Huntsman Marine Science Centre facts for kids

The Huntsman Marine Science Centre (HMSC) is a special place in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada. It's like a big science club for the ocean! This centre is a nonprofit organization, which means it's not trying to make money. Instead, it focuses on learning about the ocean and teaching others. Many universities and government groups helped start the HMSC. It's named after Archibald Gowanlock Huntsman, a scientist who loved studying fish and the ocean.

History of the Centre

The Huntsman Marine Science Centre started in 1969. Many universities and government groups worked together to create it. They wanted a place where students and scientists could study marine biology (ocean life) and oceanography (the study of the ocean).

The centre was built on 20 acres of land given by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. It also included some buildings for people to live in. Later, more land was added, including a large house for visiting students. A public aquarium opened at the centre in 1972, letting everyone see amazing sea creatures.

In 1987, the name changed from Huntsman Marine Laboratory to Huntsman Marine Science Centre. The HMSC has even won awards, like the Gulf of Maine Visionary Award, for its important work.

Where is the Centre Located?

The HMSC laboratories are located on 74 acres of land. This land is right where the St. Croix River meets the Bay of Fundy. This area is called an estuary, which is a special place where fresh river water mixes with salty ocean water.

What Can You Do at the Centre?

The HMSC has many cool things to see and do!

Learning and Research

The centre has special laboratories for teaching and for aquaculture research. Aquaculture is like farming, but for fish and other sea animals. They also have a 15-meter research vessel, which is a boat used for exploring the ocean.

The HMSC offers many programs for students and teachers. You can learn about ocean life, from tiny creatures to big whales. They also work with government groups and companies to help protect the ocean.

The Atlantic Reference Centre

The HMSC has a special part called the Atlantic Reference Centre. This centre has the largest collection of Atlantic organisms in Canada. It's like a huge library of sea creatures!

Huntsman Aquarium and Museum

One of the most exciting parts is the Huntsman Aquarium and Museum. Here, you can see many live marine animals. There's even a "teeming touch tank" where you can gently touch some sea creatures! You can also watch films about marine ecology and learn how all living things in the ocean are connected. The aquarium is usually open from May to October.