The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) will host its annual Aquarium Release Day on Saturday, October 7, 2023 from 10 am to 12 noon at the MMA Aquarium, 28 Washington Street. Join MMA staff for refreshments, face painting, and games as you help the staff release this season’s Aquarium inhabitants back into the ocean. This event is free to the public and a great opportunity to learn and celebrate the marine life that live in the waters of Nantucket Island.
The MMA Aquarium is dedicated to educating the public on the importance of biodiversity in our unique marine ecosystems found here on Nantucket. Each summer, the MMA Aquarium Director, Jack Dubinsky, as well as his team of dedicated college interns and volunteers, explore the shores of Nantucket and find and document an assortment of over 7,500 individual marine animals, most of which are recorded and released. They snorkel, seine, and beachcomb to collect over 300 different marine animals. These animals are studied and cared for so that the MMA can help people to learn more about these important marine organisms while they are featured at the popular Washington Street aquarium throughout the season. These marine animals represent roughly seventy different species collected by the MMA staff in tandem with local fishermen.
Pre-registration is encouraged at 112458a.blackbaudhosting.com/112458a/2023-Aquarium-Release-Day
The Maria Mitchell Association is a private non-profit organization. Founded in 1902, the MMA works to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, a research center, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages.