The National Ocean Science Bowl (NOSB) is an ocean science academic competition for high school students. The first NOSB competition was conducted in 1998 to celebrate the International Year of the Ocean and to stimulate students' interest in the ocean sciences. This education program is managed by the Consortium for Oceanographic Research and Education (CORE), which represents leading public and private research and education institutions.

High schools across the country organize teams of five students (four competitors and one alternate) who participate in twenty-five regional competitions in late winter. Winners of regional competitions move on to a national competition later in the spring. This event sparks students' interest in marine sciences and in marine science careers, fosters team-based camaraderie and fun with science, and brings local and national recognition to the competing schools. In addition, students who compete in regional and national NOSB competitions receive thousands of dollars in scholarship funds each year. NOSB awards also include trips to marine research facilities, oceanographic institutions, and aquaria around the country, as well as scientific equipment and textbooks.

Every third year, Maine Sea Grant coordinates the Nor'Easter Bowl, which is the Northeast regional NOSB competition. Maine Sea Grant and other UMaine programs share this responsibility with the University of New Hampshire, and the University of New England in alternate years. The University of Maine hosted 16 teams in 2000, 15 teams in 2003 and 17 teams in 2006 from Maine , New Hampshire, and Vermont. A Maine Sea Grant staff person serves as the event coordinator, while other Sea Grant staff; University of Maine faculty, staff, and students; and individuals from other marine organizations throughout the state volunteer on judging teams, run individual competitions, and help prepare for the event.

Coming Up!

2007 Nor'Easter Bowl: Hosted by the University of New England on February 10th

For more information on this or other upcoming regional competitions, visit the NOSB Web site.