Atlantic sturgeon spend their winter in deep coastal waters and when winter ends, they begin migrating to spawning grounds in freshwater. When spawning, Atlantic sturgeon usually return to the same river they were hatched in a process called natal homing. Participants, like a sturgeon, will use their sense of smell to navigate back to their natal river.

Do you have what it takes to survive? Participants will learn about the different tools necessary for survival and rescue on the open ocean and will be able to climb into a real life raft!

Visitors can learn about the science and history of Bathymetry (underwater mapping) by creating their own underwater terrain with building blocks and challenging others to recreate their sea floor!

Visitors learn how to create rope just like it was created historically for ships and dock crews.

Become a marine detective and solve the mystery of which ocean creature left behind traces of DNA! Using forensic science and marine biology, visitors will analyze clues to uncover the hidden identity of mysterious sea life.​

Recruitment Tabletop Banner, informative brochures to highlight exciting opportunities

Students will design an attachment for a Sphero Bolt to carry a load across the AquaTrak. They’ll test their designs to see if they can transport the load without taking on water or losing it. Successful participants will receive swag upon mission completion.​

Participants will apply different coats of paint to small steel shims, demonstrating how various coatings are applied to marine ships and emphasizing the importance of corrosion control in the shipyard industry.​

Join Heather LaCrosse as she shares her journey of salvaging sturgeon from the Chesapeake Bay to aid NOAA in critical scientific research. This program highlights the role of citizen science in marine research and conservation efforts.​

Tabletop displays, standing banner, flyers. Targeting public education regarding mariner careers, hiring instructors and staff, training professional and government mariners, and promoting the Mariner Bootcamp program.​

Providing information on no-cost opportunities for entrepreneurs interested in the maritime industry.​

Children can repair damaged toy boats using a 3D pen and take their creations home, learning about fabrication and repair techniques.​

Offering brochures and games to promote maritime careers and educational tracks.​

Discover maritime welding technology through curriculum information, welding samples, and an interactive welding display.​

Experience the excitement of maritime environmental response with hands-on activities like a pH paper demo, a bailer relay race, decontamination gear try-ons, and a dramatic oil-and-water spill demonstration.​

Explore the world of unmanned technology with a kiddie pool demo of a surface drone, flying drone demonstrations, and a hands-on “drone petting zoo” where you can get up close with real drones.​

Static display of common cybersecurity tools utilized throughout the maritime industry.​

Explore a trailered 29-foot Coast Guard boat with crew members. Participate in knot-tying and signal flag activities.​

Meet members of the Norfolk Police Department’s Harbor Patrol and Dive Team! Explore a hands-on, static display of their cutting-edge maritime technology, including dive gear, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), sonar systems, and more.​

Step inside a real Mobile Incident Response Truck and discover how our ports stay secure and connected.​

Learn about careers available as a Crofton diver! Crofton crane on display in front loop of Nauticus.

Tug at the pier- no tours

Transform your future with Tidewater Tech trade school! Meet staff and current students, stop by their table for giveaways and more information.

Will run every 30 minutes. 2 Boats

Coast Guard Recruiting Career Fair table. CG Recruiting will have literature and swag to hand out to potential applicants.

Demonstrating welding simulators and Dobot arms to showcase advanced manufacturing technologies.​

Explore maritime careers and learn about the VSRA’s offerings through membership and more.

Learn more about the RMTS training and career opportunities offered by the Regional Maritime Training System. Spin the prize wheel for your chance to win!