NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher looking to expand

FORT FISHER, NC (WWAY) — It’s been about 15 years since the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher last underwent a renovation and expansion. Now, it might be time for another one.

The aquarium recently sent out a bid looking for a design team.

The idea is in the preliminary stages. But according to aquarium officials, because of where the aquarium is located among wetlands and protected areas, any expansion would have to go “up” instead of “out”. The aquarium’s footprint would have to remain the same.

One possible idea is to create an observation deck that would provide views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the river.

No money for a project has been secured yet, but $10 million would be requested from the state. Another $5 million would come from private funds raised from the NC Aquariums Society.

The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher was last expanded in the early 2000s. It reopened in 2002 at its current 93,000 square foot size.

The bids for a design closes today.