Dive into the Future: Hatfield Marine Science Center Hosts Annual Open House and Science Fair

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. The event is free and family-friendly, showcasing 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.

Visitors 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 during their talk in Carem Ford Phillips Auditorium at Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building from 1 to 2 p.m., which includes studying Antarctic minke whales, humpback whales, and Adelie penguins using drone technology.

Behind-the-scenes tours have been expanded due to last year’s high interest in exploring Hatfield’s Seawater System Tours, Yaquina Estuary Trail Tour, Vertical Tsunami Evacuation Tours and Aquaculture Tour are all free and available on a first-come first-served basis. Visitors can obtain tickets at the Welcome Tent in the courtyard area before embarking on their tour of choice throughout the day. The center offers free access to all visitors during this time as well. Hatfield Marine Science Center is located at 2030 SE Marine Science Drive in Newport OR