Local Impact
From the headwaters to the bay, UMCES transforms predictive ecology into local action. We operate with a clear, legislated mission: to conduct comprehensive research, public service, and education that directly improves and preserves Maryland’s environment.
Because our research facilities are embedded across the diverse ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, we have an unmatched vantage point to solve regional environmental crises. UMCES doesn’t just study Maryland’s natural resources—we actively protect them by providing the definitive scientific foundation for state policy, helping commissions and panels manage sustainable fisheries, improve water quality, and drive ecosystem restoration.
From guiding sustainable fisheries to restoring habitat health and water quality, UMCES provides the essential scientific foundation that shapes the future of Maryland’s lands and waters.
Local Impact
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Oysters
We are dedicated to protecting the bay's oyster population and helping it thrive. Our Horn Point Laboratory is home to one of the largest oyster hatcheries on the East Coast and backed by scientists who are world-class experts in oyster biology and ecosystem health. Discover how our research is shaping the future of the Bay
Underwater grasses
What happened to the underwater grasses? Learn more about the legacy, progress and future of UMCES scientists' research into the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
SB830 Oyster Research Program
The Maryland General Assembly has mandated a program to evaluate various substrate types and sizes, alternative regional methods, and the potential for retrofitting existing structures to address the critical shortage of fresh shell material in the Chesapeake Bay. Take a closer look at the UMCES' symposia and final report.