Project Oceanology's 40th Anniversary Party Made a Big Splash

This article was reported and written by Ellyn Santiago.

Project Oceanology, at the UConn Avery Point Campus in Groton, celebrated 40 years of hands-on marine science education with a so well attended open house Saturday that parking was nearly impossible to come by.   

But if parking was at a premium, the fun was not; it could be had via a treasure map to a variety of marine science stations throughout Project O’s labs, up close and personal interactions with sea creatures like squids and crabs, hands-on science experiments testing the salinity of Long Island Sound and paint-with-a-fish art, free giveaways, Project O hoodies, free food and more. Lots more.   

Project Oceanology began when, in 1972, a group of teachers, public school administrators and citizens from Southeastern Connecticut recognized the potential and importance of the local marine environment as an educational resource and formed Project Oceanology.   

Starting with only a grant, they obtained a vessel and retrofitted it into a floating marine science classroom, the Enviro Lab,that was launched in 1973. Since, Project O has grown into a full-fledged marine science and environmental education program with a 22,000 sq. ft. building (including a 56-bed hostel) and a variety of oceanographic equipment and vessels.   

Project Oceanology’s primary focus is to serve schools and conduct public programs that include seal watches, oceanographic cruises, eagle cruises and lighthouse tours. Students join us for summer camps, after school and scout programs and well as variety of school year programs. Project Oceanology remains a non-profit organization whose members are public school districts, colleges, universities and educational institutions.   

Check out the Project Oceanology website to learn more.