The New England Aquarium is looking for new faces — and a little nightlife — which is why it has launched The Tide, a new group for young professionals.

Thursday night is the first Tide party; from 6 to 9:30 p.m., guests can mingle in the Aquarium, hear from scientists and experts, and check out exhibitions, including “Science of Sharks.’’

Tickets are $45 and include two drinks.

“We’ll have a DJ, a photo booth,’’ said Aquarium membership engagement specialist Andrew Royer. “We’ll just kind of be presenting and promoting all of the different exhibits.’’

Future Tide events will include a brunch on July 16, and a Fin & Tonic party on Aug. 23.

Asked to define “young professionals,’’ Royer said he expects the crowd to be 21 to 40-ish.