When visitors return to the Maine State Aquarium June 26 after a four-year hiatus, they will see a whole new site highlighting coastal marine life. Gone are past visitor favorites such as the wall mural, rock wall and 20-foot touch tank filled with a variety of sea creatures. The renovated aquarium features two 1,300-gallon touch tanks custom-fabricated to resemble the rocky Maine coastline and configured to ensure compliance with animal care standards. Aquarium educators will also be stationed at the touch tanks to answer questions and to help visitors interact safely with different species.

On June 24, Gov. Janet Mills was among the first to see the new Maine State Aquarium in Boothbay Harbor along with Rep. Holly Stover and Sen. Cameron Reny who received a special guided tour.  In 2020, the Maine State Aquarium closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A building inspection occurred during the closure and resulted in discovering significant problems. Saltwater  corrosion had severely damaged the walls, floor and electrical system.

This led to an extended closure due to a $1.07 million renovation project which was slowed by COVID-19 related supply and workforce challenges. But the four-year wait is nearly over, as the Maine State Aquarium is ready to receive thousands of visitors this summer beginning Thursday.

The MSA is a program of the Department of Marine Resources. It originally opened in 1993. For 30 years, it was a place for the public to learn about coastal Maine marine life. Prior to the tour, Mills credited Stover for her legislative advocacy securing $850,000 for the renovation project. DMR Commissioner Patrick Keliher also expressed his department’s gratitude to Stover. “We are grateful to Rep. Stover’s work. The state’s investment will help us provide a world-class experience for all ages,” he said. “Our hope is to help visitors gain a deeper appreciation of the ocean and to motivate future generations to support the health of the marine environment.”

Besides the aquarium, an adjacent space called the “Learning Lab” provides a more in-depth look at marine research. The lab features additional informational displays and scheduled staff talks. Mills is excited about the aquarium’s reopening, and anticipates sharing it with her family. “As a proud mother and proud grandmother, I’ve seen the wonder in children’s eyes,” she said. “I can’t wait to see the faces of my grandchildren as they describe a common minke whale’s skeleton, ” she said. 

Mills also pointed out the knowledge available to the public about the Gulf of Maine. “I’m excited to join DMR and Rep. Stover in reopening the new and improved Maine State Aquarium,” Mills said. “The new aquarium will educate and inspire visitors, offering them a unique opportunity to see and learn about our state’s rich history and diverse marine life, and the environment in which they live. I encourage Maine people to visit the MSA and enjoy all it has to offer.”

Stover called the MSA a cherished landmark. “The revitalization of the MSA represents a significant milestone for our community,” Stover said. “This facility not only provides an educational and recreational venue for families and visitors, but also reinforces our commitment to marine conservation and education.” Stover also called the new interactive touch tank a “testament to the dedication and hard work invested in the project.”

As the grand opening approaches, Director Carl Wilson of DMR’s Science Bureau is looking forward to the aquarium’s future. “I’m thrilled to finally be ready to open our doors to the public,” he said. “We look forward to serving as an important resource for educators, students, and anyone who is passionate as we are about the dynamic Gulf of Maine environment.”