News from the Horn Point Laboratory

New study finds that oyster restoration can help clean the Bay

Submitted by Amy Pelsinsky on Mon, 04/29/2013 - 1:47pm
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For the first time, scientists have been able to measure the amount of nitrogen that restored oyster reefs can pull out of the water to help clean the Chesapeake Bay. According to a recent study by Jeff Cornwell, Mike Owens, and Ken Paynter of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and Lisa Kellogg of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, oyster reef restoration can significantly increase the amount of nitrogen removed from the Bay’s waters by oysters that turn it into a harmless gas and even use it build their shells.

U.S.-Australia environmental education partnership is being led by Horn Point Professor Judy O'Neil

Submitted by Amy Pelsinsky on Mon, 03/25/2013 - 4:20pm
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Professor Judy O'Neil of the Horn Point Laboratory joined U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich and Australia’s Minister for School Education Peter Garrett in Canberra, Australia, on March 22 to launch the U.S.-Australia Virtual Environmental Partnership, or US/AUS-H20, a program is designed to promote science education and raise awareness of environmental issues. This virtual environmental partnership will create a web platform between Australian and American high school students to investigate the sustainability of local water cycles.

Pat Glibert elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science

Submitted by Amy Pelsinsky on Thu, 12/06/2012 - 4:51pm
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Dr. Pat Glibert, a Professor at the Horn Point Laboratory of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, has been elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

This prestigious award is presented to scientists who have made distinguished contributions to the advancement of science. Dr. Glibert is internationally renowned in the field of marine ecological research, particularly regarding the harmful effects of algal blooms and the effects of nutrient pollution on coastal marine ecosystems, such as the Chesapeake Bay. 

Horn Point Oyster Hatchery has record year

Submitted by Amy Pelsinsky on Thu, 10/04/2012 - 12:00am
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More than 880 million oyster spat add to Bay restoration effort

The Horn Point Laboratory Oyster Hatchery of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science produced a record number of oysters in 2012 as part of its efforts for the restoration of Chesapeake Bay. In partnership with the Oyster Recovery Partnership and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Horn Point Hatchery produced more than 880 million oyster spat (young oysters that are attached to a larger oyster shell) this year. This is the fifth year in a row that production has exceeded half a billion.

"Spat Dash" race at Horn Point Laboratory benefits environmental education

Submitted by Amy Pelsinsky on Mon, 08/06/2012 - 2:36pm
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Autonomous underwater research robot comes to University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

Submitted by Amy Pelsinsky on Tue, 07/17/2012 - 12:00am
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A new high-tech marine exploration tool will soon help oceanographers advance the study of coastal ocean environments. Shaped like a torpedo, it is a 16-foot-long underwater robot with a propeller that follows preset commands to seek out and collect information underwater. Not only will it help researchers at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science diagnose the health of the Chesapeake Bay, but the marine robot will be available as a shared resource for scientists to use in coastal environments around the world. It also has great educational potential and can serve as a window to the sea for school children, teachers and the general public.

Dr. Michael Kemp honored with Regents' Faculty Award for Excellence

Submitted by Amy Pelsinsky on Fri, 04/13/2012 - 12:00am
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In recognition of outstanding research in the fields of ecology, marine science, and environmental science, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science's Dr. Michael Kemp has been awarded the University System of Maryland’s highest honor, the Regents’ Faculty Award for Excellence. A leader in his field, Dr. Kemp has had a major influence on our knowledge of why the Chesapeake Bay and coastal ecosystems around the world have degraded and how they can be recovered.

Study confirms oil from Deepwater Horizon disaster entered food chain in the Gulf of Mexico

Submitted by Amy Pelsinsky on Tue, 03/20/2012 - 12:00am
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Since the explosion on the BP Deepwater Horizon drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico on April 20, 2010, scientists have been working to understand the impact that this disaster has had on the environment. For months, crude oil gushed into the water at a rate of approximately 53,000 barrels per day before the well was capped on July 15, 2010. A new study confirms that oil from the Macondo well made it into the ocean’s food chain through the tiniest of organisms, zooplankton.

BAY 101 - Science of the Chesapeake Bay for Non-Scientists

Submitted by Amy Pelsinsky on Mon, 03/05/2012 - 5:26pm
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Scientists from the Horn Point Laboratory share their knowledge in a seven-week series aimed to inform the public around the science of the Chesapaeake Bay and its watershed. The presentations take place on Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. at AREL Lecture Hall at the Horn Point Laboratory, 2020 Horns Point Road, Cambridge, Maryland. FREE. Light refreshments are served.

Tomorrow's Scientists

Submitted by Amy Pelsinsky on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 12:30pm
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The saying goes: “Give a man a fish, and he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he’ll eat for a lifetime.” But teach a man the science of fish, and we all benefit. 

Every year more than 100 graduate students come to the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science to work side-by-side with some of the best environmental scientists in the world. Studying everything from the effects of development on stream ecosystems to new ways to feed fish in aquaculture, these men and women are training to solve environmental problems today so we have a better world tomorrow.