The latest research in marine science will be showcased at Bodega Marine Laboratory's "Meet the Scientists" Open House on Saturday, July 19, from 1 to 5 p.m.

The public is invited to visit open working research labs, pose questions to scientists and experience hands-on demonstrations.

The tide pool exhibit offers visitors a chance to get up close and personal with intertidal animals such as sea stars and hermit crabs, and observe seaweeds and fishes through side windows. Inside the main building, aquaria display the underwater habitats of Bodega Harbor and adjacent coastal waters of the Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries.

Bodega Marine Laboratory is a marine research facility operated by the University of California, Davis. Research projects focus on understanding complex systems in our coastal environment and include finding solutions for sustaining local fisheries, improving degraded marine and terrestrial habitats, and controlling recently introduced invasive species.

Education programs prepare undergraduate and graduate students for professional careers in education, research and resource management.

More than 12,000 guests visit the laboratory each year through school programs and Friday afternoon public tours.

Bodega Marine Laboratory is located at 2099 Westside Road on Bodega Head in Bodega Bay. Admission and parking are free. No pets allowed. For more information, including driving directions, go to http://www.bml.ucdavis.edu or call (707) 875-2211.