Maryland Sea Grant

Share this with someone you’d swim 200 miles for, and help us spread the love for science, resilient coastal communities, and a healthy Chesapeake Bay. Happy Valentine’s Day from Maryland Sea Grant! 💙🐟

Join us in congratulating our 2026 Knauss Marine Policy Fellows, Syeda Sadia Ali and Bruna Sobrinho! This nationally competitive program prepares emerging leaders for careers at the intersection of science, policy, and marine resource management. We can’t wait to see where it takes them.

Isabel Butler Viruet stands beside a NOAA Ocean Prediction Center sign. Text on the image says "Fellowship Experiences"

When Isabel Butler Viruet began her Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship, she found herself fixated on a single, somewhat specific question: How can we convince a farmer in Nebraska to care about a buoy floating in the middle of the Pacific Ocean? Read more in her new blog post >>

Congratulations to the 2025 Knauss Marine Policy fellows! 🎉 Our five Maryland Sea Grant Knauss fellows completed their fellowships, wrapping up a year of ocean and coastal policy in the legislative and executive branches of the government. We wish each of them well as they move on to new chapters!

Four people wearing long sleeves, pants, and muck boots stand above a stormwater drain leading to a shallow body of water in an area with tall grasses and plants

Are you a young adult looking for experience in the environmental field? Join the Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps! Our Extension team is recruiting a Corps member for watershed protection and restoration efforts. Applications due March 6: https://loom.ly/500I45c

Our competitive research fellowship is a two-year program open to Maryland and DC students working toward a graduate or professional degree with research relevant to our mission and focused on the #ChesapeakeBay or #Maryland coastal bays and watersheds: https://loom.ly/kRLIzYM

Professor Judy O'Neil and graduate student Shayna Keller wearing graduation caps and gowns near a body of water. Text on the photo says "Fellowship Experiences"

Knauss fellow Shayna Keller graduated college, got a job, and quickly found her path in science would not be a straight line. "I've faced more challenges than expected but have also realized I am more resilient than I once thought," she writes. Read more: https://loom.ly/i-jOWT0

Are you a community college student interested in coastal science? Apply for our Community College Research Internship! During this eight-week summer program, you'll be paired with a science mentor and conduct marine research on the #ChesapeakeBay. Apply by March 20: https://loom.ly/kuY9y8Y

A wood frog sits in a light layer of snow among twigs and fallen leaves

Wood frogs have a special way of surviving snowy winters! As temperatures drop, they begin to freeze. Increased blood glucose levels act as a natural antifreeze, protecting their organs from damage. They can stay in this frozen state for months and thaw when spring arrives.

Part 2—A Little Goes a Long Way: How Small Programs Are Educating Communities About Farmed Seafood Community-driven aquaculture education programs are connecting communities to sustainable seafood—one classroom, kitchen, and podcast at a time.

Ahead of #IntlDayofEducation, check out this NOAA Fisheries story on how #aquaculture education connects communities to sustainable seafood—one classroom, kitchen, and podcast at a time. The post highlights our new aquaculture startup guide for teachers >> https://loom.ly/-Rvb7is

Abdulmajid Alrefaie on the Speaker’s Balcony at the US Capitol, overlooking the National Mall in Washington, DC.

Knauss fellow Abdulmajid Alrefaie was surprised to find so many parallels between his time as a molecular biologist and his work on Capitol Hill. Read about Abdulmajid's journey from lab bench to lawmaking in his new blog post >> https://loom.ly/uIFqx6A

Maryland's Maritime Museums Get an insider’s look at the life of a waterman, and learn about other people who worked the laborious seafood packing industry at Maryland’s maritime museums.

Celebrate #MuseumSelfieDay with a visit to one of #Maryland's many maritime museums! Located throughout the state, these museums celebrate the history, ecology, and culture of the #ChesapeakeBay. Learn more and find a museum near you: https://loom.ly/sVMGA-E

Volunteers are what makes the Bay great From state-wide river cleanups to invasive fish removals, the Chesapeake is full of exciting volunteer events

Looking for a meaningful way to give back on Martin Luther King Jr. National #DayOfService? 🌎💙 From river cleanups and invasive fish removal to monitoring bay grasses, volunteers make a difference across the #ChesapeakeBay. Find an activity that's right for you: https://loom.ly/9tjDqug

A graphic with orchard trees in the background and the text "Free Event! Relational Stewardship Speaker Series, Agroforestry: Ecological Mutual Aid & Food Sovereignty, January 21, 4-5:30 p.m., Online"

A graphic with a photo of berries, a photo of Desiree Shelley Flores, and the text "A citizen of the Monacan Indian Nation, Flores is the Indigenous Knowledge and GIS Specialist for the Indigenous Conservation Council. Her PhD research focuses on the connections between Indigenous cultural revitalization and food sovereignty."

A graphic with a budding fruit and leaves, a photo of Francis Smith, and the text "Smith is the Natural Resource Planner and Lead Agroforestry Planner with the Maryland Forest Service, where he has been collaborating with the Department of Agriculture to further agroforestry practices and alley cropping across the state."

A graphic with a photo of berries on a bush, a photo of Norris Howard Jr., and the text" Howard is the Council Member and Tradition Bearer for the Pocomoke Indian Nation, Inc., and currently serves as a Commisioner on the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs. In this webinar, he is speaking on behalf of his Tribal Community, the Pocomoke Indian Nation."

Join us Jan. 21 for the next Relational Stewardship Speaker Series: Agroforestry - Ecological Mutual Aid and Food Sovereignty. Explore how Traditional Knowledge and modern science can work together, while honoring Indigenous communities who shaped and sustain these practices: https://loom.ly/z1HNELY

Maryland Watermen's Association East Coast Commercial Fishermen & Aquaculture Trade Expo

Come see us at the Maryland Watermen’s Association's East Coast Commercial Fishermen & Aquaculture Trade Expo this weekend in Ocean City! Connect with fellow watermen, explore the latest gear and equipment, and join seminars on industry trends. Learn more: https://loom.ly/XiGMcGU

Maryland Native Plant Guide: Piedmont Region University of Maryland Extension

Looking to add native plants to your backyard? 🌱 The Maryland Native Plant Guide for the Piedmont Region, from University of Maryland Extension, is here. Inside: 300+ native plants, site-specific plant lists, invasive species guidance, climate-smart tips, and more >> https://loom.ly/tqzn2-E

Scientists Investigate a Salamander’s Defense Against Deadly Fungal Disease On a cold night in March 2024, a team of Smithsonian researchers set out to unearth salamander secrets.

On a cold night in March 2024, a team of Smithsonian researchers set out to unearth salamander secrets. Could the clue to the spotted salamander’s resistance to a deadly fungal disease reside in its skin microbiome or mucus secretions? Read more on our blog >> https://loom.ly/ahDD6Sk

A male red-winged blackbird perched on a "national wildlife refuge" sign among a field of tall grasses

Red-winged blackbirds live in the #ChesapeakeBay region year round. Males have glossy black feathers and red shoulder patches, edged in yellow. In winter, these #birds trade their diet of bugs, snails, and worms for plants and seeds. Come spring, females build woven nests among tall, sturdy grasses.

Our latest issue of Chesapeake Quarterly magazine features a special illustration about how aquaculture can be used in classrooms. Read about our Aquaculture in Action program and download your free copy of the poster at chesapeakequarterly.net/

A snow-covered rock sill with wooden posts along a body of water

Maryland weather can be a challenge to forecast. Geography is a big reason why. From mountains to coastal areas influenced by the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, snowfall varies across the state. NOAA predicts a “warmer than usual” winter thanks to La Niña. Marylanders will have to wait and see!

A fishing boat on the water at sunrise with shellfish cages on top of it

Reminder! The Maryland Watermen’s Association's East Coast Commercial Fishermen & Aquaculture Trade Expo returns to Ocean City on Jan. 16-18! Connect with fellow watermen, explore the latest gear and equipment, and join educational seminars on industry trends. Learn more: https://loom.ly/XiGMcGU

A flyer for Horn Point Lab's oyster hatchery internship with photos of the hatchery, a group of interns, and a QR code to learn more. Text says "What we do: spawn oysters, grow larvae, seed production, algae culture, support restoration, support industry, so much more!" and "Come work with HPL Oyster Hatchery! The oyster culture program at Horn Point Lab is accepting applications for a 2026 spring/summer internship."

Looking for a spring/summer internship? Check out the oyster hatchery internship at @UMCES' Horn Point Laboratory. 🦪 It's a hands-on chance to learn oyster culture, support Bay restoration, and work outdoors with a great team. Learn more and apply: https://loom.ly/NJDb7N8

Happy New Year from Maryland Sea Grant! We welcome 2026 while reflecting on the successes, challenges, and phenomenal partners and constituents the past year brought. Thank you for being part of our work in 2025.

Three people face the camera, including UMCES President Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm, Maryland Sea Grant assistant director for education Adam Frederick, who holds a plaque announcing 30 years of service, and Maryland Sea Grant director Fredrika Moser.

Join us in congratulating J. Adam Frederick, Maryland Sea Grant's assistant director for education, for 30 years of service! Adam brings vast experience, fresh ideas, and a sense of fun to every project. Read about some of the programs Adam has built at chesapeakequarterly.net.

A group of teens holding nets and buckets and walking across rocks in a creek. Text under the photo says "Chesapeake Quarterly. Experiencing an Education: Aquaculture in Action Teaches Hands-on Science. Get the full story at chesapeakequarterly.net"

Hands-on #science equips students with knowledge and practical skills. Find out how an #aquaculture program has been building scientific understanding and curiosity in #Maryland students for 30 years. Read our latest issue of Chesapeake Quarterly → https://arcg.is/zmfnq2

The cover of the "Predictive Ecology" book with the text "Now Available! Predictive Ecology: The History of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science 1925-2025; mdsg.umd.edu/bookstore"

As we look back on a year of milestones, one highlight stands out: celebrating 100 years of science at @UMCES! Over the past century, UMCES has become a global leader for environmental science. Relive the history. Find "Predictive Ecology" in our bookstore: https://loom.ly/MzHzftA
#BestOfSeaGrant

Three undergraduate research interns smile in front of a tree

A scientific illustration of an amphipod viewed among a biofilm under a microscope

We had a lot to celebrate this year, including a new summer research internship for undergrads and our first-ever science illustration intern! Both were made possible by support from the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation. Here’s to more learning in the new year! #BestOfSeaGrant

Thousands of Atlantic salmon “swam” into #Maryland classrooms this year! Our #AquacultureInAction program brought more than 2,000 salmon to five high schools in Carroll and Howard counties. For 30 years, the program has taught interdisciplinary science through project-based learning. #BestOfSeaGrant

A group of teens holding nets and buckets and walking across rocks in a creek. Text under the photo says "Chesapeake Quarterly. Building a Sustainable Food Workforce in Baltimore: Pilot Career Development Program Introduces Students to Aquaculture and Food Systems. Get the full story at chesapeakequarterly.net"

Baltimore City teens spent the summer getting hands-on experience with aquaponics and sustainable food systems. They gained skills, confidence, and a fresh perspective on how food, water, and community are connected. Read more in Chesapeake Quarterly → https://arcg.is/1aTbyi

Student researchers on a boat in the Bay work on an engineered flotation device. Text over the image reads "Fellowship opportunity: Competitive graduate research fellowship; deadline: March 6, 2026"

Our competitive research fellowship is a two-year program open to Maryland and DC students working toward a graduate or professional degree with research relevant to our mission and focused on the #ChesapeakeBay or #Maryland coastal bays and watersheds. Learn more: https://loom.ly/kRLIzYM