HPL Touch Tank

The Horn Point Laboratory maintains a portable Touch Tank that is stocked with various fish native to the Chesapeake Bay.  The purpose of the Touch Tank is to make these creatures available for people to see close-up and even touch. Horn Point staff also uses the tank to provide information on issues pertaining to the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed.

The Touch Tank is a popular display and our schedule fills quickly. Unfortunately, it is not possible for us to attend all of the events that we are invited to, but we will try to accommodate as many as possible.  If you would like to have the Touch Tank at your event, please contact our outreach coordinator at 410-221-8383 or touchtank@hpl.umces.edu.  Please fill the form to request the tank at your event.

The Touch Tank is available for community events meeting the following criteria:
1. The event must provide us with an opportunity to educate children and adults about the animals in the Touch Tank and our local waterways. 
2. We give preference to events with a large audience and those that are related to bay/river culture and/or bay/waterway education.
3. We require at least 1 month notice to schedule the tank. The more notice the better!
4. The tank cannot be outside in inclement weather due to its electronics. 
5. The tank requires a 110-120 volt outlet within 50 feet.
6.  The tank is not available outside a radius of 50 miles from Horn Point for fish health during transportation.
7. The event must be one where it is reasonable to expect children viewing the Touch Tank will have adult supervision.

The touch tank critters usually include:

Rock Fish		Crab
Atlantic Sturgeon		Diamond Back Terrapin
Perch		Snails