News Releases

Study of Atlantic menhaden will help identify balance between fishing and preserving this Chesapeake Bay forage fish

SOLOMONS, MD (December 17, 2012)—Millions of tiny Atlantic menhaden swim in the Chesapeake Bay and are the favorite menu item of prized rockfish. They are also the heart of a major fish oil industry on the East Coast. However, their numbers have been declining.

Ballast water treatment system testing facility earns U.S. Coast Guard approval

SOLOMONS, MD (August 21, 2012)--The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science's Maritime Environmental Resource Center (MERC) has partnered with NSF International, Great Ships Initiative and Retlif Testing Laboratories to become the first U.S. Coast Guard-approved Independent Laboratory for evaluation and testing of technologies designed for treatment of ballast water on ships.

WhaleWatch: New project uses satellite tracking to help reduce number of whales entangled in fishing gear

SOLOMONS, MD (May 22, 2012)—A new project aims to reduce the number of whales entangled in fishing gear by identifying the areas they are most likely to visit. WhaleWatch uses satellite data and migration models of gray whales and several endangered species to identify high-risk areas and to help develop conservation policies for reducing ship strikes and entanglements off the West Coast of the United States. Gray whales are the species most often hit by ships and entangled in fishing gear.

Landmark study of leatherback turtle migration identifies Pacific danger zones for critically-endangered species

New analysis could help alter fishing practices to reduce mortality

SOLOMONS, MD (March 1, 2012)—The majestic leatherback turtle is the largest sea turtle in the world, growing to more than 6 feet in length. It is also one of the most threatened. A major new study of migration patterns has identified high-use areas—potential danger zones--in the Pacific Ocean for this critically endangered species. This new understanding could help inform decisions about fishing practices to help reduce further deaths of this fragile species.

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.