About the Aquarium

An Aquarium Without Walls

The Gulf of Maine Aquarium was incorporated in 1968 to teach the public about aquatic environments, promote research in the marine and aquatic sciences and to build a public aquarium. For thirty years, we have existed as an "Aquarium Without Walls," developing innovative educational programs including an internet web site, classroom-ready teacher guides, teacher workshops, and a series of in-class programs. EHDD Architects and Lyons/Zaremba Exhibit Designers have been retained to help make this "Virtual Aquarium" a reality. The aquarium will be unique in a number of ways. First, Portland's waterfront, where the new Aquarium will be located, is a thriving working waterfront close to the old downtown area where active fishing and marine support industries coexist with fine restaurants and retail businesses. Second, the aquarium will focus on Maine's rich and unique aquatic environments, which include extensive freshwater habitats as well as the salt water story of the Gulf of Maine and the Grand Banks. Much as the Monterey Bay Aquarium interprets only its immediate environs, the Gulf of Maine Aquarium's emphasis will be regional and will not have to search elsewhere for a good story. It will utilize a mixture of indoor and outdoor exhibit experiences that will vary greatly with the seasons. The Gulf of Maine Aquarium is also unique in its use of information technology. Our web site is used by teachers in all fifty states and 50 foreign countries. The site, developed with a grant from NASA, takes visitors on a virtual trip through the bogs, beaches, and aquifers of Maine. Visitors can also use real-time satellite imagery to study the Gulf of Maine and compare it to other global aquatic environments. Researchers and photographers travel the world equipped with digital cameras to send imagery and descriptions of their research back to the aquarium website for use by students. These innovative technologies will also be utilized in the new aquarium to better understand aquatic systems. The new $42 million aquarium will include research and educational components as well as public exhibits. The site has been acquired, preliminary design is complete, and the capital campaign will be launched in the summer of 1998. The facility is expected to be completed by Memorial Day weekend, 2003. Visit some of our favorite sites: Mr. and Mrs. Fish: Based at Southern Maine Technical College in South Portland, Maine, Mr & Mrs Fish are extremely dynamic educators who teach marine science by costuming themselves as humorous sea creatures and acting out life as it is in the sea. Their creative dramatic shows have audiences roaring with laughter, all while gaining a wealth of solid ocean learning. With Mr. and Mrs. Fish, it's "laugh as you learn." Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences: Visit their home page as a starting point for finding a wealth of information on Ocean Sciences. NASA's Education Program: This site has a variety of on-line resources for educators and information about NASA Education Programs. Return to Gulf of Maine Aquarium Home Page.