The grand opening for the public of the Gulf of Maine Discovery Center, formerly the site of the Maine State Aquarium, was held Wednesday, June 26 during the 62nd Boothbay Harbor Windjammer Days Festival. 

People were greeted by Beth Trussell, Boothbay lab lead administrator, and Sunny Hong, Boothbay Lab administrator, at the welcome desk/ticket counter. 

DMR’s Education Division Director Dottie Yunger said 630 adults and children came to check out the Discovery Center. “People were excited to learn about DMR's research and researchers. They liked the new modern feel. Kids spent a lot of time on the lobster boat, named Lawbster. They enjoyed hoisting the lobster trap and banding toy lobsters. People were also fascinated watching the moon jellies swirl around the specially designed tank.”

The staff at the Touch Tank were knowledgeable about each species included. Also at the Center is the Climate Wheel, a vertical unit on the wall near the Research Touch Table. All you need to do is select one of the sea species, lobster, for example. Information includes how changes in the Gulf of Maine are affecting lobster population and habitat.

The Research Touch Table resembles a large screen TV, but lies flat, taking viewers into the ocean depths to see what lies beneath.