For Ocean on Tap, the monthly ocean science speaker series organized by staff from Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, 2026 has been a good year already.

In January, the event officially expanded. In addition to the regular Thursday talks at Footbridge Brewery in Boothbay Harbor, there is now a second talk at Aekeir Brewing in Wiscasset on Fridays.

“Double the locations, double the ocean science!” said co-organizer and Research Scientist Reyn Yoshioka.

And in February, Ocean on Tap celebrated its second anniversary. Building on the success of last year’s inaugural anniversary trivia, the team organized a successful game night this month to mark the occasion.

"We have been so encouraged by the enthusiasm of everyone who attends,” said organizer and Postdoctoral Scientist Alaina Weinheimer. “The bond over the ocean has created a nice kinship, particularly in the cold winter, and the community’s passion for the ocean is really inspiring.”

Ocean on Tap began as a way to create community in the off-season months in Boothbay Harbor and give early-career scientists an opportunity to present their work in a more casual environment.

It has since grown into a staple community event. The bar is packed each month, and the pool of speakers has expanded to represent the array of research institutions, nonprofits, and agencies in the area. Talks this year featured a university professor, an award-winning writer, scientists from across the Department of Marine Resources, and a number of Bigelow Laboratory researchers discussing everything from research expeditions to forever chemicals.

“It really speaks to the contributions of the marine professionals in the area and goes to show how an appreciation for the sea can bring people together,” Weinheimer said.

“I think the diversity of the OOT committee itself is another reason for our success,” added co-organizer and Postdoctoral Scientist Melissa Rocker. “We have scientists across disciplines but also people from education and communications, all of which are essential to engage the community.”

The recent expansion to Aekeir in Wiscasset provides an opportunity to bring that connection to new audiences beyond the peninsula. The first event there in January fittingly featured Weinheimer, the progenitor of Ocean on Tap, discussing her research on marine viruses.

“A new location allows us to expand our reach, increase the number of potential engagements with the public, and double the number of topics we can cover,” said Evan Henerberry, co-organizer and education coordinator. “The expansion shows that people want to learn more about the ocean, and having a partner in Aekeir shows local businesses are interested in providing community-oriented events.”

Even as the event has grown, this month’s anniversary trivia night reflected the spirit that continues to drive Ocean on Tap. Attendees ranged in age from just out of college to well into their 70s. Some were regulars; others were newcomers drawn in by the prospect of a fun activity on a cold night. Scientists were divided up to create new connections. And team names featured a variety of creative ocean-themed puns from “PFAS and Furious” to “Krillin’ It.”

Most questions drew directly from this year’s talks. How high was the tallest tsunami ever recorded? Is it true or false that bacteria can eat rocks? A sea mouse is what kind of creature? (1720ft, true, and a worm, respectively). A pop-culture themed picture round gave teams a chance for bonus points by identifying classic ocean movies from a single frame? (Titanic was a no-brainer. The Abyss gave people more trouble).

After five rounds and some tight competition, the winning team was “Clap Once if You Can Hear Me.” As with last year’s winners, they’ll have a plaque with their name hung on the Footbridge walls.

“Having discussions about work being done in our community’s backyard is invaluable, and these talks have filled a winter void with a sense of community,” said Dan Pangburn, owner of Footbridge Brewery. “The mission of these events is directly in line with our ethos as a business on being teachers, innovators, and environmentally conscious. Ocean on Tap isn’t just a hosted event, but an extension of the brewery and the people that make up its family.”

“Expanding to a new town and hitting this two-year milestone shows that people's love for the ocean is deep and widespread, and it highlights the role Ocean on Tap can play in fostering connections,” Yoshioka added. “What could be more fun than bringing folks together to celebrate the ocean?"

The next Ocean on Tap is on Friday, March 20 at Aekeir where shellfish farmers will present the science of oyster farming. On Thursday, March 26, the event returns to Footbridge for a presentation on the immersive “Within the Whale” educational program.

People who are interested can check out oceanontap.weebly.com or email oceanontap@gmail.com to be added to the mailing list. The all-volunteer team is currently raising money to support operations of Ocean on Tap, including the purchase of critical A/V equipment. Learn more and support the team today.