Marine Science Day was a huge success Saturday at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, school officials said.

The event drew the largest and most enthusiastic crowd the institute has seen since the event’s inception in 2002, said Erin Kelly, public relations and web specialist at VIMS.

Susan Maples-Luellen, VIMS Director of Outreach, estimated that approximately 3,000 people enjoyed a day of fun and learning for all ages.

VIMS scientists set up displays about how they manage blue crabs, restore oysters, and survey fish populations, Kelly said, and a “Wacky Science Photo booth” had visitors stand in front of a green screen—without them knowing what the background would actually turn out to be. Photos taken at the photo booth will be available by Tuesday.

Children enjoyed arts and crafts, Kelly said, including “Gyotaku,” the ancient Japanese art of creating prints or rubbings of fish and other marine life using rubber molds o...