Maine State Aquarium

The Maine State Aquarium, a division of the Maine Department of Marine Resources, was incorporated to provide opportunities for Maine residents and visitors to learn about the Gulf of Maine, it's species, resources, and fisheries. Through education, science, and informative exhibits, guests can get up close and personal with some of Maine's more common ocean species, and even a few uncommon critters. By offering a variety of presentations and programs for guests, we are ensuring our role in helping to educate others about our local region, the science taking place to conserve and protect it's resources, and the important role it plays in our daily lives. MSA seeks to inspire guests to respect and help protect our valuable oceans and the special creatures who dwell in their depths. The Maine State Aquarium was built in 1995 during the renovation and building process for the Department of Marine Resources located in West Boothbay Harbor, Maine. It has always been a division of the DMR Education Department, and was originally located in the Hallowell, Maine state office system. Early in it's years it was known for it's roaming touch tank, which would go into schools in order to help teachers educate students about the oceans and incorporate these lessons into their curriculums. The Education Division has always been responsible for developing materials, programs, and trainings for teachers in the state of Maine and continues to meet that responsibility today at it's own site.

The Maine Department of Marine Resources was incorporated to conserve and develop Maine's marine resources; to conduct scientific research on these resources; to promote the sustainable use of Maine's valuable commercial and recreational fisheries and other marine resources; to work with local, state, and federal officials to manage activities in coastal waters; and to enforce laws and regulations necessary to accomplish these goals. This is all while encouraging an ethic of personal responsibility for the Gulf of Maine in all Maine citizens. The Maine State Aquarium was instilled to assist with these goals and focus on educating the public about the role of the Department of Marine Resources and to provide opportunities for guests to interact with species or participate in programs that will help them gain an understanding and appreciation for the Gulf of Maine and it's resources.