DEPT. OF MARINE RESOURCES

• About DMR
• Aquaculture
• Aquarium, Library, Lighthouse, Education
  • Maine State Aquarium
    • Visitor Info
    • Exhibits
    • Field Trips and Group Reservations
    • Resources for Educators
    • Membership
    • Jobs and Volunteering
  • Bigelow/DMR Library
  • Burnt Island Living Lighthouse
  • More Educational Resources
• Commercial Fisheries
• Councils, Meetings, etc.
• Health & Safety: Is it Safe to Eat/Swim/Fish?
• Laws and Regulations
• Licenses, Other Forms
• Marine Patrol
• Municipal Shellfish
• Recreational Fishing
• Research, Surveys
• Species Info (lobsters, clams, whales, etc.)
• Weather, Tides, Sunrise, Environmental Data
• Wetlands, Permit Review

Welcome to the Maine State Aquarium!

View of aquarium and Maine Department of Marine Resources from the air (green-roofed buidlings in lower part of picture)

Located on the water in beautiful West Boothbay Harbor, Maine, the aquarium is operated by the Maine Department of Marine Resources. This educational facility was built in 1993 along with the state's new fisheries research station. The interior floor plan, support systems and exhibits were completed in 1995. The main gallery resembles the rocky coast of Maine. A collection of regional fish and invertebrates can be seen hidden within the granite-like cliffs. Interactive displays, including numerous touch tanks, encourage discovery learning.

One of the many naturally occuring lobster color morphs, this blue lobster is a hit with visitors.
Photo (C) Dave Wrobel

The aquarium features extraordinary lobsters of all sizes and colors. Our giants (up to 23 lbs!) like to show off their mammoth claws. Colorful marine life, including red sea anemones and purple sunstars, can be seen in the "Downeast" tank. Visitors will be entertained by the behaviors of live northern shrimp and the appearance of bottom-dwelling fish.

The Maine State Aquarium exhibits a variety of sportfish that are of major interest to anglers. At center stage is an 850 gallon tank that is filled with sharks and skates. Experience the thrill of petting a live shark and discover the roughness of a skate's skin.

A special attraction is the 20 foot long elevated touch tank that houses a multitude of invertebrates. Feel the spiny skin of a sea star or sea urchin and get squirted by a sea cucumber or scallop. Watch the moon snail pull in its enormous "gooey" foot and be fascinated by the sea star retracting its stomach.

Please explore our site to see more about our aquarium!

• Visitor information - open hours, admissions, directions, events, and more
• Take a look at our exhibits
• School field trips and group reservations
• Resources for Educators - workshops, free educational materials, links, more
• Membership information
• Job and volunteer opportunities
• Find us on Facebook
• View our webmercial!      Or text-only version.

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