- About
- With 500+ faculty, staff and students and three campus locations, the Batten School & VIMS are equipped to tackle pressing challenges through research, education and advisory service.
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- Research & Advisory
- Purple marsh crabs are significantly disrupting carbon cycling in salt marshes along the East Coast of the U.S., according to a study led by Batten School & VIMS scientists.
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- Batten School
- The R. Todd Stravitz Scholars Program will provide full tuition support for students pursuing the new bachelor’s degree in coastal & marine sciences at the Batten School & VIMS.
  
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- Popular, free camps enable rising third through eighth graders to learn about the Chesapeake Bay, coastal ecosystems and environmental stewardship.
  
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- News & Events
- National TRAP Program funds large-scale cleanup of discarded fishing gear, first round of subawards totaling more than $1.4M supports 11 projects focused on removing derelict fishing gear from coastal waters in nine U.S. states and Palau.
  
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- Giving
- As an expression of parental pride in their daughter, Taylor Spencer ‘83 and Martha Spencer recently established an undergraduate field research endowment at the Batten School & VIMS.
  
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Marine Advisory Program

Chefs' Seafood Symposium

Colonial Williamsburg Chef Apprentices (photo by VA Sea Grant) The Chefs' Seafood Symposium is an annual educational program for culinary professionals, culinary students, and representatives from the seafood industry and related businesses. Scientists and chefs provide the latest information on seafood science, fisheries issues, and cooking techniques. You'll leave with information, resources, and recipes to help you make more informed seafood choices as well as tastier dishes!

Sponsored by the VIMS Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program and the ACF Virginia Chefs Association, ACF recertification credits are available.

The 2026 Chefs' Seafood Symposium is Tuesday, March 10, 2026 from 8 am - 1 pm. The symposium will feature science and seafood presentations, a cooking demonstration and lunch. Deadline to register is Friday, February 27.

Save the Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Past Symposium Agenda (Example)
Symposium Registration - COMING SOON
View Symposium photo gallery

For more information, contact:
Lisa Ayers Lawrence 804-684-7608

Related Sites
Virginia Chefs Association
American Culinary Federation
Virginia Seafood
Virginia Wines