"A powerful blend of art, science, and student engagement is coming to life in Midcoast Maine through Project Sturgeon Bride, a collaborative effort by local artist Julie Crane, eighth grade students from St. George Municipal School Unit (MSU), and educators from Herring Gut Coastal Science Center," said Herring Gut, in a news release.

This cross-disciplinary project uses the story of the endangered Atlantic sturgeon to explore themes of marine ecology, climate change, and science communication. With funding from the Gulf of Maine Research Institute’s Connected Learning Ecosystem grant, the project invites the community to connect with sea-run fish in a whole new way.

At the heart of Project Sturgeon Bride is a striking 12-foot-long sculpture of an Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus), designed by artist Julie Crane and constructed with assistance from Herring Gut educator and aquarist Ava Travis. Students contributed to the sculpture by painting and preparing scutes—the bony, armor-like plates that line the back of a sturgeon.

These scutes will be individually added by the students themselves during a community art opening on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 3 – 5 p.m., at Granite Gallery, 68 Main Street, Tenants Harbor, ME.

In preparation, Alison England’s eighth grade class studied the Atlantic sturgeon’s unique migratory life cycle, learning that this ancient anadromous species spends much of its life in the ocean but returns to freshwater to spawn. With support from Herring Gut educators, students analyzed NASA data to investigate changes in ocean surface temperature, salinity, pH, and sea level over time—gaining insight into how these shifts may impact the sturgeon’s survival.

“This project allowed our students to step into the roles of scientists, artists, and educators,” said England. “They developed real data literacy skills and now have a platform to share their learning with the public in a meaningful way.”

At the opening reception, students will serve as science communicators, discussing with visitors how climate change and human impacts have contributed to the decline of sea-run fish populations in Maine and what can be done to help restore them.

Following the Granite Gallery exhibit, the sculpture will find a permanent home at Herring Gut Coastal Science Center, where it will continue to inspire learning about Maine’s coastal ecosystems.

Located in Port Clyde, Maine, Herring Gut Coastal Science Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating students and communities about the connections between the ocean, inland waters, and Maine’s economy through hands-on, place-based learning.