Newsroom

NEWPORT - The Visitor Center at Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Science Center has been awarded a two-year grant of $100,656 from the Institute of Museum and Library Service.

The center will use the grant to establish an aquarium program-coordinator position, with the goal of developing the program into an "Aquarist Center of Excellence."

According to Jon Luke, manager of the Visitor Center, the grant "will ensure the consistency and continuity for the highest standards of husbandry and care, provide expertise and training, and coordination of activities to build the capacity of the program."

The aquarium program coordinator will also work closely with the Oregon Coast Community College's new aquarium science program, the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine, and other organizations to maximize the opportunities and collaborations that are being formed.

OSU's application was one of 179 funded out of 839 submitted. Noting the high quality of all the applications for the grants, IMSL director Robert S. Martin commented of the winners, "Today's recipients are, indeed, among the very best museums in the nation."

Since the funds are only for two years, Luke said, it is important to establish this position and build support to sustain it. He said a process would begin immediately to establish this position.