All hands were on deck at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) for this year’s Marine Science Day on Saturday, September 22.The annual open house was an opportunity for the public to visit BIOS and learn about the exciting research taking place there, as well as participate in fun, family friendly activities that both entertained and educated.This year’s Marine Science Day hosted more than 700 people from across the Island eager to explore the research station and talk with BIOS scientists, staff, and visiting students about the wide variety of ocean science research being conducted both locally and abroad.At various locations around the station, BIOS researchers and technicians greeted the public with interactive displays and presentations about their work, with topics ranging from atmospheric science to ocean acidification research, and from coral ecology and optics to marine chemistry.For those with inquiring minds, the “Ask a Scientist” tent offered visitors the opportunity to speak with scientists throughout the day. Dr Eric Hochberg, principal investigator of the Coral Reef Ecology and Optics Lab, explained to his younger audience members that corals are actually animals, with algae, called zooxanthellae, living in their tissues.Visitors of all ages were treated to perennial favourites, including the puppet show, touch pool, and of course “Wacky Science” with JP Skinner, BIOS’s education officer. According to Mr Skinner: “It is incredible to watch the glee on children’s faces when they are allowed just to play with simple science things that pop, squish and make a mess are always a big hit ... and the children don’t even realise they are learning!”A definite crowd pleaser was the “mini research cruise” aboard the R/V Stommel during which the public took part in a plankton tow and, afterward, got to view their catch beneath the magnifying lenses of microscopes. For those interested in larger boats, BIOS also offered tours of the 171-foot R/V Atlantic Explorer, the institution’s flagship vessel capable of multi-week research cruises and fitted with state-of-the art lab space, navigation, and ocean science machinery.In recognition of the interconnectedness of ocean science and environmental issues, BIOS invited a number of local organisations to participate in Marine Science Day by setting up a booth to share their educational materials. Multiple groups took advantage of this opportunity, including the Blue Halo Project, Greenrock, Keep Bermuda Beautiful (KBB), the Bermuda Alliance for Sargasso Sea (BASS), and the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo (BAMZ).To cap off the day, BIOS offered visitors the chance to sample lionfish chowder, create a variety of ocean-themed crafts, get their faces painted, and dress up like a scientist for the “Picture Yourself as a Scientist” photo booth.Be sure to keep your eyes open next year for information about the 2013 Marine Science Day at BIOS! You can also visit the BIOS website, www.bios.edu, for upcoming events, press releases, and news highlights about a wide range of ocean and environmental science topics. And, don’t forget, BIOS offers FREE public tours of the research station in Ferry Reach every Wednesday at 10am.