Stay Eat Events Weather Beaches

Oregon Coast's Hatfield Marine Science Center Fully Reopens for Spring Break

Published 03/19/2018 at 7:35 PM PDT - Updated 03/19/2018 at 8:05 PM PDT
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

Oregon Coast's Hatfield Marine Science Center Fully Reopens for Spring Break

(Newport, Oregon) – Newport's popular Hatfield Marine Science Center fully opens up its education wing this weekend, just in time for the beginning of spring break on the Oregon coast. March 24 is when the visitor center swings open its doors completely, after closing for repairs at the end of last year.

The visitor center had partially reopened in February as part of OSU's 150th anniversary celebration while work continued in other areas. Crews replaced the rusting, 21-year-old metal stands under many of the saltwater tanks, removed some exhibits, and created artificial rockwork modeled after real formations in Yachats.

Latest Coastal Lodging News Alerts
In Seaside:
Includes exclusive listings; some specials in winter
In Cannon Beach:
Includes rentals not listed anywhere else
In Manzanita, Wheeler, Rockaway Beach:
Some specials for winter
In Pacific City, Oceanside:
Some specials for winter
In Lincoln City:
Some specials for winter
In Depoe Bay, Gleneden Beach:
Some specials for winter
In Newport:
Look for some specials
In Waldport
Some specials for winter
In Yachats, Florence
Some specials for winter

Even so, some additional renovations continue at the much-lauded Oregon coast facility, including some of the tanks. Aquatic life residing in those have been moved to other areas of the Hatfield. Oregon Sea Grant operates the visitor center and will soon be creating a “habitat” theme around the tanks so that when visitors walk through they will move from shore to shallows to deep sea.

The center's manager, Maureen Collson, said more exhibits are coming that show examples of the research being done in these environments.

Every year about 150,000 people pass through the doors of the center, where they can touch aquatic critters in an indoor tidepool, crash simulated tsunami waves against Lego structures, or watch an aquarist feed the octopus.

A recent economic analysis by OSU economist Bruce Sorte showed the Hatfield's visitor center and its research facilities support $7.6 million in income for Oregonians, $13.2 million in sales for businesses in Oregon, and 156 jobs throughout the state. About three-quarters of those impacts occur in Lincoln County, Sorte said.

“Since 1965, the Visitor Center has been teaching children and adults about marine science through fun, hands-on exhibits,” said Shelby Walker, the director of Oregon Sea Grant. “Although you can't put a price tag on the value of that experience, as Bruce's analysis shows, we can estimate the important economic contribution of the Visitor Center to Lincoln County and the state.”

These figures include the salaries paid to employees at the center and a multiplier effect of those dollars, the amount of money visitors spend on food and lodging, and the household expenditures of Oregon Sea Grant employees and people who supply goods and services linked to the center.

The Visitor Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Thursday - Monday through Memorial Day, then from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until Labor Day. The Hatfield Marine Science Center is at 2030 SE Marine Science Dr. Newport, Oregon. ( Oregon Coast Hotels for these events - Where to eat - Map and Virtual Tour)

Oregon Coast Lodging

 








 

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

 

Oregon Coast event or adventure you can't miss

 



Coastal Spotlight


LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles

New Parking at N. Oregon Coast's Cape Kiwanda Opens After Main Lot Shut Down
86 new spots opened across the street and more nearby
Swarm of Ten Quakes Off S. Oregon Coast, 7 Within Minutes - UPDATE
It started Monday and lasted through Wed morning near Bandon, Port Orford. Marine sciences, geology
Hatfield Marine Science Center's Marine Science Day Returns to Newport, Orego...
Science fair and open house on Saturday, April 13
Astoria, Oregon's Wine Competition Wraps Up, Announces Winners
Nearly 100 wines submitted by 24 wineries
Velella Like a Thick Carpet at Some Oregon Coast Spots
At least one spot near Newport is report large masses. Marine sciences
Oregon History Made as Coastal Lighthouse Near Florence Celebrates 130 Years
Saturday means tours of the BnB, raffles, live music. Florence events, Newport events
Cuteness on Parade: Gleneden Beach Pet Parade March 30 Benefits Oregon Coast ...
Gleneden Beach Pet Party and Parade near Lincoln City. Lincoln City events
South Oregon Coast Spring Break: from Whales to Deserted Beaches
Maybe a new spring break tradition could be in order? Check out these beach vibes. South coast events

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted

Oregon Coast Lodging
Rentals
Specials

Dining

Events Calendar

Oregon Coast Weather

Travel News

Search for Oregon Coast Subjects, Articles

Virtual Tours, Maps
Deep Details