2024-06-12T14:48:21-04:00 2023-12-31 205788602 GLASER AND COMPANY LLC 1859 SUMMERVILLE AVE STE 800 CHARLESTON SC 29405 990 2023-01-01 570961897 SOUTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM SOUT 8435773474 100 AQUARIUM WHARF CHARLESTON SC 29401 KEVIN MILLS PRESIDENT & CEO 8437201990 2024-06-12 true KEVIN MILLS XXX-XX-XXXX false ERIK M GLASER CPA P00724565 8438490179 2024-06-12 2023 2023-04-26 12:10:37Z KEVIN MILLS 100 AQUARIUM WHARF CHARLESTON SC 29401 30714239 false X WWW.SCAQUARIUM.ORG X 1992 SC OUR MISSION IS TO INSPIRE CONSERVATION OF THE NATURAL WORLD BY EXHIBITING AND CARING FOR ANIMALS, BY EXCELLING IN EDUCATION AND RESEARCH, AND BY PROVIDING AN EXCEPTIONAL VISITOR EXPERIENCE. 36 36 267 265 0 14957600 6094960 11562880 12760337 47755 707783 1610978 1430725 28179213 20993805 24584 0 8901788 10244363 0 1545042 5198417 6125263 14100205 16394210 14079008 4599595 43713929 48426081 3727198 3461335 39986731 44964746 X OUR MISSION IS TO INSPIRE CONSERVATION OF THE NATURAL WORLD BY EXHIBITING AND CARING FOR ANIMALS, BY EXCELLING IN EDUCATION AND RESEARCH, AND BY PROVIDING AN EXCEPTIONAL VISITOR EXPERIENCE. false false 2983598 FACILITIES PROGRAM SERVICES INCLUDE ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MAINTENANCE, SECURITY, AND OPERATION OF A 20+ YEAR-OLD AQUARIUM FACILITY, EXHIBITS, AND ANIMAL LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS. THE 93,000 SQUARE FOOT FACILITY OFFERS A STATE-OF-THE-ART ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER THAT ENCOMPASSES THE ENTIRE SPECTRUM OF THE SOUTHEAST APPALACHIAN WATERSHED AS FOUND IN SOUTH CAROLINA: MOUNTAIN, PIEDMONT, COASTAL PLAIN, COAST AND THE OCEAN. IN 2016, THE AQUARIUM COMPLETED A MAJOR ENERGY PERFORMANCE PROJECT TO REPLACE CURRENT NATURAL GAS AND ELECTRIC POWER INFRASTRUCTURE, WHICH RESULTED IN SIGNIFICANT ENERGY AND COST SAVINGS. (CONTINUED ON SCHEDULE O) 3633250 9983166 GUEST PROGRAM SERVICES INCLUDE ADMISSIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES. PROVIDING NEW AND EXCITING EXHIBITS AND INSTALLATIONS TO ENHANCE THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE, THE SCA BOTH EDUCATES AND ENTERTAINS. FROM INTERACTIVE DAILY PROGRAMMING WITH HANDS ON EXPERIENCES TO UPGRADED TECHNOLOGY THROUGHOUT THE AQUARIUM, WE HAVE DEVELOPED AN EXCITING INTERPRETIVE JOURNEY TO GUIDE GUESTS FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA. THE AQUARIUM TODAY IS THE CHARLESTON REGION'S MOST VISITED ATTRACTION, WITH AN AVERAGE ANNUAL ATTENDANCE OF 500,000 (INCLUDING 20,515 STUDENTS). (CONTINUED ON SCHEDULE O) 2418828 ANIMAL CARE (HUSBANDRY) PROGRAM SERVICES ARE DESIGNED TO CONTINUOUSLY COLLECT AND MAINTAIN ANIMALS FOR THE EXHIBITS THAT ARE DISPLAYED IN THE AQUARIUM FACILITIES. CURRENTLY THE AQUARIUM CARES FOR APPROXIMATELY 5,000 SPECIMENS OF ANIMALS WITHIN 250 SPECIES. THE PROFESSIONAL BIOLOGISTS AND AQUARISTS AT THE SOUTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM DELIVER EXCELLENT CARE FOR EVERY ANIMAL, MAINTAINING A POPULATION THAT ENCOMPASSES THE DIVERSITY OF WILDLIFE IN OUR STATE. (CONTINUED ON SCHEDULE O) 3222501 24584 2777171 EDUCATION: OVER THE YEARS, THE EDUCATION PROGRAM HAS SERVED MORE THAN ONE MILLION STUDENTS WITH EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING AND ENRICHED THE CAREERS OF MORE THAN FIVE THOUSAND TEACHERS. THE SCA SERVES AS A COMPLEMENTARY SCIENCE EDUCATION INSTITUTION PROVIDING HANDS-ON LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS OF ALL AGES. THEMED INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS ARE PRESENTED DAILY BY THE STAFF, AND ARE INFORMATIVE AND FUN FOR ALL VISITORS. THE AQUARIUM HAS DEVELOPED A STANDARDS-BASED STRUCTURE SCHOOL PROGRAM THAT ALLOWS K-12 STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES TO REINFORCE THE STANDARDS-BASED CONCEPTS INTRODUCED IN THE CLASSROOM. LAST SCHOOL YEAR, THE AQUARIUM WELCOMED APPROXIMATELY 6,053 STUDENTS THROUGH THIS PROGRAM AND TRAINED 134 SC TEACHERS. IN ADDITION, THE AQUARIUM INVESTED IN OUR DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM, HOSTING VIRTUAL PROGRAMS THAT HAVE REACHED OVER 50,816 PARTICIPANTS. A NEW ROBOT HAS ALLOWED YOUNG PATIENTS IN THE MUSC AND PRISMA CHILDREN'S HOSPITALS TO ENGAGE WITH OUR STAFF AND EXHIBITS FROM THEIR HOSPITAL ROOM. MEANWHILE, OUR ROVERS OUTREACH PROGRAM CONTINUED TO BRING SCIENCE TO LIFE FOR STUDENTS THROUGHOUT SOUTH CAROLINA, REACHING 12,888 PARTICIPANTS IN SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES AND ADULT RETIREMENT HOMES ACROSS THE STATE WHO OTHERWISE MAY NOT HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT THE AQUARIUM IN PERSON. HOLLAND LIFELONG LEARNING, OUR ADULT EDUCATION SERIES, CELEBRATED ITS EIGHTH SEASON. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, WE ENGAGED MORE THAN 307 PARTICIPANTS IN CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS RELATED TO CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH. OUR PAID HIGH SCHOOL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM CONTINUES TO ENGAGE BUDDING SCIENTISTS EXPLORING CAREERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND MARINE SCIENCE. CONSERVATION: THE AQUARIUM IS UNIQUELY POSITIONED TO EDUCATE AND INSPIRE THE PUBLIC TO CONSERVE AND PROTECT SOUTH CAROLINA'S RICH AND VAST BIODIVERSITY, AND ITS VULNERABLE SPECIES AND THEIR VANISHING HABITAT. AS THE SOLE SEA TURTLE HOSPITAL IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, OUR SEA TURTLE CARE CENTER REHABILITATES SICK AND INJURED SEA TURTLES FROM ACROSS THE STATE, EDUCATES THE PUBLIC ABOUT CONSERVATION OF ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SEA TURTLES, AND HAS RELEASED 398 REHABILITATED SEA TURTLES SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 2000. DURING 2023, THE AQUARIUM ADMITTED 36 SEA TURTLE PATIENTS AND SUCCESSFULLY RELEASED 36 SEA TURTLES BACK INTO THE OCEAN AFTER THEY WERE REHABILITATED IN THE ZUCKER FAMILY SEA TURTLE RECOVERY. THE SCA IS WORKING TO REDUCE THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF PLASTICS ON OUR ENVIRONMENT BY COLLABORATING WITH LOCAL PARTNERS AND ORGANIZATIONS TO ADVOCATE FOR BANS OF SINGLE-USE PLASTICS AND BY PROVIDING THE TOOLS AND SUPPORT TO EMPOWER VOLUNTEERS ACROSS THE STATE TO ORGANIZE, TRACK AND REPORT ON LOCAL LITTER SWEEPS AND CONSERVATION INITIATIVES. THE AQUARIUM'S RESILIENCE INITIATIVE FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (RICE) CONTINUED ITS WORK TO INFORM COMMUNITIES OF THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH CLIMATE CHANGE AND SEA LEVEL RISE, AND TO PROVIDE STAKEHOLDERS WITH DATA AND TOOLS TO PLAN FOR A MORE RESILIENT FUTURE. THE AQUARIUM CONTINUED ITS REEF RESEARCH IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES. WE STUDIED THE EFFECTS OF REMOVING INVASIVE LIONFISH IN ARTIFICIAL REEFS LOCATED IN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS OF THE COAST. ONCE AGAIN, THE AQUARIUM HELD ITS ANNUAL JULIONFISH DERBY AND FESTIVAL, WHERE DIVERS COMPETED TO REMOVE AS MANY INVASIVE LIONFISH AS POSSIBLE FROM REEFS. IN 2023, SCA RE-LAUNCHED THEIR SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD PROGRAM, GOOD CATCH, WHICH ENCOURAGES BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITIES TO SELL, PURCHASE AND CONSUME LOCAL (CAUGHT BETWEEN NC AND FL), SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD. THE SCA ALSO ESTABLISHED THE GOOD CATCH SEAFOOD CONNECTION, A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT THAT PROVIDES FREE, LOCAL AND SUSTAINABLY HARVESTED SEAFOOD TO FOOD INSECURE NEIGHBORS IN THE LOWCOUNTRY. MEMBERSHIP: MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES UNLIMITED ADMISSION FOR NEARLY 11,000 MEMBER HOUSEHOLDS. MEMBERS ALSO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL BENEFITS INCLUDING ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE MEMBER PROGRAMS AND EVENTS LIKE FISH OR TREAT, EARLY MORNING TODDLER PROGRAMS, YOGA FOR ADULTS, AND HANDS-ON OFFSITE EXPERIENCES LIKE SEINING AND BEACHCOMBING. MEMBERS RECEIVE 20% OFF OF AQUARIUM AGLOW TICKETS, DISCOUNTED GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS, DISCOUNTS AT LOCAL AREA ATTRACTIONS AND BUSINESSES, AND ONSITE DISCOUNTS AT THE GIFT SHOP, SNACK BAR AND ON SOUVENIR PHOTOS. IN 2023, MEMBERS MADE UP OVER 25% OF AQUARIUM ATTENDANCE. 3222501 24584 2777171 12258177 true true false true false false false true false true true false false false false false true false false false false false false false true false false true false true true false false false false false false false true true true true false false false false false false false false true 26 0 267 true false false false false false true true false false false false false false false false X 36 36 false false false false false false false true true false false true true true true true true true true false SC X X X JASON ODDO 8435773474 100 AQUARIUM WARF CHARLESTON SC 29401 JONATHAN M ZUCKER CHAIRMAN 4.00 X X 0 0 0 JESSICA BREWER VICE CHAIRMA 4.00 X X 0 0 0 JOHN A HILL VICE CHAIRMA 2.00 X X 0 0 0 J DONALD HIGGINS TREASURER/DI 4.00 X X 0 0 0 TOM WRIGHT VICE TREASUR 2.00 X X 0 0 0 DEE FORTSON SECRETARY 2.00 X X 0 0 0 MASON HOLLAND DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 DAN BATTISTA DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 RONGRONG CHEN PHD DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 LARRY COLSHAN DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 ROBERT C CRAWFORD III DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 JOHN DANAHY DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 SUZANNE DICKERSON DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 STEVE DURKEE DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 W ANDREW GOWDER JR DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 DWAYNE GREEN DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 VALERIE HOWELL DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 LEE HURZELER DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 SANDY KHAN DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 DANNY KASSIS DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 PALMER E KRANTZ III DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 HARRY LESESNE DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 STACIE MARKSBURY DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 JUDGE DANIEL E MARTIN JR DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 GARY MCLAURIN DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 GUY MAURICE MEARES III DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 DOMINIQUE MILTON DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 TOM S MULLIKIN ESQ DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 WILLIAM M PATTERSON PHD DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 CARA J RICHARD DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 JAN ROOSENBURG DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 SCOTT SNIDER DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 EMILY SWANSON DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 PAM WILSON DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 GEORGE P WATT JR DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 DAVID WOOD DIRECTOR 2.00 X 0 0 0 KEVIN MILLS PRESIDENT & 40.00 X 362299 0 20091 JOHN LHIGGINS EXEC. VP & C 40.00 X 214067 0 9135 JASON ODDO CFO 40.00 X 193835 0 1819 KEVIN KAMPWERTH DIR. AQ. EXP 40.00 X 158394 0 18459 COURTENAY B LEWANDOWSKI CHIEF ADV. O 40.00 X 214324 0 19930 PAUL NUNEZ DIR. TEAM DE 40.00 X 127903 0 12386 AMIE YAM-BABINCHAK CHIEF MARKET 40.00 X 117536 0 17704 SARA MCDONALD PHD DIR. OF CONS 40.00 X 142839 0 10104 BRIAN BRASHER DIR. OF FACI 40.00 X 117707 0 17155 1648904 126783 14 false true false TRIDENT CONSTRUCTION LLC 2245 TECHNICAL PARKWAY NORTH CHARLESTON SC 29406 INFRASTRUCTURE 4270842 JOHN CICCARELLI ARCHITECT LLC 337 MOLASSES LANE MOUNT PLEASANT SC 29464 PROFESSIONAL 340251 PALMETTO AIR & CHILLER SERVICES 434 GREENWOOD ROAD WEST COLUMBIA SC 29169 HVAC 231557 LMN CONSULTANTS 219 EAST SCHILLER ELMHURST IL 60126 CONSULTING 200054 MCNAUGHTON-MCKAY ELECTRIC COMPANY 464 DEANNA LANE CHARLESTON SC 29492 ELECTRIC CONT. 149221 10 274163 1866494 3954303 293369 6094960 ADMISSIONS 713990 9983166 9983166 MEMBERSHIPS 713990 1776688 1776688 SPECIAL EVENTS 713990 699717 699717 GUEST PROGRAMS 713990 203295 203295 PROGRAM REVENUES 713990 97471 97471 12760337 824292 824292 445415 445415 445415 445415 9338752 9298283 156978 40469 -156978 -116509 -156978 40469 183326 274163 265173 -81847 -81847 CONCESSIONS 722515 1016590 1016590 MISCELLANEOUS REVENUE 900099 50567 50567 1067157 20993805 12653926 2244919 24584 24584 984525 176202 564404 243919 7510749 6159573 606245 744931 166170 114790 33018 18362 984986 680430 195716 108840 597933 413052 118809 66072 2872 2872 30690 30690 102053 102053 33188 33188 534976 371110 67312 96554 606295 573821 1002 31472 451343 325461 90538 35344 484750 238555 212620 33575 1227264 1225584 1643 37 72504 56718 8933 6853 251505 48374 92667 110464 39306 31050 8256 959970 911265 43909 4796 390706 197960 177880 14866 ANIMAL CARE 418650 398931 19719 PROGRAMS AND EVENTS 223580 187084 17933 18563 MISCELLANEOUS 180713 62786 106963 10964 EMPLOYEE RELATIONS/SAFETY 87996 14361 71671 1964 26902 46486 -17050 -2534 16394210 12258177 2590991 1545042 5394129 6133643 12208470 12778200 5160008 3263660 93926 155948 15154 12879 324540 359844 33746021 15084867 13872029 18661154 6645673 7060753 43713929 48426081 1060809 1355841 1603091 1373019 900000 675000 118267 57475 45031 3727198 3461335 X 23167460 34456865 16819271 10507881 39986731 44964746 43713929 48426081 X 4599595 378420 X false true X true false X 4984572 6763615 10753909 14957600 6094960 43554656 8553596 4727800 9677110 11778743 12810904 47548153 13538168 11491415 20431019 26736343 18905864 91102809 1421070 1569875 1105658 310350 582691 4989644 1421070 1569875 1105658 310350 582691 4989644 86113165 381838 101925 233089 560552 1269707 2547111 381838 101925 233089 560552 1269707 2547111 785069 742014 805270 1162401 1067247 4562001 14705075 12335354 21469378 28459296 21242818 98211921 0.87680 0.88330 0.03000 0.02000 X PART III, LINE 12 MISCELLANEOUS 891,811 CONCESSIONS 3,670,190 RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED true false false false false false true 102053 false false 102053 false SCHEDULE C, PART II-B, LINE 1 THE SOUTHERN GROUP REPRESENTS THE SOUTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM IN LEGISLATIVE MATTERS, ADVOCATING FOR POLICIES THAT ENHANCE OUR ABILITY TO PROTECT WATER, WILDLIFE AND WILD PLACES. THEY ENGAGE WITH LOCAL AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TO ADVANCE AQUARIUM INITIATIVES AND BOLSTER OUR EDUCATION, CONSERVATION AND ANIMAL CARE EFFORTS. X X X X false 463133 463133 463133 463133 463133 463133 463133 463133 463133 463133 1.00000 false false 23538776 11811789 11726987 4110593 3188678 921915 6096652 84400 6012252 18661154 21501230 378420 5215 383635 21117595 33188 -156978 -123790 20993805 16523215 5215 156978 162193 16361022 33188 33188 16394210 SCHEDULE D, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4 CONNECT WITH NATIVE WILDLIFE AT SOUTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM WITH OVER 5,000 ANIMALS FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA OF OUR BEAUTIFUL STATE, YOU CAN ENJOY ALL OUR VAST ECOSYSTEMS AND LEARN ABOUT SO MANY DIFFERENT SPECIES WHEN YOU VISIT. MOUNTAIN FOREST AFTER VENTURING PAST OUR BALD EAGLE, LIBERTY, LOOK LOW AND YOULL SEE FISH IN A STREAM. LOOK UP TO GAZE AT WATERFALLS SPILLING OVER A ROCKY GORGE. SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE, YOU CAN FIND OUR RIVER OTTERS, CHARLIE AND BEAU, SWIMMING, SNACKING OR SNOOZING. PIEDMONT STEP INTO THE PIEDMONT REGION (PIEDMONT IS FRENCH FOR FOOTHILLS) WHERE YOULL FIND YOURSELF EYE-TO-EYE WITH BASS AND DISCOVER CRAPPIES AND SUCKERS SWIMMING IN EXHIBITS THAT SHOWCASE THEIR NATURAL HABITATS. THE TRADING POST VISIT THE TRADING POST TO TRADE IN YOUR NATURE FINDS AND EARN POINTS. OUR EDUCATION INTERPRETERS WILL ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR FINDS, AND YOULL ACCUMULATE POINTS TO TRADE FOR OTHER COOL NATURAL ARTIFACTS COASTAL PLAIN YOULL EXPERIENCE WHAT ITS LIKE TO BE IN A SWAMP AT TWILIGHT. SEE IF YOU CAN SPOT CYPRESS TREES DOWNED BY HURRICANE HUGO, LONGNOSE GAR, RATTLESNAKES OR A GOPHER TORTOISE. KIDS COAST LEARN NATURE-BASED CONCEPTS THROUGH PLAY AND GUIDED DISCOVERY. OPERATE HANDS-ON SCHEMATICS FOCUSING ON WATER FILTRATION FOR AQUARIUM ANIMALS, PARTICIPATE IN COLLABORATIVE ACTIVITIES WITH YOUR PEERS AND LEARN ABOUT THE AQUARIUM WORKERS WHO KEEP OUR WATER CLEAN. SALTMARSH AVIARY STEP OUTSIDE AND INTO THE SALTMARSH AVIARY. OVERLOOKING THE CHARLESTON HARBOR, THIS EXHIBIT HOUSES ROSEATE SPOONBILLS, GULLS AND OUR 6,000-GALLON TANK, HOME TO DIAMONDBACK TERRAPINS, BURRFISH AND MORE. TOUCH TANK TOUCH AND FEEL SEVERAL SPECIES OF INVERTEBRATES, LIKE HERMIT CRABS, WHELK, SEA URCHINS, HORSESHOE CRABS AND ATLANTIC STINGRAYS. AQUARIUM STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS ANSWER QUESTIONS WHILE YOU EXPLORE. COAST YOULL BE AMAZED BY THE VARIETY OF FISH LIVING RIGHT OFF THE COAST OF CHARLESTON. SEE IF YOU CAN SPOT THE CAMOUFLAGING SOUTHERN FLOUNDER AND BE SURE TO WAVE TO OUR GOLIATH GROUPER, MEL OCEAN EXPLORE NORTH AMERICAS DEEPEST TANK ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO MISS OUR TWO- STORY, 385,000-GALLON GREAT OCEAN TANK. YOULL PRACTICALLY RUB NOSES WITH SHARKS AND CAN WAVE A FLIPPER HELLO TO OUR 220-POUND LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLE, CARETTA. ZUCKER FAMILY SEA TURTLE RECOVERY BOTH A HOSPITAL AND A GUEST EXPERIENCE, ZUCKER FAMILY SEA TURTLE RECOVERY MAKES THE REAL-LIFE REHABILITATION OF SICK AND INJURED SEA TURTLES VISIBLE TO EVERY GUEST. EXPERIENCE EACH PATIENTS REMARKABLE JOURNEY FROM RESCUE TO REHABILITATION AND RELEASE. CAROLINA SEAS CAROLINA SEAS LOCATED JUST INSIDE THE ENTRANCE, GAZE INTO THE 15,000-GALLON CAROLINA SEAS TANK THAT HOUSES OUR COLLECTION OF COLORFUL FISH FOUND AROUND REEF HABITATS OFF THE COAST. THE SHALLOWS STOP BY THE SHALLOWS TO OBSERVE AND PET OUR COWNOSE STINGRAYS OR GIVE THE RAYS A FISHY TREAT BETWEEN 10:15 A.M. AND 4 P.M. EACH DAY, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. BACKYARD HABITAT VISIT OUR BACKYARD AND TAKE HOME IDEAS FOR YOUR OWN YARD. FEATURING NATIVE PLANTS AND ANIMAL SHELTERS, THIS EDUCATIONAL GARDEN PRESENTS IDEAS THAT YOU CAN REPLICATE IN YOUR BACKYARD TO ATTRACT NATIVE BIRDS, BUTTERFLIES AND BENEFICIAL INSECTS. SCHEDULE D, PAGE 4, PART XI, LINE 4B LOSS ON DISPOSAL -156,978 SCHEDULE D, PAGE 4, PART XII, LINE 2D LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF FIXED ASSETS 156,978 CONSERVATION GA 324700 230800 93900 75025 83891 13950 38400 SEA LIFE BY STA 79516 7260 72256 1423 10993 4285 4760 1 53273 36103 17170 2542 13883 1000 15021 457489 274163 183326 78990 108767 19235 58181 265173 -81847 true INTERNATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSE UM 14 WHARFSIDE STREET CHARLESTON SC 29401 203398254 501C3 10000 GENERAL SUPPORT false false false false false false false false false KEVIN MILLS PRESIDENT & CEO 362299 10184 9907 382390 JOHN LHIGGINS EXEC. VP & COO 214067 7380 1755 223202 JASON ODDO CFO 193835 1819 195654 KEVIN KAMPWERTH DIR. AQ. EXPERIENCE 158394 5749 12710 176853 COURTENAY B LEWANDOWSKI CHIEF ADV. OFFICER 214324 7187 12743 234254 SARA MCDONALD PHD DIR. OF CONSERVATION 142839 4765 5339 152943 A SC JOBS-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTH SC JOBS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTH 570960018 2014-10-01 2700000 FINANCE UPGRADES AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFICIENCY PROJECT. UPGRADES REPLACED EXISTING EQUIPMENT WITH NEW false false false A false false true true A false false false false false false false A false false false false false false false false false A false PURPOSE OF ISSUE DESCRIPTION SC JOBS-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTH FINANCE UPGRADES AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFICIENCY PROJECT. UPGRADES REPLACED EXISTING EQUIPMENT WITH NEW AND MORE EFFICIENT EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS. IMPROVEMENTS WILL ALLOW THE AQUARIUM TO RECOGNIZE UTILITY SAVINGS AS WELLS AS REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT FROM OPERATING ITS MAIN FACILITY. NIL FUNDING CORPORATION BOARD MEMB CORP 675000 TAX EXEMPT BONDS false NIL FUNDING CORPORATION BOARD MEMB CORP 31050 INTEREST false SCHEDULE L, PART V THE SOUTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM ISSUED 2.7 MILLION IN TAX-EXEMPT REVENUE BONDS FROM THE SOUTH CAROLINA JOBS-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (JEDA) TO FINANCE UPGRADES AND REPLACEMENT OF CERTAIN EQUIPMENT AND FIXTURES. JEDA SERVES AS A CONDUIT ISSUER OF THESE TAX-EXEMPT BONDS THAT WERE PLACED WITH A CORPORATE LENDER THAT IS AN AFFILIATE OF A PRIVATELY HELD COMPANY OWNED BY A MEMBER OF THE BOARD. AS REQUIRED, THIS LIABILITY IS RECORDED AS "TAX EXEMPT BOND LIABILITIES" ON PART X BALANCE SHEET LINE 20. X 3292 MARKET VALUE X 4 272236 MARKET VALUE X 23 7451 MARKET VALUE X 25 2889 MARKET VALUE X EVENT SUPPLIES 1 7501 MARKET VALUE false true false FORM 990, PAGE 1, PART I, LINE 6 OUR VOLUNTEER FORCE IS MADE UP OF 275+ DIVERSE, ENTHUSIASTIC INDIVIDUALS. WE OFFER MANY DIFFERENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR VOLUNTEERS, INCLUDING OUR ANCHOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM FOR APPLICANTS 18 OR OLDER AND VARIOUS STUDENT PROGRAMS, LIKE INTERNSHIPS AND JOB SHADOW DAYS. ANCHOR VOLUNTEERS MAY ENGAGE WITH OUR GUESTS IN EDUCATION OR WORK BEHIND THE SCENES IN HUSBANDRY. VOLUNTEERING IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN A COMMUNITY OF INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT CONSERVATION, EDUCATION AND HOSPITALITY. OUR VOLUNTEERS ENJOY A REWARDING EXPERIENCE AND MANY BENEFITS, WHICH INCLUDE SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND AWARD PINS FOR SERVICE, AQUARIUM MEMBERSHIP AND COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS AT CERTAIN MILESTONES, FIELD TRIPS AND ONGOING EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES, SOCIAL GATHERINGS AND RECOGNITION EVENTS AT THE AQUARIUM, AND OPPORTUNITIES TO BE A PART OF THE BEHIND-THE-SCENES OPERATIONS. REQUIREMENTS: VOLUNTEERS MUST BE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OF AGE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ANCHOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM. STUDENTS AND/OR INDIVIDUALS UNDER 18. ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST ATTEND A MANDATORY ORIENTATION AND VARIOUS TRAININGS. VOLUNTEERS WHO ARE 18 OR OLDER MUST PASS A BACKGROUND CHECK AND PAY A REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT. COMMITMENT: WE ASK OUR VOLUNTEERS TO COMMIT TO AT LEAST ONE YEAR. GENERALLY, VOLUNTEERS MUST BE ABLE TO WORK AT LEAST ONE SHIFT EVERY WEEK. SHIFT DAYS AND TIMES VARY. FORM 990, PART III FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A, PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: THE AQUARIUM'S STATE-OF-THE-ART ZUCKER FAMILY SEA TURTLE RECOVERY CENTER PROVIDES GUESTS WITH AN INTERACTIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE SO THEY CAN OBSERVE THE CARE AND REHABILITATION AND EDUCATION RELATED TO THESE THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES. FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4B, PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2023 WAS A PRODUCTIVE YEAR WHICH EMPHASIZED OUR ONGOING ENGAGEMENT OF OUR MISSION AND THE DIVERSE ARRAY OF PROJECTS THAT MAKE OUR INSTITUTION SO UNIQUE. WE SAW RECORD NUMBERS IN REVENUE, INCLUDING INCREDIBLE SUCCESS OF OUR HOLIDAY LIGHTS EXPERIENCE WITHIN OUR WALLS, AQUARIUM AGLOW. A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LOCAL TRI-COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM WAS RENEWED IN 2023 AND BROUGHT AN ESTIMATED 5,000 ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY MEMBERS INTO THE AQUARIUM FREE OF CHARGE AS PART OF THE ANGELFISH PROGRAM. THE AQUARIUM CONTINUES TO ENJOY "BEST OF CLASS" SCORES AMONG PEER AQUARIUMS IN THE CATEGORIES OF HOSPITALITY AND CLEANLINESS. IN A 2022 STUDY, IT WAS ESTIMATED BY THE COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON OFFICE OF TOURISM ANALYSIS THAT THE AQUARIUM'S PRESENCE IN THE COMMUNITY DIRECTLY AND INDIRECTLY GENERATES MORE THAN 379 MILLION TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY (414 MILLION STATEWIDE) EACH . FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4C, PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: THE AQUARIUM'S STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS DEMONSTRATE A PASSION FOR, AND RESPONSIBILITY TO, THESE ANIMALS, PROVIDING COMFORT, NOURISHMENT, AND ENRICHMENT FOR EACH SPECIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH ACCREDITING STANDARDS ESTABLISHED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS (AZA). FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4D EDUCATION: OVER THE YEARS, THE EDUCATION PROGRAM HAS SERVED MORE THAN ONE MILLION STUDENTS WITH EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING AND ENRICHED THE CAREERS OF MORE THAN FIVE THOUSAND TEACHERS. THE SCA SERVES AS A COMPLEMENTARY SCIENCE EDUCATION INSTITUTION PROVIDING HANDS-ON LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS OF ALL AGES. THEMED INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS ARE PRESENTED DAILY BY THE STAFF, AND ARE INFORMATIVE AND FUN FOR ALL VISITORS. THE AQUARIUM HAS DEVELOPED A STANDARDS-BASED STRUCTURE SCHOOL PROGRAM THAT ALLOWS K-12 STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES TO REINFORCE THE STANDARDS-BASED CONCEPTS INTRODUCED IN THE CLASSROOM. LAST SCHOOL YEAR, THE AQUARIUM WELCOMED APPROXIMATELY 6,053 STUDENTS THROUGH THIS PROGRAM AND TRAINED 134 SC TEACHERS. IN ADDITION, THE AQUARIUM INVESTED IN OUR DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM, HOSTING VIRTUAL PROGRAMS THAT HAVE REACHED OVER 50,816 PARTICIPANTS. A NEW ROBOT HAS ALLOWED YOUNG PATIENTS IN THE MUSC AND PRISMA CHILDREN'S HOSPITALS TO ENGAGE WITH OUR STAFF AND EXHIBITS FROM THEIR HOSPITAL ROOM. MEANWHILE, OUR ROVERS OUTREACH PROGRAM CONTINUED TO BRING SCIENCE TO LIFE FOR STUDENTS THROUGHOUT SOUTH CAROLINA, REACHING 12,888 PARTICIPANTS IN SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES AND ADULT RETIREMENT HOMES ACROSS THE STATE WHO OTHERWISE MAY NOT HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT THE AQUARIUM IN PERSON. HOLLAND LIFELONG LEARNING, OUR ADULT EDUCATION SERIES, CELEBRATED ITS EIGHTH SEASON. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, WE ENGAGED MORE THAN 307 PARTICIPANTS IN CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS RELATED TO CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH. OUR PAID HIGH SCHOOL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM CONTINUES TO ENGAGE BUDDING SCIENTISTS EXPLORING CAREERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND MARINE SCIENCE. CONSERVATION: THE AQUARIUM IS UNIQUELY POSITIONED TO EDUCATE AND INSPIRE THE PUBLIC TO CONSERVE AND PROTECT SOUTH CAROLINA'S RICH AND VAST BIODIVERSITY, AND ITS VULNERABLE SPECIES AND THEIR VANISHING HABITAT. AS THE SOLE SEA TURTLE HOSPITAL IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, OUR SEA TURTLE CARE CENTER REHABILITATES SICK AND INJURED SEA TURTLES FROM ACROSS THE STATE, EDUCATES THE PUBLIC ABOUT CONSERVATION OF ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SEA TURTLES, AND HAS RELEASED 398 REHABILITATED SEA TURTLES SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 2000. DURING 2023, THE AQUARIUM ADMITTED 36 SEA TURTLE PATIENTS AND SUCCESSFULLY RELEASED 36 SEA TURTLES BACK INTO THE OCEAN AFTER THEY WERE REHABILITATED IN THE ZUCKER FAMILY SEA TURTLE RECOVERY. THE SCA IS WORKING TO REDUCE THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF PLASTICS ON OUR ENVIRONMENT BY COLLABORATING WITH LOCAL PARTNERS AND ORGANIZATIONS TO ADVOCATE FOR BANS OF SINGLE-USE PLASTICS AND BY PROVIDING THE TOOLS AND SUPPORT TO EMPOWER VOLUNTEERS ACROSS THE STATE TO ORGANIZE, TRACK AND REPORT ON LOCAL LITTER SWEEPS AND CONSERVATION INITIATIVES. THE AQUARIUM'S RESILIENCE INITIATIVE FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (RICE) CONTINUED ITS WORK TO INFORM COMMUNITIES OF THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH CLIMATE CHANGE AND SEA LEVEL RISE, AND TO PROVIDE STAKEHOLDERS WITH DATA AND TOOLS TO PLAN FOR A MORE RESILIENT FUTURE. THE AQUARIUM CONTINUED ITS REEF RESEARCH IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES. WE STUDIED THE EFFECTS OF REMOVING INVASIVE LIONFISH IN ARTIFICIAL REEFS LOCATED IN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS OF THE COAST. ONCE AGAIN, THE AQUARIUM HELD ITS ANNUAL JULIONFISH DERBY AND FESTIVAL, WHERE DIVERS COMPETED TO REMOVE AS MANY INVASIVE LIONFISH AS POSSIBLE FROM REEFS. IN 2023, SCA RE-LAUNCHED THEIR SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD PROGRAM, GOOD CATCH, WHICH ENCOURAGES BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITIES TO SELL, PURCHASE AND CONSUME LOCAL (CAUGHT BETWEEN NC AND FL), SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD. THE SCA ALSO ESTABLISHED THE GOOD CATCH SEAFOOD CONNECTION, A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT THAT PROVIDES FREE, LOCAL AND SUSTAINABLY HARVESTED SEAFOOD TO FOOD INSECURE NEIGHBORS IN THE LOWCOUNTRY. MEMBERSHIP: MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES UNLIMITED ADMISSION FOR NEARLY 11,000 MEMBER HOUSEHOLDS. MEMBERS ALSO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL BENEFITS INCLUDING ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE MEMBER PROGRAMS AND EVENTS LIKE FISH OR TREAT, EARLY MORNING TODDLER PROGRAMS, YOGA FOR ADULTS, AND HANDS-ON OFFSITE EXPERIENCES LIKE SEINING AND BEACHCOMBING. MEMBERS RECEIVE 20% OFF OF AQUARIUM AGLOW TICKETS, DISCOUNTED GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS, DISCOUNTS AT LOCAL AREA ATTRACTIONS AND BUSINESSES, AND ONSITE DISCOUNTS AT THE GIFT SHOP, SNACK BAR AND ON SOUVENIR PHOTOS. IN 2023, MEMBERS MADE UP OVER 25% OF AQUARIUM ATTENDANCE. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B THE DRAFT FORM 990 IS EMAILED TO ALL BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBERS AFTER MANAGEMENT HAS COMPLETED THEIR REVIEW. THE BOARD IS PROVIDED A REASONABLE TIME TO REVIEW AND COMMENT ON THE FORM 990. UPON COMPLETION OF THIS COMMENT PERIOD, MANAGEMENT ISSUES THE FORM 990 WITH THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C AS PART OF NEW BOARD MEMBER ORIENTATION, THE AQUARIUM BRIEFS THE MEMBER REGARDING ITS CONFLICT-OF-INTEREST POLICY. THE ORGANIZATION IS TRANSPARENT IN ITS TRANSACTIONS AND SEEKS TO AVOID SUCH TRANSACTIONS IF POSSIBLE WITH OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, KEY EMPLOYEES AND RELATED FAMILY MEMBERS. THE BOARD CHAIR DISCUSSES THE POLICY ANNUALLY WITH ALL MEMBERS. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15A COMPENSATION FOR THE CEO IS REVIEWED AND SET BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND APPROVED BY THE HUMAN CAPITAL COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15B COMPENSATION FOR OFFICERS AND OTHER KEY EMPLOYEES IS APPROVED BY THE HUMAN CAPITAL COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, WHICH INCLUDES THE CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIR OF THE BOARD. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19 GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, POLICIES, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 9 LOSS ON DISPOSAL 156,978 LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF FIXED ASSETS -156,978