Despite the less than ideal weather on Saturday, hundreds attended the Marine Science Day at the Bermuda Biological Station for Research (BBSR) at Ferry Reach, St. George's.

BBSR public relations officer Alison Shadbolt said that about 1,200 people attended the open house.

She said one of the highlights for children was the "Hands-on Wacky Science" display.

"There's nothing like getting your fingers into some home-made ooze to spark an interest in science," she said.

Ms Shadbolt said that anything involving microscopes also proved to be popular. "Children, from the tiniest toddlers up to the most disinterested teens, seem to be fascinated with examining microscopic creatures, especially those they've just caught for themselves on a mini research cruise," she said.

She said adults and parents were interested in getting a sneak peak at the new lab building, learning about the centre's studies on pollution and its effects on the Island's air quality and coral reefs and seeing all the sophisticated gadgets on the bridge of the research ship.

"I think everyone enjoyed piloting our remote-controlled submarine around Ferry Reach while for the scientists, the highlight of Marine Science Day is always the opportunity to get everyone interested in their research, and in the ocean in general," she said.