Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport is hosting its annual science fair and open house on Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Marine Science Day is a free event that aims to showcase marine research conducted on the Hatfield campus. This year’s theme is “Our Ocean, Our Future,” with activities and exhibits focusing on the technology used to understand and monitor the ocean.
Attendees can expect to see over three dozen hands-on exhibits that highlight research on marine birds and mammals, aquaculture, ocean noise, and fisheries. There will also be opportunities to learn about ocean engineering, interact with crabs and sea stars, observe plankton under microscopes, explore the Hatfield Visitor Center, and board the R/V Kalipi, a 29′ aluminum vessel used for nearshore research.
Special speakers K.C. Bierlich and Clara Bird from the Marine Mammal Institute’s GEMM Lab will discuss their use of drones to study baleen whales. Their experience includes studying Antarctic minke whales, humpback whales, and Adelie penguins using drone technology. The talk will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Carem Ford Phillips Auditorium in the Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building.
Behind-the-scenes tours have been expanded due to last year’s high interest
