PINE KNOLL SHORES, N.C. -- A local Aquarium was named one of the winners in USA TODAY's 10 best aquariums in the nation.

• Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium came in ninth place on list
• Nominees chosen by panel of experts
• 10 best aquariums in the nation

“What a privilege this truly is. We are honored to be nominated and even more humbled by making the top 10 list,” said Hap Fatzinger, director of the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. “This is such an awesome way to recognize the hard work and care that every staff member and volunteer puts in to what they do every day.”

The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores competed for top spots with Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Missouri, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Tennessee, Florida Aquarium, Dallas World Aquarium, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, Aquarium of the Pacific in Calif., the Georgia Aquarium and the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre in Canada.

Nominees were chosen by a panel of relevant experts, which include a combination of editors from USA TODAY; editors from 10Best.com; relevant expert contributors; and sources for both these media and other Gannett properties. 

The Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium, which features three replica wrecks from off the coast of North Carolina, placed ninth on the list.