More than 2,000 people attended an open house at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, on May 20.

This year’s event focused on marine technology, recognizing the important role that scientific equipment and equipment-makers play in advancing marine research.

For the first time, this year’s Marine Science Day included guided tours of VIMS’s field operations, including a close-up look at research vessels, SCUBA diving gear, and sensor-equipped moorings and buoys.

Marine technology was also the theme for the annual Marine Science Day artwork contest. Emma Riley, a ninth grader at York High School, won grand prize for her drawing of an underwater glider.

Winners in the K-eighth grade category were: first place, Olivia Nelson; second, Holli Diggs; third, Elizabeth Reilly; honorable mentions, Abigail Junker, Brooklyn Carter, Nadia Grant, Allison Eacho, Elin Park and Rory Raftery. Winners in the High School/Adults category were: first place, Emma Ri...