Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) held its annual Discovery Day on April 5 where research was presented and the final product of the Discovery Lab, a hands-on experience for aquarium attendees, was revealed.

"The new immersive space gives all ages the chance to be a marine scientist," said Angela Levins, DISL's public relations director.

The Discovery Lab is located in what was formerly known as Little Billy Goat Hole within the Alabama Aquarium, which is through DISL. Levins explained that kids (and adults) who use the Discovery Lab will have hands-on access to activities like identifying fish and building and using a remote-operated vehicle. Just like a marine scientist would.

As previously reported by GCM, Little Billy Goat Hole used to serve a children's play area before plans were in place for its hands-on research activities upgrades.

The lab renovation was funded through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GoMESA) and supported by Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADNCR) Commissioner Chris Blakenship.

According to a DISL article from last year on the allocation of the GoMESA funds, the new "hands-on exhibits will help children learn about the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem and the vital work of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab at an age-appropriate level, fostering empathy for the natural world and a lifelong appreciation for Alabama's coastal environment."

The Discovery Lab also has a wall mural illustrated by Chris Stebly and Ben Prisk, both Mississippi coast artists. The mural was first revealed at the event. Stebly was in attendance of Discovery Day to see the completed room and project.

Attendees at Discovery Day also had the opportunity to "leave their mark" on the new Discovery Hall Programs bus with paint-based handprints.
Agencies in attendance for the Discovery Day event included the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program, the National Weather Service, Environmental Studies Center, Share the Beach, U.S. Coast Guard, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center and the Audubon Bird Sanctuary.

There were tables set up throughout the event hosted by students and DISL faculty to instruct the event attendees.

Levins said the annual Discovery Day allowed public access to each of DISL's scientific laboratories, hands-on-science lessons and free admission to the Alabama Aquarium for children.

Other events coming up through the DISL or at the Alabama Aquarium include an eDNA Microbial Source Tracking Toolkit workshop on April 25, MATE Northern Gulf Coast Regional remotely operated vehicle (ROV) competition, and a Sea Lab Science Friday focusing on ocean animal biology.