The Gulf of Maine Discovery Center is the o-fish-al name for our educational facilities at the Department. of Marine Resources’ Boothbay Lab. These facilities are the Maine State Aquarium, Learning Lab and Burnt Island. The Aquarium is a one-room space with live exhibits and interactives. The Learning Lab is an adjacent facility that is a hands-on science classroom and theater. It is a space in which visitors can go more in depth on a variety of topics and research. Burnt Island is 5 acres and includes a historic lighthouse, keeper's residence, and Education Center.
The Gulf of Maine Discovery Center is where ocean discovery starts for our visitors. It is where Maine residents, summer visitors, school groups, and educators discover what makes the Gulf of Maine such a unique place. The Center is a window into the work DMR does to understand, conserve, and manage Maine’s marine resources.
The Education Division operates these facilities to provide experiences that inspire curiosity and connections with Maine’s coastal waters and resources. Our vision is to make the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and Department of Marine Resources research come alive for in-person and online audiences. Our Education Division provides direct access to our researchers and resources.
2026 Teacher Trainings
Dive into DMR Science: Summer Workshops for Maine Educators
Discover Gulf of Maine Discovery Center (GOMDC) resources through two immersive summer training opportunities. These two-day workshops focus on integrating Department of Marine Resources (DMR) science into the classroom and using GOMDC facilities and resources. Cost is $200 and includes an overnight stay on Burnt Island (BI). Continuing education credits are available. Instructors include DMR staff and Maine educators/Keepers of Burnt Island Light (KBIL) board members.
Place-Based Learning: Burnt Island, Maine State Aquarium, and Learning Lab
Discover hands-on science, authentic Maine history, and classroom resources from the GOMDC. Explore BI’s history, science, and lighthouse life, tour the Maine State Aquarium and Learning Lab, and engage with current DMR science. Leave with ready-to-use curriculum designed by Maine educators. Date: July 19-20
Maine Aquaculture in the Classroom
Aquaculture plays a vital role in Maine’s blue economy and depends on a healthy Gulf of Maine ecosystem. Learn about seaweed and shellfish farming, explore real-world projects, meet DMR’s Aquaculture Division, and connect with industry professionals. Participants will receive classroom-ready resources and have opportunities to build connections with industry professionals. Date: August 1 - 2
Space is limited. Complete the Registration Form to confirm your space.
Our Location
DMR’s Boothbay Harbor campus is located at 194 McKown Pt Rd, West Boothbay Harbor.
School Field Trips
School field trips are available mid-May through mid-June, and the month of September. Email aquarium@maine.gov for information.
Learning Lab
Our Learning Lab is open to the public. The theme is Sharks of the Gulf of Maine -- come explore the species found in the Gulf either year round or seasonally. You can also meet DMR scientists tracking them.
Burnt Island
Burnt Island is open to the public June through October, 10am to 5pm. It is accessible by boat or kayak. There is limited dock space.
Volunteer Opportunities
Interested in volunteering? Contact us!
Resources
These resources are available as free, downloadable PDF files, and may require Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader software (download here free) to view or print. Some of the files are quite large.
- Teacher's Guide to Marine Life in the Gulf of Maine - It features 24 animals with 4 pages of information and activities for each species including: classification, description, life processes, related species, and detailed anatomical diagrams. Download the Teacher's Guide here free - pdf file, 110 pages, 2 MB.
- Gulf Of Maine Coloring Book - Illustrations of regional marine life are ready for students to color. Each page includes species identification and suggested colors. Download the Coloring Book here free - pdf file, 23 pages, 486 kb.
- A Lobster's Life Coloring Book - Appropriate for young learners, it provides simple illustrations and text on a lobster's life history. Download the Lobster Coloring Book here free - pdf file, 13 pages, 5 MB.
- A Guide to Lobstering in Maine - This booklet provides information on the history of lobstering, lobster biology, and lobstering regulations. Download the Lobster Guide here free - pdf file, 24 pages, 1 MB. More information on Maine's lobster is available on DMR's lobster web site.
- Maine Saltwater Angler Guide - This booklet is a beautifully illustrated identification guide of sport-fish species. Download the Angler Guide here free - pdf file, 40 pages, 6 MB. The guide is also available to view as web pages on DMR's recreational fishing site.
- Green Gold: Maine's Sea Urchin Fishery - This booklet provides information on the sea urchin, fishing industry, and management practices. Download Green Gold here free - pdf file, 36 pages, 2 MB.
- Information and Landings on commercially harvested species are available on the DMR home page under Commercial Fisheries
Links for Educational Lobster Information:
- Bigelow Lab "Hatch to Catch"
- Lobster Conservancy
- Maine Department of Marine Resources, lobster page
- DMR Guide to Lobstering in Maine (PDF, 1 MB)
Other Links for Educators
Here is a list of helpful marine education sites for teachers to utilize in the classroom:
- Bigelow Lab for Ocean Sciences
- Boothbay Sea and Science Center
- Darling Marine Center, University of Maine
- Gulf of Maine Marine Life Supply
- Gulf of Maine Research Institute Education Resources
- Herring Gut Learning Center
- Island Institute
- Maine Public - PBS Learning Network
- National Center for Coastal Ocean Science
- National Marine Educators Association
- New England Aquarium Teacher Resource Center
- Sea Turtle printables (free)
- Shark Research Institute
- WhaleNET Resources
- Wyland Foundation