Horn Point Laboratory | University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

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About Horn Point Laboratory

The Horn Point Laboratory, located on more than 800 acres on the banks of the Choptank River on Maryland's Eastern Shore, has advanced society’s understanding of the world’s estuarine and ocean ecosystems. Horn Point scientists are widely respected for their interdisciplinary programs in oceanography, water quality, restoration of seagrasses, marshes and shellfish and for expertise in ecosystem modeling. With ongoing research programs spanning from the estuarine waters of the Chesapeake Bay to the open waters of the world's oceans, Horn Point is a national leader in applying environmental research and discovery to solve society’s most pressing environmental problems.

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Contact Information

Address:

2020 Horns Point Rd

Cambridge, MD 21613

United States

Phone Number:

(410) 228-8200

Marine life, fisheries increasingly threatened as the ocean loses oxygen

Scientists from University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science's Horn Point Laboratory warn that the loss of oxygen from the world’s ocean is increasingly threatening fish species and disrupting ecosystems.

Warming climate will impact dead zones in Chesapeake Bay

Researchers including Ming Li and Wenfei Ni factored in local impacts of climate change to make projections of what the oxygen content of the Chesapeake Bay will look like in the future.

UMCES scientists complete study on Conowingo Dam and impact on Chesapeake Bay

UMCES scientists have completed a study to understand the potential impacts of nutrient pollution associated with sediment transported from behind the Conowingo Dam to the Chesapeake Bay.

NSF award supports island students in marine science careers

NSF award supports new effort to engage underrepresented island students in marine and environmental sciences

Horn Point Laboratory welcomes public into world of science at annual Open House event

The entirely free, family-friendly event saw approximately 700 adults and children of all ages pass through its gates.

Next Generation: Hannah Morrissette

"I study marsh biogeochemistry, specifically what happens to dissolved organic matter (DOM)—microscopic organic compounds—once it gets into marsh soils. Ultimately my goal is to create a more accurate model to predict how compounds in the sediment move and change throughout the system. This research has major implications for sea-level rise and salt intrusion into the marshes."

Women in marine science gather at Horn Point symposium

Women in marine science take a deep dive into science communication at first annual symposium.

Science at Sea

I was just 55 miles from the nearest land, but it felt as though it could have been hundreds of miles away. The opportunity to join 15 scientists for six days off the coast of Bermuda gave me a great perspective on how important the world’s oceans are to our planet.

Making a Maryland oyster

Geneticist Louis Plough of Horn Point Laboratory wants to breed an oyster that excels in low-salinity waters, such as those that characterize the Maryland part of Chesapeake Bay.

Marine life, fisheries increasingly threatened as the ocean loses oxygen

Scientists from University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science's Horn Point Laboratory warn that the loss of oxygen from the world’s ocean is increasingly threatening fish species and disrupting ecosystems.

Warming climate will impact dead zones in Chesapeake Bay

Researchers including Ming Li and Wenfei Ni factored in local impacts of climate change to make projections of what the oxygen content of the Chesapeake Bay will look like in the future.

UMCES scientists complete study on Conowingo Dam and impact on Chesapeake Bay

UMCES scientists have completed a study to understand the potential impacts of nutrient pollution associated with sediment transported from behind the Conowingo Dam to the Chesapeake Bay.

NSF award supports island students in marine science careers

NSF award supports new effort to engage underrepresented island students in marine and environmental sciences

Horn Point Laboratory welcomes public into world of science at annual Open House event

The entirely free, family-friendly event saw approximately 700 adults and children of all ages pass through its gates.

Next Generation: Hannah Morrissette

"I study marsh biogeochemistry, specifically what happens to dissolved organic matter (DOM)—microscopic organic compounds—once it gets into marsh soils. Ultimately my goal is to create a more accurate model to predict how compounds in the sediment move and change throughout the system. This research has major implications for sea-level rise and salt intrusion into the marshes."

Women in marine science gather at Horn Point symposium

Women in marine science take a deep dive into science communication at first annual symposium.

Science at Sea

I was just 55 miles from the nearest land, but it felt as though it could have been hundreds of miles away. The opportunity to join 15 scientists for six days off the coast of Bermuda gave me a great perspective on how important the world’s oceans are to our planet.

Making a Maryland oyster

Geneticist Louis Plough of Horn Point Laboratory wants to breed an oyster that excels in low-salinity waters, such as those that characterize the Maryland part of Chesapeake Bay.

News

Explore the latest news from the Horn Point Laboratory, including research highlights and interviews with graduate students and faculty.

Events

From annual events to monthly seminars, visit the events calendar for what's happening.

About

From the banks of the Choptank River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, scientists engage in world-renowned research in oceanography, water quality, restoration of sea grasses, marshes and shellfish, and expertise in ecosystem modeling.

Faculty

Meet the researchers focused on understanding the world’s coastal ecosystems, leaders in oceanography, water quality, and the restoration of sea grasses, marshes, and shellfish.

Outreach

Learn about campus and oyster hatchery tours, scientists are available as guest speakers, the Chesapeake Champion annual award, and oyster shell recycling.

Applying Science

Discover research programs that apply scientific knowledge directly to emerging environmental issues, including the Horn Point Oyster Hatchery.

Education

Learn about educational opportunities designed for scientific exploration and understanding of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.

Services & Tools

Explore tools and services available to scientists and researchers, including the Analytical Services Laboratory, Cell Analysis Center, and Raman microscope. Plus, gain access to our online library resources and learn about availability of the Widgeon Pavilion.