The New Marine Science Center at Waddles Wharf

Located at Waddles Wharf in Harpswell, Maine, the new Marine Science Center will be an independent organization dedicated to the pursuit of marine conservation and the advancement of marine science.

Marine Research at Quahog Bay

Anchored in Harpswell’s working waterfront, the Marine Science Center will be a hub for marine research and exploration.

Scientists and researchers will conduct research at the Center’s ocean environment, a living laboratory located just steps from the Marine Science Center’s campus. Along with on-site deep water marine environment research facilities, the Marine Science Center will offer housing accommodations for visiting researchers.

The Center
The Marine Science Center will be a place where cutting edge technology combined with state-of-the-art laboratories and research will provide scientists the tools to study and learn more about critical marine science issues.

The Research

The Marine Science Center will be a place of academic inquiry around marine conservation and preservation with the benefit of ocean access on the property. From groundbreaking discoveries to the collection of important local data, the Center will be a hub of marine science inquiry and research excellence. 

Waddles Wharf

The creation of the Marine Science Center will enliven and energize Waddles Wharf, which had been a working fishing wharf and lobster pound for over 50 years. During that time, the site was home to apartments, was later a bed and breakfast and most recently operated as the Quahog Bay Inn.

History of
Waddles Wharf

Past, Present, Future

The Center will be located at the half-acre site of the Quahog Bay Inn, a hotel built in 1978 on Waddles Wharf that is no longer in operation. The commercial wharf was used for more than 50 years, but deteriorated over time and is now in complete disrepair. The hotel and wharf have been closed since 2022.

The opportunity exists to rebuild the wharf and to make it functional again. The Marine Science Center will activate the site and invest in the restoration and will return the wharf to full operation.

Next Steps
The Marine Science Center is slated to open in 2027. A plan is currently in development that will articulate the mission, vision, research and programming for the Center and will define how the community can become engaged with the Center and its programs.

1978

Waddles Wharf opens

1978

Quahog Bay Hotel opens

2022

Hotel and Waddles Wharf close

Fall 2022

Quahog Bay Hotel acquired by new Marine Science Center

2023

Construction permit applications submitted for new Marine Science Center

2024

Strategic planning begins to define the Marine Science Center’s mission, vision and programming

Late 2024

Site demolition planned

2025

Construction begins

2027

Marine Science Center construction complete

Frequently Asked Questions

(This section will be updated as plans are developed.)

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