservation program manager, will be featured at the event.
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is currently closed as construction continues on a major renovation and expansion. Aquarium officials say community events such as Suds for Sharks provide an opportunity to continue educating the public about marine conservation.
Sharks, along with skates and rays, are among the most threatened groups of marine wildlife. Aquarium staff and volunteers work on several conservation initiatives, including the sand tiger shark tagging project and Spot A Shark USA, a community science program that involves people along the Atlantic coast in sand tiger shark research.
The aquarium also works with SAFE: Shark & Ray, an Association of Zoos and Aquariums initiative focused on building partnerships to support the conservation and recovery of sharks and rays.
Officials encourage the public to help protect sharks by learning about the animals, avoiding shark products, choosing sustainable seafood, reducing single-use plastics and supporting shark conservation organizations.
The aquarium’s conservation work continues while the Fort Fisher facility undergoes its renovation and expansion.
