ARTICLES
How Brenda Ramer Is Bringing Ocean Science to the Mountains and Inspiring the Next Generation of Marine Innovators
by Adam Bent
by Adam Bent
America’s Ocean Access Problem is Actually an Imagination Problem
by Robert Bloomingfield
by Robert Bloomingfield
MISSION
Team ECCO empowers learners of all ages with interactive marine science education that inspires conservation of our ocean planet. We connect communities to the wonders of aquatic life, foster curiosity through real‑world STEM experiences, and champion responsible stewardship to protect fragile marine ecosystems for future generations.
Science, history, math, and culture are integrated into our exhibits and programs. Like the tide, we are in a continuous motion saying "Why not" and "What if" as our students and interns research ideas, document, and defy existing standards.
Science, history, math, and culture are integrated into our exhibits and programs. Like the tide, we are in a continuous motion saying "Why not" and "What if" as our students and interns research ideas, document, and defy existing standards.
DID YOU KNOW...
Team ECCO, began in 2001 by educator Brenda J. Ramer, as a grassroots ocean‑education effort visiting local schools and community groups to spark curiosity about marine life. What began with just a handful of students quickly grew as teachers and families asked for more ocean‑focused learning opportunities.
By 2007, demand had grown enough that Team ECCO formally registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit—opening the door to donor support that allowed the organization to expand its reach and deepen its educational mission.
In 2011, Team ECCO achieved a milestone that reshaped regional science education: the opening of North Carolina’s first public inland aquarium. This center is now home to tropical marine fish, invertebrates, reptiles, and learning experiences that welcomes thousands of visitors each year.
In 2016–2017, donor and grant support fueled major expansions, including a 2,200‑gallon shark behavior study tank—one of the largest saltwater tanks within 100 miles of Hendersonville. This addition strengthened Team ECCO’s research capacity and led to the organization’s rebranding as the Team ECCO Aquarium & Shark Lab, reflecting its growing role in shark behavior, development, and hatching studies. The aquarium now welcomes over 10,000 visitors and more than 5,500 program/event participants each year.
Team ECCO continues to evolve. Its interns and student docents—many pursuing marine science careers—play a central role in research, animal care, and visitor engagement, maintaining exhibits, and conducting observational studies. Team ECCO has developed one of the only immersive marine study intern programs in Western North Carolina, partnering with local high schools and attracting college and post‑graduate students pursuing marine science.
Recently, Team ECCO added a 1,400‑gallon living wall ecosystem, designed by Reef Camp students and supported by community and industry partners. This new exhibit transitions from the sea shore to the start of the coral reefs. Current artificial structures of living mangroves, grasses, and corals will turn to live specimens stating in Spring 2027. This is another step toward making ocean science accessible, tangible, and inspiring.
Beyond the walls of the aquarium, Team ECCO continues to design and deliver ocean and environmental education programs for ages 3–90+. These include in‑house learning lab experiences, outreach programs to schools and community sites, and travel “sea ventures” to coastal locations for encounters with sharks, coral reefs, and mangrove ecosystems. Through all of this, the mission remains steady: to make the ocean accessible, inspire lifelong curiosity, and build a new generation of science‑minded, conservation‑focused leaders.
By 2007, demand had grown enough that Team ECCO formally registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit—opening the door to donor support that allowed the organization to expand its reach and deepen its educational mission.
In 2011, Team ECCO achieved a milestone that reshaped regional science education: the opening of North Carolina’s first public inland aquarium. This center is now home to tropical marine fish, invertebrates, reptiles, and learning experiences that welcomes thousands of visitors each year.
In 2016–2017, donor and grant support fueled major expansions, including a 2,200‑gallon shark behavior study tank—one of the largest saltwater tanks within 100 miles of Hendersonville. This addition strengthened Team ECCO’s research capacity and led to the organization’s rebranding as the Team ECCO Aquarium & Shark Lab, reflecting its growing role in shark behavior, development, and hatching studies. The aquarium now welcomes over 10,000 visitors and more than 5,500 program/event participants each year.
Team ECCO continues to evolve. Its interns and student docents—many pursuing marine science careers—play a central role in research, animal care, and visitor engagement, maintaining exhibits, and conducting observational studies. Team ECCO has developed one of the only immersive marine study intern programs in Western North Carolina, partnering with local high schools and attracting college and post‑graduate students pursuing marine science.
Recently, Team ECCO added a 1,400‑gallon living wall ecosystem, designed by Reef Camp students and supported by community and industry partners. This new exhibit transitions from the sea shore to the start of the coral reefs. Current artificial structures of living mangroves, grasses, and corals will turn to live specimens stating in Spring 2027. This is another step toward making ocean science accessible, tangible, and inspiring.
Beyond the walls of the aquarium, Team ECCO continues to design and deliver ocean and environmental education programs for ages 3–90+. These include in‑house learning lab experiences, outreach programs to schools and community sites, and travel “sea ventures” to coastal locations for encounters with sharks, coral reefs, and mangrove ecosystems. Through all of this, the mission remains steady: to make the ocean accessible, inspire lifelong curiosity, and build a new generation of science‑minded, conservation‑focused leaders.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...
TESTIMONIALS
"I am so thankful for the opportunities you have provided for him and the lessons he has learned this year at the aquarium. We are grateful for your part in his education experience this school year.
Thank You,
Amy C.
Thank You,
Amy C.
|
" Thank you so much, BJ! HCPS loves you!
Dr. W. Frye, Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services |
" Thanks so much ... for your tremendous engagement of our students. You and your team are truly champions of opportunity for the youth of our community. Know this, you are appreciated! jb
Dr. J. Bryant, Superintendent, HCPS
Dr. J. Bryant, Superintendent, HCPS
Loved this place. Very friendly staff of volunteers. Clear rules and lots of touching for young minds. Kids can spend an hour in here if they are the curious sort.
Took my ten year old granddaughter one rainy afternoon. We so enjoyed the friendly staff eager to answer questions and share information! Would recommend this for anyone interested in having a wonderful up close view of the fish!
There are lots of aquariums, touch pool, and people to help in this Main Street store front aquarium. Every time I have families with children visit this is a place I take them, and have never been disappointed.
