For Classrooms & Labs

Live and preserved specimens, seaweeds, and teaching materials collected from the Maine coast for education, demonstration, and research support.

Why Educators Choose Gulf of Maine, Inc.

Gulf of Maine, Inc. supplies authentic marine life specimens and seaweeds for hands-on learning. Founded by marine biologist Tidepool Tim, we are a small, family-run business guided by field experience, scientific accuracy, and respect for our coastal ecosystems. All live specimens are collected to order when our tides and weather allow, then packed carefully for classroom and laboratory use.

How it Works

  1. Live specimens are collected from local shorelines, and tidepools the day of shipping when conditions allow.

2. Orders are packed according to specimen needs, seasonality, and weather conditions.

3. Live specimens ship via UPS overnight express service, included in our prices.

Common Classroom & Lab Orders

These items are frequently used for demonstrations, dissections, and hands-on learning.

Real Preserved Shark (Squalus acanthias) – Spiny Dogfish, 8–12” – Formalin-Preserved Specimen for Dissection, Marine Biology, Classroom & Lab Study
Real Preserved Shark (Squalus acanthias) – Spiny Dogfish, 8–12” – Formalin-Preserved Specimen for Dissection, Marine Biology, Classroom & Lab Study
$20.00
Orange Footed Sea Cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa)
Orange Footed Sea Cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa)
from $80.00
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Northern Red Anemone (Urticina felina) Northern Red Anemone (Urticina felina) Northern Red Anemone (Urticina felina) Northern Red Anemone (Urticina felina)
Northern Red Anemone (Urticina felina)
from $110.00
Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus)
Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus)
from $125.00
Northern Sea Star (Asterias Vulgaris) 5 Northern Sea Star (Asterias Vulgaris) 5
Northern Sea Star (Asterias Vulgaris) 5"-8", Formalin-Preserved Specimen for Dissection, Marine Biology, Classroom & Lab Study
$20.00
Touch Tank Marine Life Collection (Maine Species Assortment)
Touch Tank Marine Life Collection (Maine Species Assortment)
from $350.00
Sea Walnut (Pleurobrachia pileus) Sea Walnut (Pleurobrachia pileus) Sea Walnut (Pleurobrachia pileus) Sea Walnut (Pleurobrachia pileus)
Sea Walnut (Pleurobrachia pileus)
from $80.00
Gulf of Maine Seaweeds Survey Set (6 Species)
Gulf of Maine Seaweeds Survey Set (6 Species)
from $185.00

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Frequently Asked Questions for Educators

  • We supply K–12 classrooms, universities, homeschool families, museums, aquariums, and research labs.

  • It depends on the product. Each listing clearly states how the item is shipped (live, preserved, dried, or wet-packed) so you know what to expect before ordering.

  • Live specimens are collected to order when tides, weather, and seasonal conditions allow—usually the day of shipping.

  • Absolutely. Tell us the age level, topic, and timeline, and we’ll recommend appropriate specimens or sets.

  • No. Natural variation in size, color, and appearance is expected for live or natural marine specimens. Photos represent typical examples.

  • Yes. If you would like a specimen preserved, please contact us before ordering or immediately after placing your order.

  • Some products are seasonal or weather dependent. If timing matters for a lesson or lab, we recommend contacting us before ordering.

  • Live specimens ship via required UPS overnight express service, which is included in our prices. Packing methods vary by species and conditions.

  • We are always open to conversation with our customers. If you’re looking for something specific not listed on our site please send us an email at: info@gulfofme.com