Marine Biology Research

Top Aquariums in New England

Last updated onJanuary 9, 2019 By aeconomakis

As a shark aggregations specialist, Alistair Economakis has traveled all over the world to encounter marine wildlife.

In his work, he has come face-to-face with some of the most majestic sea creatures to ever exist. But, such an adventure isn’t always possible for every animal lover — and that’s okay! It’s still possible to observe and admire the beauties of the ocean without diving into the deep blue sea directly! In New England alone, there are an array of aquariums and marine wildlife centers that you can visit. Each aquarium has its fair share of unique and alluring fish. If you want to explore the world’s sea creatures but don’t have a passport — fear not! New England is absolutely full of exciting sea creature sanctuaries for you to check out.

Here is Alistair Economakis’ master list of the top Aquariums to check out in New England:

Maine

Maine State Aquarium (West Boothbay Harbor, Maine)
Mount Desert Island Oceanarium (Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, Maine)

New Hampshire

Seacoast Science Center (Rye, New Hampshire)
Explore The Ocean World Oceanarium (Hampton, New Hampshire)
Blue Ocean Discovery Center (Hampton, New Hampshire)

Vermont

Echo Leahy Center (Burlington, Vermont)

Massachusetts

Woods Hole Science Aquarium (Falmouth, Massachusetts)
New England Aquarium (Boston, Massachusetts)
Aquarium of the National Marine Fisheries (Falmouth, Massachusetts)
Children’s Aquarium and Exploration Center of GFR (Fall River, Massachusetts)

Rhode Island

Biomes Marine Biology Center (North Kingstown, Rhode Island)
Exploration Center and Aquarium (Newport, Rhode Island)
Block Island Maritime Institute (Block Island, Rhode Island)

Connecticut

The Maritime Aquarium (Norwalk, Connecticut)
Mystic Aquarium (Mystic, Connecticut)

As an added bonus, a lot of Marine Biology-focused schools in New England have their own aquariums. Call ahead to find out if there is an aquarium available for public observation!

For more marine life blogs, check out Alistair Economakis on Medium: https://medium.com/@alistaireconomakis

New study highlights the correlation between live corals and fishing yields December 19, 2024
A new study examines the correlation between fish yield and live coral habitats. Researchers analyzed the yields of nine fisheries dependent on Australia's Great Barrier Reef from 2016 to 2020. Results show that substantial losses could occur if the restoration of coral reefs is not prioritized.
Are particle emissions from offshore wind farms harmful for blue mussels? December 19, 2024
After several years of service under harsh weather conditions, the rotor blades of offshore wind parks are subjected to degradation and surface erosion, releasing sizeable quantities of particle emissions into the environment. A team of researchers has now investigated the effects of these particle on blue mussels -- a species also being considered for the […]
Living in the deep, dark, slow lane: Insights from the first global appraisal of microbiomes in earth's subsurface environments December 18, 2024
Which microbes thrive below us in darkness -- in gold mines, in aquifers, in deep boreholes in the seafloor -- and how do they compare to the microbiomes that envelop the Earth's surfaces, on land and sea? The first global study to embrace this huge question reveals astonishingly high microbial diversity in some subsurface environments, […]
Giant virus encodes key piece of protein-making machinery of cellular life December 18, 2024
Researchers recently discovered that a virus, FloV-SA2, encodes one of the proteins needed to make ribosomes, the central engines in all cells that translate genetic information into proteins, the building blocks of life. This is the first eukaryotic virus (a virus that infects eukaryotes, such as plants, animals, fungi) found to encode such a protein.
Phytochromes: The 'eyes' that enable microalgae to find their way in the depths December 18, 2024
The phytoplankton that populate oceans are known to play a key role in marine ecosystems and climate regulation. Like terrestrial plants, they store atmospheric CO2, and produce half of our planet's oxygen via photosynthesis. However, the mechanisms that control their distribution remain poorly understood.
Using drones, researchers assess the health of humpback whale mother-calf pairs across the Pacific Ocean December 18, 2024
Biologists used drone imagery to understand how nursing humpback whale mothers and their calves fare as they cross the Pacific Ocean. Recent declines in North Pacific humpback whale reproduction and survival of calves highlight the need to understand how mother-calf pairs expend energy across their migratory cycle.
Salmon genes unlock secrets of puberty and evolution December 17, 2024
A study shows how a single gene in Atlantic salmon can dramatically influence the timing of puberty -- a key factor for salmon life cycle and survival.