Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Science for the Bay, Impact for the World VIMS confronts societal challenges in coastal and marine systems through innovation, research and discovery, translating findings into practical solutions and training the next generation of scientists and citizens.

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News & Features

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In the News Solving SUMS A report from a workshop at VIMS details what is known about sudden oyster mortality syndrome and urges collaboration between researchers and industry to mitigate one of the biggest threats facing oyster farmers.

In the News Mixing Up Plankton Research A new journal article highlights the importance of mixoplankton and suggests methods for expanding our knowledge of this critically important component of the marine ecosystem.

In the News Marine Science Day Draws 2,000+ VIMS' open house event offers a closer look at our research and education facilities. This year, the 22nd annual Marine Science Day attracted more than 2,000 visitors.

In the News Undergraduate Impact: Caitlin Sughrue W&M biology major Caitlin Sughrue made important contributions to research supporting seagrass restoration while earning her Minor in Marine Science.

In the News Ph.D. Profile: Alex Schneider Specializing in the blue crab fishery while earning her Ph.D. from W&M's School of Marine Science, Alex Schneider's expertise will soon inform the development of offshore energy projects.

In the News Humans Speed Up Freshwater Decomposition A first-of-its-kind study shows humans are increasing greenhouse gas emissions by altering decomposition rates in freshwater ecosystems.

In the News Celebrating 50 Years of Shark Research The 50th anniversary of the longline shark survey marks a milestone in scientific research and demonstrates VIMS researchers’ dedication to understanding and conserving marine life.

W&M School of Marine Science graduates pose for a picture at their Diploma Ceremony.

In the News VIMS Celebrates 2024 Graduates VIMS celebrated 18 W&M School of Marine Science graduates during a Diploma Ceremony held on the morning of Saturday, May 18.

An angler casts her fly line near a marsh in Virginia’s Middle Peninsula. Photo by Susanna Musick

In the News The Economic Value of Living Shorelines Accounting for recreational fishing, the VIMS study is the first to assign an economic value to the benefits of marshes and living shorelines.

A group of William & Mary students engage in field work with VIMS researchers on a mud flat. Photo by Gail Schwieterman

In the News Unearthing Our Impact on Mud Humans have altered the movement of mud across landscapes and oceans, impacting the storage and cycling of organic carbon.

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What We Do

Photo of two children seining on the York River.

What We Do

Research & Advisory Services

VIMS is a premier coastal and marine sciences research institute and a state agency with a mandate to conduct research and provide sound scientific advice to the Commonwealth of Virginia. In the years since our founding in 1940, we have developed unique capabilities in people, practices and infrastructure that allow us to provide the honest, unbiased science and guidance needed to help address the pressing issues facing our rivers, estuaries, coasts and oceans.

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School of Marine Science

William & Mary's School of Marine Science at VIMS is a preeminent graduate school, providing a world-class education in coastal and marine sciences. M.A., M.S., and Ph.D. programs prepare students to address societal and global challenges in estuarine, coastal and marine systems. Opportunities also exist for undergraduate students, who can conduct hands-on research and minor in Marine Science through a collaboration with Arts & Sciences at William & Mary.

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Outreach & Education

Our outreach activities and place-based learning opportunities for school groups, teachers, political leaders and the public reach more than 30,000 people each year. Developing an engaged citizenry ready to tackle the challenges posed by global change is a core element of our work.

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Upcoming Events

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