TEAM ECCO
Team ECCO is a grassroots program, started in my kitchen and born from a desire to bring the ocean to the children and communities of WNC. I left teaching in the public school system in 2001 to become a volunteer for Oceans for Youth, a nonprofit on a mission to teach ocean awareness. Charlie Snead was principal at Hendersonville Elementary School, and I talked him into believing in my goal of getting our mountain-based kids to the sea.
We loaded a charter bus with 45 kids and adults and did the first manatee and water shed trip to Crystal River, FL. After that, the momentum just kept growing. In 2009, I opened the first Team ECCO Ocean Center in an 800 sq. ft. room with 6 aquariums - most all of which were donated. The largest tank was 90 gallons and I thought I was all that and a bag of donuts.
The current Aquarium opened in 2011 to support the ever-increasing demand for classes and programs. Rebranding to the now Aquarium & Shark Lab in 2018, moving us forward as the sole ocean science point in WNC. The numbers have grown with our age. In 2021, we reached 4,500 people in classes and programs and hit 10,000 visitors through the doors. It all seems so unbelievable to me.
We loaded a charter bus with 45 kids and adults and did the first manatee and water shed trip to Crystal River, FL. After that, the momentum just kept growing. In 2009, I opened the first Team ECCO Ocean Center in an 800 sq. ft. room with 6 aquariums - most all of which were donated. The largest tank was 90 gallons and I thought I was all that and a bag of donuts.
The current Aquarium opened in 2011 to support the ever-increasing demand for classes and programs. Rebranding to the now Aquarium & Shark Lab in 2018, moving us forward as the sole ocean science point in WNC. The numbers have grown with our age. In 2021, we reached 4,500 people in classes and programs and hit 10,000 visitors through the doors. It all seems so unbelievable to me.
Today, we are well known for our study in behavioral imprinting with sharks, rays, and reptiles. Guests are amazed at the live small shark and ray feed in our 2,000-gallon shark study tank. Our shark study team has been picked up by the Field Museum in Chicago. They will use our data on parthenogenesis in bamboo sharks as a part of their publication later in 2022.
The younger exploration team will head to the FL Keys to participate in ocean studies with Marine Lab, Key Largo. A week of intensive learning from the mangroves to the deep blue.
The shark study team will head to Exuma, Bahamas, to train with Beneath the Waves on shark tagging, blue carbon impact, microplastics, sea grass O2 output, and teach a class on ocean ecology.
We have come such a long way. Our 2,000-gallon shark behavior tank is the center piece of exhibits that showcase 300 amazing and unique salt and freshwater species.
The younger exploration team will head to the FL Keys to participate in ocean studies with Marine Lab, Key Largo. A week of intensive learning from the mangroves to the deep blue.
The shark study team will head to Exuma, Bahamas, to train with Beneath the Waves on shark tagging, blue carbon impact, microplastics, sea grass O2 output, and teach a class on ocean ecology.
We have come such a long way. Our 2,000-gallon shark behavior tank is the center piece of exhibits that showcase 300 amazing and unique salt and freshwater species.
“ Experience is the best teacher and a positive learning experience can change a life” ~ B.J.R.
THE AQUARIUM
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- Our outstanding intern program is host to 6 high school seniors, three college trainees, and numerous trainings and consults each year. We are active members of the NC Science Network, the American Elasmobranch Society, The Environmental Education Sites of NC, The Career and Technical Education Advisory Board for HCPS. Team ECCO staff and interns have partnered and networked with major education sites such as the UA Biosphere 2, the St. Augustine Aquarium, River Banks Zoo, Odysea Aquarium, Fl Aquarium, and the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine.
- Team ECCO engages minds and bodies with custom field exploration trips to local and distant points of environmental interest on manatees, aquafer systems, coral reef development, sea turtles, shark research, and mangrove recovery.
- If it has to do with the sea, it has to be Team ECCO. We bring the sea to WNC.
- We train and incorporate student interns and volunteers into daily care and husbandry of the 300+ animals housed in our ecosystems. All students train on understanding and execution of life support systems.
- Brenda Ramer shares her passion for teaching with her love of the ocean as she develops stewardship, respect , and desire for the seas. Those involved take such pride in the work that they perform. Even on days when we are not open, we are there dedicated to making sure that our animals are taken care of.