Ocean Journal

The CoastX Ocean Journal is a place to explore the science, technology, people, wildlife, art, and ideas connected to the ocean and the Gulf of Maine.

Created by CoastX, the Ocean Journal extends our hands-on ocean education beyond our student programs and into a growing collection of stories, discoveries, observations, and resources for anyone curious about the marine world.

From what lives in a single drop of seawater to the technology scientists use to explore beneath the surface, the Ocean Journal takes a closer look at the remarkable coastal environment surrounding Maine and New Hampshire—and the people working to understand and protect it.

Marine Science Meets Real-World Exploration

At CoastX, we believe some of the best learning happens through exploration and discovery. Our students don't just learn about the ocean—they experience it.

They pilot underwater ROVs, examine plankton under microscopes, test water quality, explore marine habitats, investigate lobster ecology, build ocean-monitoring technology, collect field data, create marine-inspired art, and spend time aboard working and research vessels.

The Ocean Journal brings those experiences, questions, and discoveries to a wider audience.

Entries explore topics across marine science, marine biology, ocean engineering, coastal ecology, ocean technology, marine art, and conservation, often connecting what our students encounter in the field with the larger science and stories behind it.

Exploring the Gulf of Maine

The Gulf of Maine is one of the world's most remarkable marine ecosystems and an extraordinary place to learn about the ocean.

The Ocean Journal explores this environment from many perspectives—from plankton, lobsters, eelgrass, seabirds, and changing ocean conditions to underwater robotics, research vessels, data collection, coastal history, and the scientists and professionals whose careers are connected to the sea.

Our home along the Maine and New Hampshire coast gives CoastX students the opportunity to experience these subjects firsthand. The Ocean Journal allows us to share more of what they discover along the way.

Science, Engineering, Art—and Curiosity

Understanding the ocean requires more than one discipline.

That's why the CoastX Ocean Journal isn't limited to traditional marine science. You'll find stories and information about ocean STEM, marine technology and engineering, coastal ecosystems, ocean careers, marine art, environmental observation, student projects, and hands-on ocean exploration.

Some entries may begin with a question from a CoastX student. Others may highlight something discovered during a program, explain an interesting marine organism, introduce new ocean technology, share the expertise of a scientist or ocean professional, or explore an issue affecting the Gulf of Maine.

What connects them is curiosity about the ocean and a desire to understand it through real-world experience.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Ocean Explorers

CoastX is a nonprofit experiential ocean education organization serving middle and high school students in Maine and New Hampshire.

Through hands-on programs in marine science, ocean engineering, technology, art, and innovation, CoastX connects students with the ocean and with scientists, engineers, artists, mariners, researchers, and other professionals who work on and around it.

The Ocean Journal is another way we pursue that mission.

Whether you're a student interested in marine biology, a parent looking for meaningful ocean learning opportunities, an educator searching for marine science resources, or simply someone fascinated by the Gulf of Maine, we invite you to explore the Journal.

Dive in, follow your curiosity, and discover something new about our ocean.