Hatfield Marine Science Day

Story By: Adriene Koett-Cronn,

Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport will host its

annual science fair and open house Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hatfield Marine Science Day is a free, family-friendly event showcasing the diverse marine science and engineering research happening on the Hatfield campus. Exhibits and activities highlight how this work helps us understand the ocean and its impact on our lives and communities.

This year’s event features 40 hands-on marine science exhibits, including displays on marine mammals, aquaculture, fisheries, seabirds, and sharks. Visitors can explore ocean engineering exhibits, touch tidepool creatures, examine plankton under microscopes, and climb aboard the R/V Kalipi, a 29’ aluminum vessel used in nearshore research. The Hatfield Visitor Center will also be open and free throughout the day.

The lineup of special events includes the return of the mini Big Blue Film Festival, featuring a selection of short films that celebrate the marine world. This event is from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the Carem Ford Phillips Auditorium in the Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building. This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Danny Pimentel of the University of Oregon. He will share his work on artificial ocean intelligence and virtual experiences that allow people to interact with marine ecosystems and wildlife as responsive, conversational beings. The keynote will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Carem Ford Phillips Auditorium.

Due to popular demand, behind-the-scenes tours have been expanded and will run throughout the day:

 Seawater Tour | 10:30 a.m., noon, and 1:30 p.m. | 1 hour, 15 people per tour

 Yaquina Estuary Trail Tour | 10:30 a.m., noon, and 1:30 p.m. | 1 hour, 20 people per tour

 Tsunami Vertical Evacuation Tour | 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. | 45 min., 20 people per tour

 Coastal Monitoring Station Tour | 11 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. | 1 hour, 20 people per tour

 Marine Operations Tour | 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. | 1 hour, 20 people per tour

 Aquaculture Tour | 11:30 am and 1 p.m. | 1 hour, 20 people per tour

All tours are free, with first-come, first-served tickets available at the Welcome area of the courtyard. The Hatfield Marine Science Center is located at 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR.