Mark your calendars: Sunday, October 7, 2012!

Looking or a fun, educational event for the whole family? Mark your calendars for Coast Day, Sunday, October 7, 2012!

• Tour research ships, meet scientists in their labs, and try lots of cool hands-on activities.
• See what’s being done to ensure that our coastal and marine resources remain healthy and available for future generations to enjoy.
• Take an up-close look at dogfish sharks and other marine life and find out how they live.
• Compete for prizes and enjoy fresh-cooked seafood and other culinary delights.

The University of Delaware’s Coast Day, held at the Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes, introduces thousands of people each year to the wonders of the sea and the importance of Delaware’s marine and coastal resources.

Hosted by the UD College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment and the Delaware Sea Grant College Program, Coast Day began 35 years ago as a small open house designed to introduce visitors to our research. Public interest was so great that Coast Day rapidly evolved into a major event. Now, Coast Day is a highly anticipated Delaware tradition.

Coast Day offers something for everyone. Visitors enjoy hands-on exhibits, lectures on popular science topics, ship and laboratory tours, crab races, a crab cake cook-off, seafood cooking demonstrations, a boat show, and much more.

Kids have special opportunities to speak with marine scientists and learn firsthand about their discoveries. They can also explore the many fascinating careers available in environmental science fields.

Over the years, more than 200,000 visitors—from nearly all 50 states and several foreign countries—have flocked to Coast Day to learn about cutting-edge coastal and marine research, explore the aquatic world, sample delicious coastal fare, and have a great time.

Admission is free!

For more information about this event, call the University of Delaware Marine Public Education Office at 302-831-8083, the Delaware Sea Grant Program at 302-645-4346 or e-mail us at MarineCom@udel.edu.