University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

Chesapeake Biological Laboratory

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About Chesapeake Biological Laboratory

Located where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay, the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory is the oldest publicly supported marine laboratory on the East Coast. Founded in 1925, it has been a national leader in fisheries, estuarine ecology, environmental chemistry and toxicology for more than 90 years. Our scientists conduct research from the Chesapeake Bay and around the globe. From advising state and national agencies on sustainable fisheries management and breaking new ground in understanding how chemicals move between the atmosphere, sediments, and water to renowned work on nutrient dynamics and the food web, the lab is developing new scientific approaches to solving the major environmental problems that face our world.

Contact Information

Address: 
PO Box 38
146 Williams Street
Solomons, MD 20688
United States
Phone Number: 
410-326-4281
Visit Us

U.S. Wind & UMCES launch offshore wind research partnership

Baltimore-based US Wind, Inc. announced $11 million in funding over eight years to the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science for three research projects aimed at understanding the potential effects of offshore wind development on marine mammals, fish, and birds.
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Next Generation: Lauren Rodriguez on Using Environmental DNA in the Chesapeake Bay

My current research focuses on monitoring biodiversity patterns in the Chesapeake Bay using noninvasive environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling. I like to call it “environmental forensics.”
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Next Generation: Amber Fandel on tracking the movement of marine mammals

"Understanding these behaviors and movements are important because it will help us manage, and hopefully protect them from, potential disturbances in the future."
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Next Generation: Fisheries research with Ben Frey

After working on a new way to the determine the age of fish, graduate student Ben Frey begins a Knauss Fellowship in NOAA’s National Ocean Services’ Marine Debris Program.
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U.S. Wind & UMCES launch offshore wind research partnership

Baltimore-based US Wind, Inc. announced $11 million in funding over eight years to the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science for three research projects aimed at understanding the potential effects of offshore wind development on marine mammals, fish, and birds.
View Content

Next Generation: Lauren Rodriguez on Using Environmental DNA in the Chesapeake Bay

My current research focuses on monitoring biodiversity patterns in the Chesapeake Bay using noninvasive environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling. I like to call it “environmental forensics.”
View Content

Next Generation: Amber Fandel on tracking the movement of marine mammals

"Understanding these behaviors and movements are important because it will help us manage, and hopefully protect them from, potential disturbances in the future."
View Content

Next Generation: Fisheries research with Ben Frey

After working on a new way to the determine the age of fish, graduate student Ben Frey begins a Knauss Fellowship in NOAA’s National Ocean Services’ Marine Debris Program.
View Content

News

Read all about what’s happening in our labs, including research highlights and interviews with graduate students and faculty.

Events

From annual events to monthly seminars, visit the calendar page to check in on upcoming events at the lab.

About

The oldest public marine laboratory on the East Coast, the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory has been a long-time leader in fisheries science and ecosystem management. Learn more about CBL and view a map of the campus.

Faculty

Meet the faculty focused on ecosystem studies and restoration, fisheries science, and environmental chemistry and toxicology.

Outreach

Everything you need to know about the Visitor Center, Science for the Community seminars, scientists available for public events, tours, and volunteering. Plus, view our Osprey Cam, local weather reports, and CBL's monthly newsletter.

Applying Science

Explore research programs, such as the Alliance for Coastal Technologies (ACT) and the Maritime Environmental Resource Center.

Education

Learn about training and educational opportunities through the lab, including graduate studies, seminars for the public, and field-oriented activities.

Services & Tools

Explore tools and services available to scientists and researchers, including the Environmental Statistics Collaborative, Nutrient Analytical Services Laboratory, and other resources in our online library, and see a description and map of facilities on our campus.