PEARL Research

PEARL is dedicated to solving complex environmental problems. We apply interdisciplinary approaches to studying the connections between complex ecological systems, while providing society with knowledge to meet the environmental challenges of the 21st Century.

Interdisciplinary research is needed to meet the complex challenges of the effects of human activities on our environment. We have developed a research agenda that is cross-disciplinary and highly relevant to societal challenges and concerns. The agenda emphasizes collaboration among academic researchers, and agency professionals.

Our research programs continue to provide essential data and innovative techniques for assessing the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Our work to restore the oyster industry has become a model for transforming the way we think of oyster restoration. We have used this research to provide students with interdisciplinary training and experience and to expose and educate the public about the environment.

	Aquaculture: Improving the performance of aquacultured shellfish and developing new culture technologies that benefit Maryland and the US aquaculture industry
	Biogeochemistry: Developing a better understanding of the coastal carbon cycle through high-frequency, multiple carbon pool studies
	Coastal Ecology: Studying how both natural and human-induced changes affect coastal aquatic natural resources of the Chesapeake Bay and beyond
	Environmental & Natural Resource Economics: Determining how environmental policies and natural resource management affects human social and economic well-being