MarineQuest Offers Hands-on Science at the FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

 

 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) opens its doors for MarineQuest 2008 on Saturday, April 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Last year over 3,000 people attended the free, award-winning open house at the FWRI headquarters in downtown St. Petersburg.  Now in its 14th year, MarineQuest offers the public the opportunity to experience science firsthand with more than 60 exhibits featuring interactive displays, live animals and events for all ages. 

 

This year, MarineQuest goes wild with new stations, featuring species such as black bears, panthers, whooping cranes and live alligators. Participants can learn how researchers build maps, tag fish and identify fish diseases. They can talk one-on-one with some of Florida’s top scientists; enjoy a spectacular natural light show from tiny one-celled organisms; hop on a mullet skiff or look inside a specially designed manatee rescue boat. Live critters in the touch tanks will be on display, as well as other live animals, including baby raccoons, sharks, rays, spiny lobsters and hatchery-reared redfish.

 

Special activities for children include wildlife origami, face painting, the Japanese art of “Gyotaku” fish painting, and “reel” fishing for redfish.

 

More than 25 other conservation and outdoor groups will also take part in MarineQuest 2008. 

Free parking is available at the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg parking garage. 

Sponsors include the St. Petersburg Times, the City of St. Petersburg, Panera Bread and the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg.