Back Bay Science Center
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As of January 1, 2012 the Upper Newport Bay was also designated as a State Marine Conservation Area. The mission of the Back Bay Science Center is to provide a hands-on facility where students and the public can study and enjoy the estuarine ecology of Newport Bay and the marine ecology of the ocean, and to promote natural resource conservation and stewardship throughout the watershed. The operati
20/11/2025
The Back Bay Science Center is now home to one of many Motus Wildlife Tracking Systems, a collaborative research network that uses automated radio telemetry to study the movements of small flying animals like birds, bats and even large insects such as a butterfly.
How it works:
Animals are fitted with tiny, lightweight, digitally coded radio transmitters called NanoTags. These tags emit signals that are picked up by a network of automated receiving stations when the animal passes nearby. Each station logs the time, date, and identity of the tag, allowing researchers to track movement patterns over vast distances.
Why it’s important:
Motus helps scientists understand migration routes, stopover sites, and timing during migration season. By identifying critical habitats and threats along migration paths, it supports conservation planning. It’s a collaborative effort so data from one project can benefit many others.
🔗 Visit the website to learn more and to view a live feed of the Back Bays Motus!
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Opening Hours
| 10:00 - 14:00 |
