News Releases

Media Contact:
Amy Pelsinsky
apelsinsky@umces.edu
410-330-1389

UMCES commissioned to assemble reports on best management practices for shale gas development in Maryland

FROSTBURG, MD (February 10, 2012)—The Maryland Department of the Environment has contracted with the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Appalachian Laboratory to research best management practices that could be applied to shale gas development in Maryland. The tasks include the review of literature and practices in other states to identify methods and techniques that have been shown to protect air quality, drinking water supplies, water quality, and habitat, as well as best practices to address issues ranging from drilling and noise control to waste handling and blowout prevention.

Baltimore’s harbor health leaves room for improvement
First report of its kind offers baseline for cleanup efforts

BALTIMORE, MD (January 5, 2012)— In the first Inner Harbor health report card of its kind, the ecological health of the harbor and its watershed has been assessed as poor, according to EcoCheck scientists from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Don Boesch receives Energy & Environmental Leadership Award

BALTIMORE, MD (DECEMBER 7, 2011)— As part of the Maryland-Asia Environmental Partnership’s third annual banquet to honor Maryland’s energy and environmental leaders, Dr. Donald Boesch, president of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and one of the preeminent estuarine scientists in the world, received the Maryland-Asia Environmental Partnership’s 2011 MD Energy & Environmental Leadership Award.

Dr. Ed Houde receives Lifetime Achievement Award from American Fisheries Society

SOLOMONS ISLAND, MD (November 28, 2011)—University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Professor Ed Houde received the American Fisheries Society’s Elbert H. Ahlstrom Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering work and highly productive career in studying the early life stages of fishes.

New study uncovers how animals use underground highway culverts

CUMBERLAND, MD (December 19, 2011)--As traffic rumbles overhead, two eyes glow inside a 3-foot-wide storm drain beneath one of Maryland’s busy highways. A raccoon is making his way from one side of the street to the other in the relative safety of an underground tunnel. He is one of close to 60 diverse species of animals statewide that use the culverts as their own personal transportation system, according to a recent study.

A Decline in dead zones: Study shows efforts to heal Chesapeake Bay are working

CAMBRIDGE,MD (November 3, 2011)--Efforts to reduce the flow of fertilizers, animal waste and other pollutants into the Chesapeake Bay appear to be giving a boost to the bay’s health, a new study that analyzed 60 years of water quality data has concluded. The study, published in the November 2011 issue of Estuaries and Coasts, was conducted by researchers from The Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.

Mysterious glow of plankton explained by recent study

In many areas, when the ocean water is disturbed at night, it sparkles with a spectacular blue light. It has long been known these flashes are caused by tiny plankton known as dinoflagellates. However, a new study has for the first time identified the potential mechanism for this glow.

Unique Barge Enters Research Fleet to Test Ballast Water Treatment Technologies

Baltimore, Md. (September 27, 2011) – A unique 155’ barge, or Mobile Test Platform, was dedicated into the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science research fleet. This unique barge will be used to test ballast water treatment technologies that would be employed to reduce the risk of introducing invasive species through the maritime shipping industry.  The dedication ceremony was led by Congressman Cummings (Maryland’s 7th District) and included leadership from the US Maritime Administration, Maryland Port Authority, and UMCES.  

“Spat Dash” to Benefit Environmental Education
5K Run or Walk through the Horn Point Campus


Join the race for environmental education, and enjoy scenic views of the Choptank River while running or walking in the Horn Point Laboratory Spat Dash 5K at 8:30 am on Saturday, October 8, 2011 in Cambridge, MD.

Chesapeake Oyster Population Less Than One Percent of Historic Levels
Overfishing, disease, and habitat loss have led to continued declines in Maryland’s portion of the Bay

Solomons, Md. (August 31, 2011) – According to recent research, published in the journal Marine Ecology Progress Series (Vol. 436), the oyster population in the upper Chesapeake Bay has been estimated to be 0.3% of population levels of early 1800s due to overfishing, disease, and habitat loss.

Dr. Thomas Miller takes the Helm of the UMCES Chesapeake Biological Laboratory

Solomons, Md (29 July, 2011) – Dr. Thomas Miller has been appointed the Director of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Chesapeake Biological Laboratory after serving as its Interim Director since May.

Chesapeake Bay Health Report Card Shows Slight Decline in 2010

Annapolis, Md. (April 27, 2011) – An independent scientific analysis led by University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science researchers details a four percent decline in Chesapeake Bay health for 2010, with the nation’s largest estuary receiving a “C-minus” in the Center’s annual EcoCheck report card. This year’s grade was driven by declines in water quality and biological health indicators due to higher rainfall and associated stormwater runoff flows in many regions and river systems throughout the Bay.

The Communications Office sends news releases and e-mail alerts to members of the media covering environmental science and the policy it informs. If you would like to be added to the list, please contact:

Media Contact:
Amy Pelsinsky
apelsinsky@umces.edu
410-330-1389