Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Science for the Bay, Impact for the World W&M's Batten School & VIMS confront societal challenges in coastal and marine systems through innovation, research and discovery, translating findings into practical solutions and training the next generation of scientists and citizens.

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News & Features

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Photo of an egg-bearing blue crab by Alex Schneider.

In the News Can a parasitic worm help rebuild blue crab populations? A new study confirms the potential of a parasitic worm as a biomarker for determining the number of times a blue crab has spawned, which may aid in the management of the Chesapeake Bay’s most valuable fishery.

In the News Report Details the Health of the York Watershed System A landmark publication released by the York River and Small Coastal Basin Roundtable offers the first comprehensive assessment of environmental trends, threats and opportunities in the York River and its surrounding watersheds in 25 years.

In the News A Growing Gateway to Coastal Careers With enrollment tripling in recent years, Introduction to Marine Science is a dynamic, interdisciplinary course that serves as both an elective and gateway for the new undergraduate degree in coastal and marine sciences.

In the News More than 2,000 attendees educated and inspired by Marine Science Day The 23rd annual Marine Science Day, the marquee open house event at W&M’s Batten School & VIMS, drew more than 2,000 attendees with public access to academic buildings and research laboratories.

In the News 2025 Graduates Poised to Drive Change Congratulations to the 2025 graduates of W&M's Batten School & VIMS, who have made tremendous impacts in a variety of disciplines. Here are just a few of their stories.

In the News 2024 sea level “report cards” map futures of U.S. coastal communities Featuring four new localities, the updated report cards show past and projected rates of sea level rise and acceleration for 36 U.S. coastal communities in a new, interactive dashboard.

In the News Unveiling Chesapeake Bay Hall W&M’s Batten School & VIMS recently celebrated the completion of Chesapeake Bay Hall, a state-of-the-art research facility that will fuel innovation, train future scientists and drive real-world coastal solutions for Virginia and beyond.

In the News Waves of Wonder: Marine scientists and artists collaborate to inspire environmental awareness Waves of Wonder sponsored a series of events that partnered art and marine science in new, transformative ways, bringing together students and faculty to explore novel methods of environmental storytelling.

In the News Virginia’s MSX Experience Aids Atlantic Canada A delegation from Atlantic Canada recently visited the Batten School & VIMS for insights into Virginia's management of the oyster disease MSX, which was discovered in the waters around Prince Edward Island for the first time last year.

In the News Cooking Up Sustainable Solutions: Chefs' Seafood Symposium Connects Science and Seafood Over 120 chefs, culinary students, industry professionals and researchers recently gathered at the Batten School & VIMS for the 32nd annual Chefs' Seafood Symposium.

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What We Do

Photo of two children seining on the York River.

What We Do

Research & Advisory Services

VIMS is a premier coastal and marine sciences research institute and a state agency with a mandate to conduct research and provide sound scientific advice to the Commonwealth of Virginia. In the years since our founding in 1940, we have developed unique capabilities in people, practices and infrastructure that allow us to provide the honest, unbiased science and guidance needed to help address the pressing issues facing our rivers, estuaries, coasts and oceans.

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Batten School

William & Mary's Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences is a preeminent graduate school, providing a world-class education in coastal and marine sciences. M.A., M.S., and Ph.D. programs prepare students to address societal and global challenges in estuarine, coastal and marine systems. At the undergraduate level, students in the new coastal and marine sciences major receive full tuition support through The R. Todd Stravitz Scholars Program. A minor in Marine Science is also available through a collaboration with Arts & Sciences at William & Mary.

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Outreach & Education

Our outreach activities and place-based learning opportunities for school groups, teachers, political leaders and the public reach more than 30,000 people each year. Developing an engaged citizenry ready to tackle the challenges posed by global change is a core element of our work.

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Upcoming Events

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