Celebrate National Oyster Day with the Aquarium on August 5
On Tuesday, August 5, the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island is celebrating National Oyster Day and the “Human-Oyster Connection.” Oysters are important animals that are connected to humans in surprising ways and have been a part of our shared culture for thousands of years. Join us on August 5 to learn about oysters, the significance of oysters in American culture, and the positive impact oysters have on the health of coastal habitats and communities.
From 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 5 the Aquarium will host special activities that highlight the importance of oysters in culture, cuisine, and ecosystems throughout history. Discover these fascinating connections with the Aquarium with oyster-themed activities, games, crafts, and information sessions with Aquarium partners, NC Coastal Federation and NC Sea Grant. Visitors can journey through oyster history and complete an "Oysters Through the Ages" Scavenger Hunt. Special activities for National Oyster Day are included with regular Aquarium admission.
In discussing the importance of oysters, Larry Warner, director of the Aquarium, said, “Oysters, through their unique filtration abilities, are essential to the health of our coastal ecosystems. But equally, they are an important economic driver for our state as a food source. The Aquarium is committed to telling all sides of the story around these amazing creatures.”
The Aquarium is entering the final construction stages of its newest exhibit, “Fish, Filter, Food: The Human-Oyster Connection,” scheduled to be complete in September. More than six years in the making, this exhibit has been made possible through generous support and funding from the N.C. Aquarium Society, the N.C. Coastal Federation, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau. When complete, the exhibit will showcase all aspects of oysters, including the life cycle of oysters, oyster reef construction, mariculture, and coastal oyster farmers who provide oysters for the restaurant industry.
