Annual 'Maine' Event Returns to N. Oregon Coast's Seaside Aquarium

Published 02/20/26 at 7:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Seaside, Oregon) – When it comes to Oregon coast nature events, only one can really claim to be the “Maine event.” (All photos Seaside Aquarium - above: a wolf eel)

The Seaside Aquarium will hold its annual “Maine Event” fundraiser on Sunday, February 22, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with all admission proceeds benefiting three North Coast conservation groups: the North Coast Land Conservancy, Friends of Haystack Rock, and the Wildlife Center of the North Coast. The event takes place at the aquarium, located at 200 N. Prom in Seaside.

The fundraiser honors longtime educator, conservation advocate, and former aquarium board member Neal Maine, whose decades of work helped shape the aquarium’s community and scientific outreach. Maine joined the board in 1995 with a focus on expanding educational programming and strengthening partnerships. He played a key role in establishing what is now the Southern Washington Northern Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network, a collaboration with NOAA, Portland State University, and the aquarium.

That same year, he launched the Seaside Beach and Necanicum Estuary Discovery Program, designed to help residents and visitors better understand local coastal ecosystems. While the program has evolved, its mission of fostering environmental awareness remains central to the aquarium’s outreach.

Maine stepped down from the board in early 2020 after 25 years of service. To honor his contributions, the aquarium created “The Maine Event,” an annual fundraiser held on the last Sunday of February, with proceeds directed to organizations of his choosing.

This year marks the fifth installment of the event. All admissions collected on February 22 will support the three participating conservation groups.

For more information, call the Seaside Aquarium at 503-738-6211.

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