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Hatfield Previews Scientific Fun for Oregon Coast

(Newport, Oregon) – The central Oregon coast resort town of Newport is bustling with scientific fun for kids and adults this summer, with numerous developments and activities at the Hatfield Marine Science Center and the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

While the Oregon Coast Aquarium just kick-started its highly successful CLAWS exhibit, this will soon be added to with a special overhead tank for horseshoe crabs, so visitors can see the interesting creatures from underneath. The Aquarium also has a huge array of events planned for the summer.

At the Hatfield, there are daily nature walks through the estuaries, exhibits featuring colorful pond fish and the dangers of invasive species in waterways, and one of the highlights features the wild and amazing geologic discoveries made recently by Hatfield staff in the world of underwater volcanoes. Footage from one of these expeditions recently spread around the news like wildfire, with video of a spectacular underwater eruption featuring the shrieks of glee of scientists in the background.

Here is a detailed summer preview of science fun in Newport:

HATFIELD MARINE SCIENCE CENTER EVENTS

Current Exhibit: Invasion of the Habitat Snatchers

The exhibit uses live displays, video and hands-on activities to demonstrate how invasive species enter and affect new environments, the factors that influence an invader’s “success,” and how the public can prevent future invasions.

Learn about aquatic invaders that threaten the Pacific Northwest, how they arrive and how they can be controlled. Get a close-up look at ballast water “hitchhikers,” Spin the "Wheel of Misfortune" to learn about invasion risks or play the role of an aquatic invader in an interactive survival game.

Current Exhibit: Wet Pets

Take a trip through the fascinating world of ornamental fish. This new exhibit just inside the Center's front door features five large tanks devoted to a kaleidoscope of ornamental fish species, including fancy goldfish from China, freshwater cichlids from Africa, and the multistriped clownfish of “Finding Nemo” fame.

Take a break from the hubbub to sit and enjoy the Asian-themed pond filled opalescent koi. Wet Pets was developed by Dr. Tim Miller-Morgan, Oregon Sea Grant Extension veterinarian specializing in ornamental fish health and husbandry.

June, July, August

OceanQuest Cruises
The Hatfield’s Bill Hanshumaker gives talks and multi-media presentations on recent cruises to what is called the “ring of fire” – three scientific expeditions to underwater volcanoes. Hanshumaker was on two of these to Antarctica. The third expedition, to the Mariana islands, includes the recent stunning find that made it all around the world media: the underwater remote vehicle that caught an enormous underwater eruption. See astounding, rare deep sea life as well.

These talks happen at 1:30 p.m. every day in June, July and August.

Estuary Walks
Every day at 11 a.m. Join an interpretive guide on this half-mile walk to learn about life in and around the Yaquina Bay Estuary. Families welcome! Approximately 1 hour.

August
HMSC Day (exact date to be announced). Special education sessions at Beverly Beach in Newport.

The Visitor Center is now open on its summer schedule, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week, through Labor Day. 2030 S. Marine Science Drive, Newport. (541) 867-0100. hmsc.oregonstate.edu/visitor

For more on Oregon Coast Aquarium's summer events, click here.

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