Marine Science Day 2024

Join us for Marine Science Day 2024!

We are thrilled to be hosting our 22nd annual #MarineScienceDay open house event on Saturday, June 1, 2024. For one day a year only, nearly every corner of our campus is open to the public to speak to our scientists and students while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the important research and advisory services VIMS provides to the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond!

Located in Gloucester Point, this fun-filled family-friendly event features exhibits, children's activities, seining in the York River, tours, seafood cooking demonstrations, mini-lectures, and more. This event is completely free, open to the public, and takes place rain or shine! All exhibits and timed activities are included with entry. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on site throughout the event.

Registration

Advance registration is highly encouraged to aid in timely check-in on the day of the event. Please use the link below to request tickets for each member of your party, and if possible, print and bring with you on the day of the event.

Marine Life Costume Contest

All ages are invited to participate in the MSD 2024 Marine Life Costume Contest by wearing original costumes of marine plants or animals. Awards will be given for:

most original plant or animal
most creative use of sustainable materials
best group costume
best representation of a plant or animal
grand prize. Grand Prize winner receives an official Marine Science Day t-shirt as well as a VIMS prize pack valued at $50.

MSD Timed Events, Exhibits, Activities, and Vendors

Timed Events

10 AM - 12 PM: Communal Quilt Project with Steve Prince, Director of Community Engagement and Artist-in-Residence at the Muscarelle Museum of Art
11 - 11:20 AM: Fish Gut Content Analysis Demonstration in Fish Processing Lab
11 - 11:30 AM: Marine Life Costume Contest Parade and Awards Ceremony
12 - 1 PM: Seafood Cooking Demonstration with Chef Winslow “Win” Goodier, Executive Chef and Culinary Director of Nuttall's Store
12:30 - 1:30 PM: Marine-Related Career Fair in Hargis Library
1 - 1:20 PM: Fish Gut Content Analysis Demonstration in Fish Processing Lab
1:30 - 2:30 PM: Seafood Cooking Demonstration with Chef Win Goodier

Exhibits and Activities

Tours of our facilities - including the VIMS Visitors Center Aquarium, Nunnally Ichthyology (Fish) Collection, Acuff Center for Aquaculture, Seagrass Greenhouse, Oyster Nursery Pad, Carl Hershner Teaching Marsh, Riparian Forest, Native Plant and Pollinator Garden, and more!
Scientific exhibits where you can learn more about the amazing research being conducted by VIMS scientists from pole to pole!
Scientific demonstrations including fish dissections in the Fish Collection and fish gut content analysis by Multispecies Research Group staff in the Fish Processing Lab
Educational crafts, activities, and games in the Marine Advisory Program Pavilion
Seining in the York River - jump into waders and get up close and personal with charismatic Chesapeake Bay creatures (crabs, fish, and more!) while seining on the VIMS beach
Photo opportunities with TapSnap interactive photo booth and the Society for Women in Marine Science (SWMS) at VIMS "Picture Yourself as a Scientist" exhibit
Art project opportunities at the Community Art Mural tent and the Communal Quilt Project