The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher connects visitors with the wonders of nature and aquatic wildlife. The Aquarium is dedicated to inspiring appreciation and conservation for aquatic environments in North Carolina and around the world. The N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher is one of only 238 accredited members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a non-profit organization dedicated to the highest standards in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science and recreation. In addition, the Aquarium is an AZA partner in SAFE: Saving Animals from Extinction. The Aquarium received initial AZA accreditation in 1990 and received its most recent inspection in 2023. The Aquariums are buoyed by the support of the North Carolina Aquarium Society.