The University of Maine Touch Tank Program

What is the Touch Tank Program?

The University of Maine Touch Tank Program is an immersive and educational experience that brings the wonders of Maine’s marine ecosystems directly to Maine communities. Developed in collaboration with the University of Maine’s 4-H Youth Development Program, Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research (CCAR), Aquaculture Research Institute, and the School of Marine Sciences, this traveling touch tank program introduces youth to the fascinating world of native Maine marine organisms. Through hands-on experiences, participants gain a deeper understanding of our coastal ecosystems and the importance of sustainable aquaculture practices.

The touch tank program is facilitated by a UMaine staff member or student employee trained in positive youth development and experiential learning. These staff members and students have also been trained to handle all our touch tank inhabitants safely and respectfully.

Our Touch Tanks have been featured at:

• Birthday Parties and Celebrations
• Corporate Events
• Tourist Attractions
• Fairs and Festivals
• Educational Workshops
• 4-H Events and Programs

Meet the Creatures

 

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Pricing

We believe in making Touch Tank services accessible to all organizations, regardless of budget. We offer flexible pricing through a tiered and sliding-scale system to ensure our programs can reach as many people as possible.

Standard Pricing (For Private & Corporate Events)

• $600 for a two-hour visit
• $150 per additional hour

Non-Profit & School-Based Organizations

To support educational and community-focused events, we offer a sliding scale pricing option for non-profit and school-based organizations:

• Tier 1: Small Non-Profits or Schools with Limited Budgets
  • $200 for a two-hour visit
    (Ideal for smaller community-based organizations or underfunded schools)
• Tier 2: Medium Non-Profits or Schools with Moderate Budgets
  • $350 for a two-hour visit
    (For mid-sized organizations or schools with some budget flexibility)
• Tier 3: Large Non-Profits or Schools with Larger Budgets
  • $500 for a two-hour visit
    (Best for larger organizations with established funding sources)
• Additional Time for all Tiers: $150 per additional hour

Request a Visit

Expectations for Touch Tank Hosts:

• Maintain communication: Stay in regular contact with Touch Tank staff regarding scheduling, needs, and any issues or successes.
  
• Coordinate participants: Manage participant recruitment, registration, and attendance.
  
• Ensure adult supervision: Have at least one adult present on behalf of your organization during the program to provide group management and participant support (e.g., behavior management, problem-solving, site-specific logistics). Touch Tank staff will focus on delivering the experience and cannot provide behavioral support.
  
• Address concerns promptly: Communicate any questions or concerns as soon as possible.
  
• Submit payment on time: Payment is due upon arrival or prior to the visit.
• Report participation data: Share the total number and basic demographics of youth participants (anonymously) after the visit, if requested.
• Provide feedback: Offer feedback on how we can improve the program experience, and, if possible, share our post-visit feedback survey with participants.

FAQs

How far do you travel?
The touch tank operates primarily in Hancock and Penobscot counties, with no additional travel fee for requests within these areas. There is a supplementary charge (of 70 cents per mile) for extended mileage for locations that require travel over 100 miles round trip from one of our touch tank locations. Due to transportation constraints, we can only consider requests within the state of Maine.

Is there anything I need to do in preparation for welcoming the touch tank to my event?
Yes, our team will need access to a reliable power source and a sturdy table to keep our animals safe and happy. If you have questions about whether the equipment you have on hand meets the standards needed, please reach out to our team.

Can you set up indoors and outdoors?
Yes, the touch tank can be set up at indoor or outdoor events, weather permitting. For outdoor events, if a natural shaded area isn’t available, our team may need to arrange space for a tent to ensure the tank remains at optimal temperature conditions for the residents.

Is it safe for the animals?
Yes, the safety and well-being of the animals are our top priorities. We maintain optimal water temperatures with a high-quality chiller to ensure a comfortable environment. Our staff are trained to recognize signs of stress and adjust their handling techniques accordingly, ensuring the animals remain happy and healthy throughout the experience.

Is it safe to touch the animals?
Absolutely! Our staff are thoroughly trained to handle all animals with the utmost respect and care, ensuring both their safety and yours. We only feature animals in the touch tank that are non-toxic and safe to interact with. As long as participants follow the guidance of our staff members, everyone will have a positive and enjoyable experience.

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For more information, contact touchtank@maine.edu