Enjoy informative tours of Lewes marine facilities

You've baked on the beach, shopped till you dropped and chipped and putted to your heart's delight and now you're looking for something just a little bit different to do while down at the shore.

One suggestion is a guided tour of the University of Delaware's College of Marine Studies at the Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes.

The tours–which begin at 10:30 a.m., Fridays, from June through August–give visitors an up-close and personal look at research and educational activities that make the UD facility one of the top marine study institutions in America.

After a 15-minute introductory video, guests are given a tour of cutting-edge research facilities such as the Harry L. Cannon and Otis H. Smith labs, where marine scientists are studying topics ranging from El Nino to deep sea worms and thermal vents at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.

Research projects of global as well as local significance include determining the effect of natural circulation processes on the early life stages of the blue crab, the region's most economically important fishery.

Other scientists at Lewes are using genetic techniques to develop salt-marsh plants into food and forage crops and the plants are being tested locally and internationally.

While family groups are welcome, tours are not recommended for young children. Group size is limited and reservations are required.

Other touring options include prearranged tours for groups of five or more people, junior high age, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Such tours must be scheduled at least one week in advance.

For information or to join a Friday tour call (302) 645-4346. The UD Hugh R. Sharp Campus, located at 700 Pilottown Road, in Lewes, is accessible to handicapped visitors.