{"id":15467,"date":"2024-09-05T10:31:01","date_gmt":"2024-09-05T14:31:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/hancock\/?page_id=15467"},"modified":"2026-03-16T12:11:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T16:11:16","slug":"touch-tank","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/hancock\/aquaculture\/touch-tank\/","title":{"rendered":"The University of Maine Touch Tank Program"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Staff
Staff Member (Leah) and 4-H Youth (Wyatt) at a Touch Tank Event<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What is the Touch Tank Program?<\/h3>\n

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<\/a>, Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research (CCAR),<\/a> Aquaculture Research Institute<\/a>, and the School of Marine Sciences<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Our Touch Tanks have been featured at:<\/strong><\/p>\n