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NBC Nightly News highlights "Ghost Pot" program at VIMS
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NBC's Nightly News has recognized the VIMS' partnership with local watermen to remove "ghost" crab pots from Chesapeake Bay in a video produced by reporter Katie Walls.
The 3-minute video--shot on VIMS' campus in Gloucester Point and local waters--features Dr. Kirk Havens of VIMS, Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources Doug Domenech, and local watermen E.C. Hogge and Richard Green.
The ghost-pot removal program was the first, and is the largest, marine-debris-removal program of its kind in the country. It combines 21st-century technology with the ingenuity and work ethic of Virginia's commercial watermen.
The program, funded by NOAA through the Virginia Marine Resources Commission and administered by VIMS, pays watermen to use side-imaging sonar units to detect and retrieve lost or abandoned crab pots and other marine debris that litter the Bay floor. These derelict pots can continue to capture and kill animals for several years depending on salinity and wave climate.
The program, now in its fourth year, has retrieved more than 32,000 ghost pots from Virginia's Chesapeake Bay waters, and another 6,000 pots from Maryland. Learn more..
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Summer Public Tours
Fridays, 10:30AM - 12:00PM
Reserve a space to learn more about VIMS. These 1.5 hour guided walks are most interesting for adults and older children. The to urs are scheduled for Friday mornings during the summer months and generally include a visit to the VIMS Visitor's Center and Aquarium, a VIMS research laboratory, and the VIMS Teaching Marsh or Fish Collection. Reservations are required by Wednesday of the tour week; please visit VIMS calendar for dates and to register online (no charge) or call 804-684-7846.
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Inside to Seaside
Select Fridays and Saturdays
This hands-on program gives families an up-close look at animals that live in Chesapeake Bay through a visit to the VIMS aquarium area followed by an educational collecting and seining adventure on the nearby beach. All children must wear water shoes or sneakers that can get wet and muddy, and those under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. There is  no charge for the program but registration is required and space is limited. Visit the VIMS Events calendar for 2012 dates and to register online.
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Discovery Lab: Ocean Chemistry and Acidification Tuesday, June 19th, 6-8PM
Bring the entire family to Discovery Labs for hands-on learning experiences for all ages. In this month's lab, learn about the profound impact chemical properties of the ocean have on marine life. Ocean chemistry is influenced by the presence of salts and gasses and can change significantly due to human impacts. Over the last 10 years, scientists have discovered that rising levels of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere are actually changing the ocean's acidity. Jenna Luek, a chemical oceanography student at VIMS, gives an overview of ocean chemistry and of how ocean acidification can affect marine life. The lab will include hands-on displays and demonstrations, water testing, and other activities for children and adults. CBNERR Discovery Labs require advance registration due to limited space. There is no charge. Click here for additional information and to register.
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Science Under Sail
Wednesday, May 30th
From HMS to ROV
The Past and Future of Marine Research
 Sailing ships like the schooner Alliance were once the pinnacles of marine technology. Join professor Mark Patterson of VIMS for a hands-on look at the next generation of marine research vehicles-
-underwater robots. Learn how these remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are helping to advance marine science, environmental monitoring, and homeland security. For details, reservations, and pricing, visit www.schooneralliance.com. |
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