The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is a research facility located in Gloucester, Virginia. The museum has dissected the lives of oysters in order to better understand what causes them to perish as well as what makes a superior oyster. The hatchery consisted of numerous large, white tanks that are used to hold the oysters that are ready to spawn. Twelve full-time staff members watch closely to ensure that the oysters are healthy and keep the tanks clean. The spoiled oysters dine on algae by the full time algae raiser on staff. The "A-B-C's" of the genetics section of VIMS stand for "Agriculture, Breeding, Center." This program was started because of the massive decline in oyster populations that resulted from overfishing, habitat destruction, and diseases. The most prominent pathogenic diseases that pose a threat to oysters are Dermo and MSX. These diseases have ravished the oyster population and are resistant to anything humans have done to control them. With this in mind, the main goal of the department is to make the best oysters possible that are disease resistant. They make this possible through their mass selection. "Mass selection has proven market difference," said Research Coordinator, Jessica Small. First, the oysters go through conditioning, where they are tricked into believing it is spawning season. From there, a large amount of oysters are set inside of a disease-filled tank, and from there, the survivors are kept and bred. Breeding these oysters is a very demanding task that requires staff to come in and work around the clock. The oysters control the schedule. This is just one section of the extensive array of research VIMS does. One way to learn more about VIMS is to attend their Marine Science Day on Saturday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a better understanding about VIMS and the research. There will be cooking demonstrations, mini lectures, and multiple activities throughout the day. It is fun for all ages and completely free to the public.