Mystic — U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, announced Thursday that Mystic Aquarium has received $150,000 in federal funds to develop a new Long Island Sound exhibit.

The money, which comes from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, will allow the aquarium to create an interactive, multimedia exhibit called “Connections to Long Island Sound.”

The exhibit is designed to help educate aquarium visitors about the importance of the Sound and its watersheds. The exhibit will feature an interactive water table, naturalistic “touch pool,” digital content on kiosks and tablets, wall graphics and a photographic gallery.

“Long Island Sound is a unique resource for eastern Connecticut,” Courtney said in announcing the grant. “A vast array of economic activities in our region ranging from recreational boating to commercial maritime transportation, shipbuilding, the Coast Guard Academy, and the Naval Submarine Base in Groton are all directly connected to Long Island Sound. This funding will help educate local residents and students and prepare them to keep the Sound safe and healthy for future generations.”