The public is invited to Downeast Institute's annual Shellfish Field Day on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The event takes place at the waterfront facility on Great Wass Island, located at 39 Wildflower Lane, Beals.

There’s fun for the whole family and lots of fresh seafood to sample. The event is free and takes place rain or shine.

Join us for a fun and informative day to celebrate the community of shellfish research and innovation on the Maine coast in Washington County.

DEI’s marine research laboratory, shellfish hatchery, and education center hosts scientists, educators, and entrepreneurs from across the country and serves as the marine science field station for the University of Maine at Machias.

The Field Day will feature:

Free Boat Rides
- Tour Western Bay (weather dependent)

DEI's famous Touch Tank
- Get up and personal with all kinds of marine life.

Clam Flying Competition
- Legendary. . . . How far can you throw a clam shell? Kid and Adult divisions. Cash prizes for distance!

Hatchery Tours
- Come see where the magic happens and learn about shellfish innovation

Seafood tasting
- Chowder, oysters, mussels - all locally produced. Try the innovative Gold Mussels, developed by a Maine shellfish farmer in collaboration with DEI.

Seaweed Pressing
- Create some art to take home

Door Prize!
- Item TBA. Win an original work by a local artist.

UMaine Machias
- Learn about the programs and take home some UMaine swag 

For more info, contact info@downeastinstitute.org or call 207-497-5769.