Messenger - Vol. 1, No. 1, Page 11
Fall 1991
Salty seafaring tales to flavor Coast Day

     At Coast Day this fall, visitors can hear tales of life aboard a
research ship, pick up a starfish, watch a chemical magic show and
learn about the marine environment.
     Set for Sunday, Oct. 6,  Coast Day is an  annual open house on
the College of Marine Studies complex in Lewes. Now in its 15th year,
the event is designed to inform the public about the research and
education activities of the University, particularly in the marine
sciences, and to demonstrate the value and fragility of the sea and
shore. Numerous University departments and colleges, environmental
groups and organizations and state natural resource agencies will
provide exhibits and displays.
     Coast Day will begin at 11 a.m. and end at 5 p.m.  Admission is
free, and parking at the complex, located off Pilottown Road,  is $1.
     "Coast Day provides us with the opportunity to open our
laboratories and let the public in to see first-hand the research we
are conducting," says Carolyn Thoroughgood, dean of the college.  "We
want to the public to learn more about our oceans and coasts, and we
want them to have fun as they learn."
     Highlights of this year's event will  include a lecture series
focusing on the exploits of the college's research vessel Cape
Henlopen and tours of several ships including the Blue Hen, Delaware's
participant in the Columbus 500 International Sailing Expedition. Next
year, the expedition will retrace Columbus' voyage to the New World.
     A demonstration of satellite mapping of ocean currents, a "gee
whiz" quiz testing knowledge of the marine environment, an
environmental forum, a nautical fleamarket and a crab cake cook-off
also will be part of the day's activities.
     In addition, a  film festival, seafood cooking demonstrations and
a wide variety of children's activities--from fish printing to marine
critter touch tanks--will be featured. Musical entertainment will be
provided by the First State Force, an all-policeman rock-and-roll band
with an anti-drug message.  Fresh-cooked seafood, live seafood for
home preparation and other foods will be on sale by local vendors.
     For more information, call the Marine Communications office at
451-8083.