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

Undergraduate Visit to Horn Point Lab Supports Student Career Opportunities & Partnerships Between Institutions

A group of undergraduate students taking a marine biology class at Southern Virginia University spent a weekend at Horn Point Laboratory to learn about the lab’s research and gain fieldwork experience.

Toadfish STEM Adventures at Horn Point: Summer 2026

Toadfish STEM Summer Adventures returns to the Horn Point campus in 2026! On the banks of the Choptank River at Horn Point Lab, 2020 Horns Point Rd., Cambridge, MD 21613 Programs for students entering first grade through age 12. Limited Spaces--Register today! Payments Due by June 1st For questions contact Bryan Gomes at bgomes@umces.edu or 410-991-2770

New research reveals how fast-growing Green Tides form

A new study published recently in Scientific Reports sheds light on how the green alga Ulva, common on shores around the world, can suddenly explode into massive blooms known as “Green Tides.”

Globally diverse working group mobilizes to tackle increasing oceanic salt intrusion into estuaries and tidal rivers

Ming Li and an international team of scientists will address increasing salt intrusion and its impacts on freshwater resources and water supplies, an increasingly global threat, over the next four years.

Study to explore new low-oxygen zones impacting the nation's richest fisheries

More than $1.4 million has been awarded to the UMCES Horn Point Laboratory to study a newly recognized form of coastal hypoxia—or low-oxygen zones—found on the West Florida Shelf, home to one of the nation’s most diverse and productive fisheries.

Salt Contamination of Drinking Water is a growing threat at home and globally

Access to clean and safe drinking water is critical to public health and economic prosperity. About 70% of U.S. drinking water supply comes from surface waters, including the tidal fresh regions of estuaries. This is under threat due to climate change, salinization and human pressures. Led by Professor Ming Li, UMCES-HPL, an interdisciplinary team will examine risks and knowledge gaps on this growing threat.

Next Generation: Michael Kalinowski on reducing the environmental impacts of oyster aquaculture

My research focuses on building and testing tools to place below oyster aquaculture cages to help prevent environmental damage to the sediment.

New insights on why improvements to Chesapeake Bay remain a challenge

A new look at the history of water quality in the Chesapeake Bay sheds light on how the estuary has responded to nutrient reduction efforts and why improvements have remained a challenge.

Undergraduate Visit to Horn Point Lab Supports Student Career Opportunities & Partnerships Between Institutions

A group of undergraduate students taking a marine biology class at Southern Virginia University spent a weekend at Horn Point Laboratory to learn about the lab’s research and gain fieldwork experience.

Toadfish STEM Adventures at Horn Point: Summer 2026

Toadfish STEM Summer Adventures returns to the Horn Point campus in 2026! On the banks of the Choptank River at Horn Point Lab, 2020 Horns Point Rd., Cambridge, MD 21613 Programs for students entering first grade through age 12. Limited Spaces--Register today! Payments Due by June 1st For questions contact Bryan Gomes at bgomes@umces.edu or 410-991-2770

New research reveals how fast-growing Green Tides form

A new study published recently in Scientific Reports sheds light on how the green alga Ulva, common on shores around the world, can suddenly explode into massive blooms known as “Green Tides.”

Globally diverse working group mobilizes to tackle increasing oceanic salt intrusion into estuaries and tidal rivers

Ming Li and an international team of scientists will address increasing salt intrusion and its impacts on freshwater resources and water supplies, an increasingly global threat, over the next four years.

Study to explore new low-oxygen zones impacting the nation's richest fisheries

More than $1.4 million has been awarded to the UMCES Horn Point Laboratory to study a newly recognized form of coastal hypoxia—or low-oxygen zones—found on the West Florida Shelf, home to one of the nation’s most diverse and productive fisheries.

Salt Contamination of Drinking Water is a growing threat at home and globally

Access to clean and safe drinking water is critical to public health and economic prosperity. About 70% of U.S. drinking water supply comes from surface waters, including the tidal fresh regions of estuaries. This is under threat due to climate change, salinization and human pressures. Led by Professor Ming Li, UMCES-HPL, an interdisciplinary team will examine risks and knowledge gaps on this growing threat.

Next Generation: Michael Kalinowski on reducing the environmental impacts of oyster aquaculture

My research focuses on building and testing tools to place below oyster aquaculture cages to help prevent environmental damage to the sediment.

New insights on why improvements to Chesapeake Bay remain a challenge

A new look at the history of water quality in the Chesapeake Bay sheds light on how the estuary has responded to nutrient reduction efforts and why improvements have remained a challenge.

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.