Marine Life Day breaks records, inspires hundreds at Eastern Shore Lab

Marine Life Day at Virginia Institute of Marine Science

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s Eastern Shore Laboratory in Wachapreague hosted its annual open house, Marine Life Day, on September 21. Despite a flooding delay, the event attracted a record number of attendees.

Introduction

The Marine Life Day event at the Eastern Shore Laboratory showcased various marine science experiences to the public. Researchers, students, and volunteers from the William & Mary Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences introduced attendees to a wide range of exhibits and activities.

Exhibits and Activities

One corner of the lab featured a juvenile sandbar shark in a temporary pool, accompanied by a dissection station where attendees learned about fish anatomy. Other exhibits included simulations for shark tagging and crab health inspections, sediment sieving, and aquaria featuring local organisms. Microscopes were also available to explore the microscopic world of marine ecosystems.

The most popular station among the attendees, especially the children, was the touch tank. Participants had the opportunity to touch live scallops, oysters, sponges, urchins, crabs, and more.

Visitor Feedback

Rebecca McNair, an attendee from Exmore, expressed her appreciation for the event, stating that her children loved the touch tank and microscopes. She highlighted the educational value of the event, as her children were able to learn new things each year.

Evolution of Marine Life Day

Marine Life Day has grown significantly over the years, becoming the premier public event for the Eastern Shore Laboratory. ESL Director Richard Snyder expressed pride in the event’s development and the effort put into setting up displays of living creatures.

Focus on Shellfish Aquaculture

This year’s Marine Life Day had a special focus on shellfish aquaculture, aiming to educate the public about various aspects of the industry. Displays, exhibits, and activities related to shellfish aquaculture were featured to highlight its contribution to the Virginia economy.

Efforts and Leadership

Marine Life Day is planned and executed by a small staff, including Castagna Shellfish Research Hatchery Manager Reba Turner Smith and Nursery Manager Darian Kelley. Their dedication and hands-on approach ensure the success of the event.

Education and Inspiration

The primary goal of Marine Life Day is to educate and inspire the public about marine science. ESL Assistant Director Stacy Krueger-Hadfield emphasized the importance of showcasing the breadth and diversity of marine science work and the people involved in it, including education and outreach, research, and teaching.

Scientific Outreach

Xander Geragotelis, a Batten School M.S. student and Marine Life Day volunteer, expressed excitement about the scientific outreach aspect of the event. He hopes that children attending the event realize they can pursue careers in marine science and research various aspects of the marine world.

Record Attendance

This year’s Marine Life Day attracted a record number of over 530 visitors. Additionally, the event reached nearly 150 local elementary school students and chaperones during field trips throughout the following week. The popularity of the event reflects the quality experiences it offers, ensuring participants return year after year.

Anticipation for Future Events

As visitors left the Seawater Lab, many expressed excitement for next year’s Marine Life Day. Tito Romero, a resident of Cape Charles, expressed his appreciation for the event and stated that his family would continue attending as long as it is held.

Source: Ethan Smith, Batten School and VIMS

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 14: Life Below Water – The article discusses Marine Life Day and the various marine science experiences offered to the public, highlighting the importance of marine ecosystems and organisms.
• SDG 4: Quality Education – The article mentions the educational aspect of Marine Life Day, aiming to inspire and educate children about marine science and the potential career opportunities in the field.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article mentions the special focus on shellfish aquaculture, which is an industry that contributes to the Virginia economy. Educating people about this industry can promote economic growth and job opportunities.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 14.7: By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island Developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism. – The article mentions the focus on shellfish aquaculture, which contributes to the Virginia economy.
• SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development. – The article highlights the educational aspect of Marine Life Day, aiming to inspire and educate children about marine science.
• SDG 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labor-intensive sectors. – The article mentions the special focus on shellfish aquaculture, which can contribute to economic productivity and diversification.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 14.7: Economic benefits from the sustainable use of marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture – The article mentions the focus on shellfish aquaculture, which contributes to the Virginia economy. Monitoring the economic benefits generated by this industry can be used as an indicator of progress.
• Indicator for SDG 4.7: Number of learners acquiring knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development – The article mentions the educational aspect of Marine Life Day, aiming to inspire and educate children about marine science. Tracking the number of learners who participate in such educational events can be used as an indicator of progress.
• Indicator for SDG 8.2: Economic productivity levels and diversification – The article mentions the special focus on shellfish aquaculture, which can contribute to economic productivity and diversification. Monitoring the economic productivity levels and the diversification of the economy can be used as indicators of progress.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: news.wm.edu