A recent poll shows that most Americans give up their New Year’s resolutions by early February. The Maine State Aquarium is well on its way towards keeping its resolution to open in 2023. The new floor with water-resistant seal is currently being installed, to improve the safety of our staff and visitors. To do this, we had to completely empty the space – tanks, stands, walls, etc. – to prevent any further floor damage. This was no small feat; the rock wall itself weighed over 11,000 pounds! Next electricians will come in to repair the electrical issues from saltwater corrosion over the past 30 years. Unfortunately, the damage behind the walls meant walls need to come down, including the mural of Boothbay Harbor by Bob McKay. After talking with Bob, we agreed photographing the mural was a good way to preserve it, and a professional photographer has done so. What will go on the wall next, you ask? We will take visitors on a deep dive of the Gulf of Maine as we highlight cutting-edge DMR research. You’ll have to visit in person to find out more!

With these repairs ongoing, we are also planning the tanks and exhibits for the space. We have some great ideas based on suggestions from you (check out our Facebook page), previously popular programs, and ideas from other aquariums and science centers. We’ve visited the Children’s Museum & Theater of Maine, Oceanarium and Education Center, and Mystic Aquarium. Aquarium science is always evolving, taking into consideration animal care and public engagement. We will strive to meet industry best practices, to ensure the health and wellbeing of the animals in our care, and give the public opportunities to dive into and interact with the Gulf of Maine.

With all this progress, we are excited to announce that our opening will coincide with this year’s Windjammer Days (June 25 – July 1). We will open in stages from this summer to next, with the first stage beginning this summer. Many of our new tanks, interactive exhibits, and hands on activities will be ready, including the always popular touch tank. We will close again in the Fall to complete additional stages, continuing along the way to update you about our progress. We hope you will continue to visit us as each new stage is unveiled. We will announce our final summer 2023 opening schedule, including days of the week, hours, and admission fee, in future articles, on our website, and on social media.

Find us at https://www.maine.gov/dmr/programs/education-division and social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter). You can contact the Education Division with questions through social media and email (aquarium@maine.gov).

In the meantime, we will be at this year’s Fishermen’s Forum, March 2-4 in Rockport, with one of our new mobile touch tanks. We hope to see you there!