The Maine State Aquarium, a program of the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR), has officially reopened its doors, unveiling a redesigned interior, new exhibits and displays, and an enhanced visitor experience. The reopening marks a significant milestone for the aquarium, which aims to serve as a vital resource for educators, students, and marine enthusiasts.
“I’m thrilled to finally be ready to open our doors to the public,” said Carl Wilson, Director of DMR’s Science Bureau. “We look forward to serving as an important resource for educators, students, and anyone who is as passionate as we are about the dynamic Gulf of Maine environment.”
In addition to the Aquarium, the new Learning Lab offers visitors an in-depth look at DMR research. Located at DMR’s Boothbay Harbor marine science research facility, the Learning Lab features additional informational displays and scheduled talks by DMR Science staff. The Maine Department of Marine Resources studies white shark habitat and distribution throughout coastal Maine using data from acoustic tag tracking and community-reported sightings. There are 500 species of sharks worldwide, and most have sustainable populations. These white sharks migrate to Maine from as far as Mexico at least twice per year, and like snowbirds, the timing is during the months of June through November.
Marine scientist Matt Davis underscores the importance of understanding the migratory patterns of sharks, particularly in the Gulf of Maine. "Sharks are highly migratory species, often traveling vast distances across the ocean," Davis explains. "In the Gulf of Maine alone, we have tagged over 100 sharks to track their movements and better understand their behavior. This data is crucial for conservation efforts and sustainable fisheries management, as it helps us identify critical habitats and migration corridors that need protection."
The Learning Lab is designed to be a hands-on, interactive space where visitors can explore real-time research conducted by DMR scientists in their on-site laboratories. It offers a unique opportunity for the community to engage directly with ongoing research and gain a deeper understanding of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem. The Lab serves as a window into DMR’s research, fostering ocean discovery for audiences of all ages and encouraging community participation in marine science.