Hatfield Science Day Returns April 12 With Unique Tours, Including Oregon Coast Research Vessel

Published 03/23/25 at 7:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Newport, Oregon) – Get an eyeful of how the oceanic environment works and have a unique time, as a central Oregon coast tradition returns. This time, you can crawl aboard one of those exceptionally cool research vessels

Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport is gearing up for its annual science fair and open house, slated for Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event, known as Hatfield Marine Science Day, promises a free and engaging experience for families while showcasing the broad spectrum of marine research conducted on its campus.

The theme for this year's event, "Ocean Wonders," invites attendees to explore a variety of activities and exhibits that highlight groundbreaking research discoveries. Through hands-on demonstrations, the exhibits aim to deepen public understanding of the ocean’s mysteries and its pivotal role in our lives. Over 40 interactive displays will focus on topics such as marine mammals, aquaculture, fisheries, seabirds, and sharks. Visitors will have the chance to study plankton through microscopes, touch crabs and sea stars, delve into ocean engineering, and tour the Hatfield Visitor Center.

It's truly a deep-dive into the what makes the Oregon coast tick.

Adding to the excitement, the event introduces a mini Big Blue Film Festival. Guests can enjoy a curated selection of films from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Carem Ford Phillips Auditorium within the Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building. These films offer a virtual journey around the globe, celebrating ocean wonders.

Attendees can also step aboard the R/V Kalipi, a 29-foot research vessel designed for nearshore studies. Known for its versatility, the aluminum boat supports a range of operations, including net towing, deployment of oceanographic instruments, and diving activities. It's a one-of-a-kind chance of a lifetime for those engaged by science. During the 2022 research season, the vessel ventured out on 25 day-trips for various university projects, largely concentrated near Newport. Research efforts included oceanographic glider deployments, hydroacoustic studies of whales, long-term monitoring of the Oregon Marine Reserves, and the recovery of moored oceanographic instruments.

Due to overwhelming interest in last year's behind-the-scenes tours, this year's schedule has been expanded to accommodate more visitors. Tours run throughout the day and offer insights into seawater systems, the Yaquina Estuary Trail, tsunami vertical evacuation strategies, coastal monitoring stations, and marine operations. All tours are free, with tickets distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the Welcome Tent in the courtyard area.

Additionally, the Hatfield Visitor Center will remain open and accessible for the entirety of the event. The Hatfield Marine Science Center is located at 2030 SE Marine Science Drive in Newport, Oregon. Visitors are encouraged to seize this opportunity to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of marine science. https://research.oregonstate.edu

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Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

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