USM Marine Education Center to Host Gulf Coast Regional SeaPerch Competition
Thu, 03/05/2026 - 10:12am | By: Megan Le
The University of Southern Mississippi Marine Education Center will host the Gulf Coast regional competition of RoboNation’s SeaPerch Competition on Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Biloxi Natatorium, 1384 Father Ryan Ave., Biloxi.
The event will bring together fifth- through 12th-graders from Mississippi and Louisiana to compete in an underwater robotics challenge. Student teams will design, build and operate remotely operated vehicles, known as ROVs, as part of the competition.
The SeaPerch Competition introduces students to engineering, robotics and marine technology through hands-on learning. Teams navigate their ROVs through a mission course and an obstacle course designed to test problem-solving and teamwork.
This year’s mission course theme is “Storm Response: Action for Recovery and Relief.” Students will simulate post-hurricane recovery efforts by using their ROVs to move bridge pillars, retrieve water samples and remove debris.
“The event is truly a blast, and I'm always impressed with the technical knowledge and skills that students bring to the competition,” said Ellie Walker, MEC project manager. “The students’ excitement over their ROV completing the tasks is contagious and always gets me super into it.”
The event is organized by the USM Marine Education Center and is supported through funding from The Hearin Foundation.
Volunteer Opportunities
Community members are invited to volunteer at the SeaPerch Competition. Volunteers assist with tasks such as team check-in, pool deck support and course operations. No prior experience is required. Volunteers play a key role in supporting students as they test and operate their ROVs. Volunteer shifts run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those interested can register online or by calling the MEC at 228.818.8095.
About the Marine Education Center
The University of Southern Mississippi Marine Education Center provides hands-on educational programs that connect students and the public to marine science, engineering and coastal environments. The center serves learners of all ages across the Gulf Coast region.