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 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.
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.
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.
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(This section will be updated as plans are developed.)
The Marine Science Center is an extension of the Scanlan family’s commitment to investing in the conservation of the bay and the natural environment. The Quahog Bay Conservancy’s work has led to an interest in furthering marine science research in the bay which has led to the creation of the Marine Science Center.
The strategic plan, currently underway, will help determine the best academic, industry, and organizational partners to carry out the Marine Science Center’s goals.
As the strategic plan is created, we will engage community stakeholders to build programs for the public to engage with the Marine Science Center.
The wharf has been in disrepair for many years and needs to be restored so it can again be used by local fishermen. Part of the Marine Science Center development will include rebuilding and restoring it to become an active working wharf.
The Center aims to foster collaboration among many stakeholders to create a dynamic hub where marine groups tackle the most pressing challenges facing marine ecosystems and industries. As the strategic plan is created, details will emerge about the ways in which this will take place.
Receive updates on the development of the Marine Science Center.
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