Saturday is Marine Science Day at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) when the public will have an opportunity to learn about the sea around us and the work of those who study it.

For more than a century, scientists at the Ferry Reach facility formerly known as the Bermuda Biological Station for Research have been examining the vast ocean which covers three-quarters of the planet. Their studies have included everything from the DNA of the tiniest marine microbe, to communities of coral reef creatures, to the role the entire ocean plays in regulating the earth?s climate.

Saturday?s annual open house marks the culmination of BIOS Week, and will feature many exciting things, including tours of BIOS?s new 168-foot research ship, the R/V and demonstrations in the recently-opened Michael R. Naess Laboratory.

BIOS?s remotely operated vehicle (ROV), a tiny submarine which helps scientists study the deep ocean and coral reefs, will be exploring Ferry Reach throughout the day with open house guests in the driver?s seat.

Also included in the day?s events are some crowd favourites from previous years, such as mini research cruises aboard the .

Children of all ages can look forward to participating in hands-on, wacky science and ?fishy business? arts and crafts, and also have fun learning during the puppet show.

Scientists will be on hand during the afternoon for two question-and-answer sessions entitled, ?Ocean Science: What does it tell us about global warming?? and ?Monitoring Bermuda?s Environment: how clean is our air? How healthy are our reefs? Focusing on oceanography, coral reefs and our environment relevant to global change?.

?Scientists at BIOS hold the key to important information about Bermuda?s environment and the wider world,? research scientist Alex Venn said. ?Marine Science Day is a great chance to talk one-on-one with the experts, see their labs, learn about their research, and discover things for yourself.?

The open house will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free admission and parking. Hot food and cold drinks will be available throughout the day.

For further information ( 297-1880 ext. 204.