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

Maine State Aquarium - Exhibits

Select the links below or scroll down the page to see some of our exhibits.

Shark touch tank | Tide pool touch tank | Video microscope lab | Lobsters | Coast of Maine exhibits | Lobster theater | Robotic sub (ROV) exhibit | Gift Store

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SHARK TOUCH TANK

    

This exhibit is one of our most popular.  Our knowledgable staff will guide you in how to safely and respectfully touch dogfish and skates.  Although they are called "dogfish," these animals are true sharks.  Visitors delight in the rough feel of the dogfish's skin which was once used by carpenters as sand paper.  The skates have a much smoother, almost silky feeling skin.

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TIDEPOOL TOUCH TANK

 

Another favorite with our visitors, the tide pool touch tank has a large number of animals and plants found in Maine's waters.  Sea urchins, sea stars, horseshoe crabs, sculpins, and sand dollars--just to name a few--can be found in this interactive display.  Our knowledgeable staff are always at hand to answer questions and engage you in your exploration.

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VIDEO MICROSCOPE LAB

Using a powerful video microscope, visitors can see Maine's marine life up close and personal!  Our staff will show you all the things too small to see with the naked eye.  Did you know that sea urchins have thousands of tiny pincher-like jaws, each equipped with a poison sac?  Have you ever seen the "gills" of a seastar?  How about exploring the antics of skelton shrimp?  See all this and more at this fascinating exhibit.

Want a preview?  Here are some Quicktime movies (download free Quicktime software) of animals seen under high magnification.

• Closeup of the teeth of a sea urchin.
• See a baby skate moving inside its egg case.
• See an older baby skate with its yolk sac still attached.
• Watch how a sand dollar moves grains of sand to its mouth.

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LOBSTERS!

When you think of Maine what is the first thing that comes to mind?  Lobsters!  Well we've got them and then some!  Thanks to the efforts of local fishermen, we have a giant, 17 pound lobster on display (imagine having that for dinner!).  We also have all the different and fascinating color morphs of lobsters--blue, calico, albino, half and half, and more.  Our staff are here to help answer any question you may have about Maine's best known fishery.

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COAST OF MAINE EXHIBITS

The coast of Maine is home to many different kinds of animals and plants.  As you walk through the Coast of Maine gallery, you'll see animals both familiar and new from the northern most tip of Maine to the south.  Vibrant and colorful anemones wave in the currents of the Eastport exhibit.  Schools of silvery smelt swim past in the schooling fish tank.  A fierce looking wolfish with long, sharp teeth lurks in the aquaculture tank.  Our staff takes pride in making these exhibits interesting, fun, and educational to observe.

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LOBSTER THEATER

On our porch you can relax, enjoy the views, and watch the award winning video about the lobstering fishery in Maine, "Let's Go Lobstering".

For a preview, go to the Let's Go Lobstering website.

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ROBOTIC SUB (ROV) EXHIBIT

Using state of the art technology, we'll show you live what lives below the waters of Boothbay Harbor.  A VideoRay robotic sub (also called an ROV for Remotely Operated Vehicle) is run from our docks so visitors can see what a lobster trap looks like underwater.

Want a preview?  Here is a Quicktime movie (download free Quicktime software ) of a lobster and lobster trap.

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GIFT STORE

Take the Maine State Aquarium home with you by visiting the Aquarium Gift Shop!  From useful to unique, educational or just-for-fun, the gift shop has something for everyone.   We offer a great selection of aquatic books, dvds, aquatic toys and plush animals.  Our new t-shirts come in adult, children and toddler sizes.  Other new logo items are available for sale as well.

Your purchases support the educational mission of the Maine Aquarium and all proceeds are used by and for the Aquarium. 

Season pass holders receive one 10% discount purchase each season.  Teachers receive a 20% discount.  Picnic table Birthday parties can be arranged from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. in advance, and the birthday boy or girl can receive a 10% discounted gift from the store.

Mastercard and Visa cards are accepted. 

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