On July 15, the Laboratory welcomed approximately 400 visitors during its annual Open House. Attendees learned from scientists about their research and were invited to view and participate in a number of scientific demonstrations designed to inform and educate the public.

Guests included local and out-of-state visitors. A group of K-12 students from the Boothbay Sea and Science Center spent the day at the Laboratory performing hands-on experiments and talking to scientists. Visitors were invited to collect and analyze samples at the Laboratory’s dock on the Damariscotta River, view and learn about some of the high-tech equipment used by scientists here at the Laboratory including FLOWcams and autonomous gliders, as well as talk directly with scientists about their work. There were stations set up for all age groups and presentations aimed at capturing the full range of work at the Laboratory. Artist-in-residence Carter Shappy was on hand to discuss his artistic process in creating Colorcosm, a two-story art installation that incorporates aspects of ocean acidification, mesocosms used to study the influence of acidification, and how light behaves in the ocean.

Tracey Hall of Southport visiting with her family, described, "There is such amazing research going on in our town. I'm very impressed with their kid and adult friendly activities and presentations. And I have a renewed appreciation for phytoplankton."

Senator Angus King visited the Laboratory later in the afternoon and along with touring the campus, he spoke with Drs. Mike Lomas, Nichole Price, Paty Matrai, and Ben Twining regarding their research and work in the Gulf of Maine and beyond.

King described, “[It was a] good opportunity to catch up with the folks at Bigelow Labs. This prestigious institution does critical research on the health and sustainability of our ocean.”

A photo album from the 2016 Open House is posted on our Facebook page. Click here to view the images.

Photo: Senator Angus King visited the Open House and toured Bigelow Laboratory with Dr. Graham Shimmield