By Nancy Acton

Thousands pass by the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) at Ferry Reach during the course of the year, but for most people what goes on there is a complete mystery. All that will change on Saturday, however, when the facility hosts Marine Science Day, and throws open its doors and laboratories to the public, inviting children and adults alike to participate in unravelling the mysteries surrounding our Island every day.

The annual open house will feature exciting scientific displays and experiments, including hands-on displays of tropical marine animals found in Bermuda waters, including sea grass beds and their associated animals. Microscopes will be used to look at interesting algal and bacterial cultures.

Other displays will include air quality and ship instruments, as well as an amazing ocean acidification display which has to be seen to be believed.

In Hanson Hall, a series of lectures for adults by the facility's enthusiastic scientists covering topics studied at BIOS will be given. These include:

* Ocean Outreach: Connecting with Bermuda teens by J.P. Skinner (11.15 a.m.)

* Harmful algal blooms and paralytic shellfish poisoning by Dr. Jeannette Loram (11.45 a.m.)

* Monitoring the health of Bermuda's marine environment by Dr. Ross Jones (12.15 p.m.)

* The Heat is on: Humans as agents of global climate change by Dr. Andreas Andersson (12.45 p.m.)

* Metals and dioxins in soil and water tanks in Bermuda' by Dr. Andrew Peters (1.45 p.m.)

* Underwater photography to promote marine science and education by Dr. Alex Venn.(2.15 p.m.)

* How hurricanes affect the deep sea by Dr. Maureen Conte (2.45 p.m.)

* Hurricanes and climate by Dr. Rick Murnane (3.15 p.m.)

* The atmospheric transport of dust and its importance for ocean ecosystems by Dr. Pete Sedwick (3.45 p.m.)

No doubt tours of BIOS' new 168-foot research ship, the R/V Bank of Bermuda Atlantic Explorer, and its remotely operated vehicle (ROV) — a tiny submarine which helps scientists to study the deep ocean and coral reefs — will prove hugely popular with all ages as they explore Ferry Reach throughout the day, with guests in the driver's seat.

As in previous years, other crowd favourites again being in the action-packed day of discovery include mini-research cruises aboard the R/V Stommel, followed by a plankton lab run by Dr. James Wood, where participants can identify what they have caught.

Children of all ages will be invited to participate in hands-on wacky science, and 'fishy business' arts and crafts, as well as having fun while learning during BIOS' annual puppet show.

Scientists will be on hand during the afternoon for Q&A sessions on the topics:

* 'Ocean science — what does it tell us about global warming?'

*'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

The extensive programme will also include audio-visual attractions, including videos of hurricanes, turtles feeding, and octopus and squid footage; underwater photography relating to the health of Bermuda's reefs, and scientific photography on various subjects.

Posters will also be on display explaining such phenomena as the glow worms, as well as the Bermuda air quality programme, and the interesting work done at the Tudor Hill atmospheric tower.

Marine Science Day 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.

The Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences is an independent marine science organisation. It was founded in 1903 as the Bermuda Biological Station by scientists from Harvard and New York Universities to take advantage of Bermuda's ideal location for deep-ocean and coral reef research and education. The Bermuda Biological Station for Research (BBSR) is a Registered Bermuda Charity and a US 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organisation.