Seashell to Get Marine Ed Center

The Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation will soon occupy space within the North Pavilion at Hampton Beach State Park to teach visitors about marine life, local and maritime history, and ways people can protect the marine environment. Features are to include a touch tank and interactive learning tools.

Gov. Maggie Hassan and the Executive Council authorized the state Department of Resources and Economic Development, Division of Parks and Recreation, to enter a license agreement through May 31, 2016.

The agreement calls for Blue Ocean Society to pay an annual facility use fee of $5,960, plus 10 percent commission on gross income from private event fees collected and retail sales in the first year. Blue Ocean Society would pay an additional 10 percent commission on gross income from admission fees in year two and three, according to documents before governor and council.

The marine education center is in keeping with a 10-year strategic development plan for Hampton Beach State Park, including seeking out ways to enhance revenues, provide new recreational activities and "establish ways to offer interactive, accessible and coordinated environmental education and outdoor recreation programs."

The contract is attached below here as a PDF document.

Click here more information about Blue Ocean Society, and to learn more about its marine life touch tank in Portsmouth.