PORT CLYDE — Herring Gut Coastal Science Center has been awarded a grant of $90,120 by the Maine State Department of Education for its Summer 2023 Coastal Science & Marine Trades initiative. Herring Gut is accepting applications for its Explore Maine’s Marine Economy for Maine high school students. 
 
“The Coastal Science & Marine Trades Initiative grant is invaluable because it provides an equitable opportunity for students to see the connections between Maine’s economy and its 3,500 miles of coastline,” said Kerianne Gwinnell, Aquatic Science Educator at Herring Gut, in a news release. “We hope to inspire future marine biologists, ocean stewards, and aquaculturists.” 

According to Gwinnell, the grant-funded program has an emphasis on selecting students from communities that lack access to the marine environment, because of economic, geographic or cultural barriers. 

“Students will take a deeper dive into the coastal ecosystems of Maine through data collection and hands-on learning experiences, both on and off the water,” she said.

This field-based program will allow participants to experience marine industries and research facilities in the Midcoast region of Maine. 
 
The grant is also funding two sessions of Junior Marine Scientist Camp for middle school students. Additionally, Herring Gut Educators will be traveling to local libraries with an assortment of marine animals for touch tank exploration.

“This is a great way for kids and adults to learn, see and feel the many species of marine life living along coastal Maine,” said Herring Gut.

Towns include Warren, Hope, Rockland and St. George.

Visit herringgut.org for more information or to register for a program.