VIMS

2010 Top Stories

VIMS hosts Chinese delegation

A delegation from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China visits VIMS as part of a broader visit to the College of William and Mary.

October Discovery Lab is "spooktacular"

The October Discovery Lab at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science drew more than 50 children and adults to Gloucester Point for a fun, educational, and spooky look at things that come out at night in and around Chesapeake Bay.

EPA report highlights VIMS management tools

Tools developed by the Center for Coastal Resources Management include interactive maps of York River wetlands and guidance procedures for "living shorelines."

Study shows Bay clean-up helps boost underwater grasses

Long-term field study of water quality and underwater grasses shows a clear link between the abundance of submerged aquatic vegetation and levels of nitrogen in Bay waters. When nitrogen levels rise, SAV coverage decreases. When nitrogen levels fall, SAV meadows expand.

NASA map uses VIMS data on low-oxygen dead zones

A new global map created by NASA uses data from VIMS professor Bob Diaz to highlight the connection between human population, nutrient pollution, and low-oxygen marine "dead zones."

South Korean delegation visits VIMS

A group of high-ranking government officials visits VIMS to discuss sustainable management of marine resources.

Senator Warner visits VIMS to discuss oyster restoration

Visit coincides with a growing recognition that increased disease resistance, a local surge in oyster aquaculture, and recently announced federal restoration goals promise new opportunities for restoring Bay oysters.

Gas hydrates subject of "hot" VIMS paper

A VIMS study of gas hydrates—substances that have hindered attempts to stop the Gulf oil leak—is among the top 25 most-downloaded journal articles in Marine Chemistry.

VIMS scallop surveys help set catch limits

VIMS researchers board industry vessels to conduct scallop surveys in two areas typically closed to fishing but scheduled to open for a limited time in spring 2011.

Yorktown's Sun shines as National Ocean Scholar

Fangdi Sun, captain of Grafton High School's team in the Blue Crab Bowl, has been selected as a National Ocean Scholar by the Consortium for Ocean Leadership.

VIMS helps bring science to Gulf spill

VIMS researchers and alumni are helping to craft the nation's immediate and long-term scientific responses to the Gulf oil spill.

VIMS helps host international robotic-boats competition

College students from the U.S. and Taiwan will bring their robotic boats to Virginia Beach from June 10-13 for the 3rd International Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) Competition. VIMS professor Mark Patterson will serve as the event's local host.

VIMS oyster study confirms early Jamestown drought

A VIMS study of 400-year-old oyster shells from the Jamestown settlement confirms that a harsh drought plagued the early years of the colony and made the James River much saltier than today.

2009 VIMS Awards

VIMS Dean and Director John Wells bestows service and student awards on selected individuals from the VIMS community during the Institute's annual Award Ceremony.

Bay grasses up but below goal

Underwater bay grasses increased 12 percent in Chesapeake Bay and rivers in 2009, but coverage remains far below abundance goal.

Facilities Management earns wastewater awards

VIMS has received two prestigious awards in recognition of exemplary performance in managing wastewater on its 40-acre campus in Gloucester Point.

Blue crab population booms

VIMS winter dredge survey shows a 60% increase in Chesapeake Bay's blue crabs since last year, reaching the highest level measured since 1997.

Ghost pot program a "win-win"

Out-of-work commercial watermen pulled up more than 9,000 derelict "ghost pots" from Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries during the second year of Virginia's landmark Marine Debris Removal Program.

Mark Patterson
Patterson receives Outstanding Faculty Award

VIMS professor receives the state's highest honor for professors in recognition of demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, and public service.

VIMS mourns passing of Olney

VIMS Professor John Edward Olney, Sr. passes away after a courageous battle with cancer.

VIMS a partner in Coastal America Award

The Lynnhaven River Oyster Restoration Team is honored for innovative efforts to restore the river's oyster population.

Private gift supports Antarctic research

A gift from Adrian G. "Casey" Duplantier Jr. and 1st Advantage Federal Credit Union supports another season of field research for two W&M students.

VIMS awarded sustainability grants

Two energy-saving projects at VIMS were among a dozen funded by W&M's Committee on Sustainability during its fall 2009 round of awards.

VIMS mourns passing of Van Engel

Emeritus professor was a pioneer in Chesapeake Bay research and helped establish VIMS in the late 1940s.