Gulf of Maine

New Hampshire Coast exhibit
Gulf of Maine exhibit
The water in the Gulf of Maine is cold but bursting with life. See New England shorebirds and local marine life like lobsters, cod, halibut, and dogfish sharks.

Know Before You Go

There are six Gulf of Maine exhibits at the Aquarium to encompass the rich diversity of habitats and animals in New England’s waters.

  • The color of a lobster’s shell is determined by genetics and diet. Keep an eye out for some of the lobsters we have on exhibit with rare colorations like orange and blue shells.
  • Aquarium educators are often present to provide in-depth information about this important local ecosystem. Feel free to ask them if you have any questions!
ABOUT THE HABITAT

One of the World’s Fastest-Warming Bodies of Water is in Our Backyard

The Gulf of Maine is one of Earth's fastest-warming bodies of water. But why are the oceans warming at all? Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas create carbon dioxide, which goes into the atmosphere and traps the Earth's heat. The ocean absorbs more excess heat than land, increasing ocean temperatures more quickly than land temperatures.

Map of Gulf of Maine, which extends from south of Massachusetts to the coast of Canada
Gulf of Maine
CONSERVATION CONSIDERATION

Could the Future of Fishing Include Ropeless Gear?

Though not yet widely available, ropeless fishing gear is key to prevent unnecessary entanglement death and injury for local North Atlantic right whales while keeping fishers on the water. An industry-wide transition to ropeless gear, grounded in clear regulations, enabled through training programs, and buoyed by financial support, is vital to right whales’ survival.

American lobster
American lobster

Take a Look Around

  • Shorebirds is one of the Aquarium's Gulf of Maine exhibits
    Shorebirds is one of the Aquarium's Gulf of Maine exhibits
  • Crab in the Gulf of Maine exhibit
    Crab in the Gulf of Maine exhibit
  • Black-bellied rosefish in the Boulder Reef exhibit
    Black-bellied Rosefish in the Boulder Reef exhibit
  • Eastport Maine exhibit at the New England Aquarium
    Eastport Maine exhibit at the New England Aquarium

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Become a Member

As a member of the New England Aquarium, you have access to 10,000 marine animals, 70 awe-inspiring exhibits, and exclusive events all year. But that is just the beginning.

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