The associate director of one of the state’s most visited attractions was recently honored not only by local aquarium colleagues but also by the state for his 30-plus years of service commitment.

N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher associate director Paul Barrington was awarded the state’s highest honor, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. The accolade is granted to North Carolinians for outstanding service to the state.

What’s more, the N.C. Aquarium Society and the state Aquariums Division recognized Barrington’s dedication with a Lifetime Achievement Award and the inaugural “Paul Barrington Heart of the Sea” award. In his work, Barrington has cared for thousands of aquatic – and other  – animals at the facility and oversees many of the aquarium’s operations.

“Paul set high standards in every area of animal care and operations from the moment he walked through the door,” Fort Fisher aquarium director Peggy Sloan said. “So much of the aquarium’s success over the years is due to Paul’s leadership, dedication and creativity.”

A Massachusetts native, Barrington has served in his current aquarium position for 15 years. He began his career at the Kure Beach facility in 1985 as the aquarium curator.

Since Barrington’s distinctions were bestowed, the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher has also honored two other employees.
Public Relations assistant Lindsey Walters won the 2015 Sea Star Award for outstanding job performance. Walters joined the aquarium as a volunteer in 2013 and was hired in her current position shortly thereafter.

Meanwhile, aquarium educator Aly Mack was awarded the 2015 Customer Service Award. Mack’s commendation stems from “her commitment to the visitor experience,” according to a press release.

Recently, the aquarium itself made the national spotlight. According to a press release, a TripAdvisor list of the top 25 aquariums in the country included the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher in the No. 16 spot.