The Patuxent River is a blue ribbon that winds through Maryland for 115 miles from the western hills to the Chesapeake Bay . It is the longest river within Maryland and has a rich cultural and economic history . Today , population increases combined with changes in land use patterns present challenges to the ecological health of the complex of waterways that intersect with and impact the Chesapeake Bay .
Patuxent Environmental & Aquatic Research
Laboratory ( PEARL )
PEARL is perched near the Patuxent River in St . Leonard , Maryland and has worked for many years to increase the public ’ s awareness of the ecological impact of modern life on the bay area and on its current and potential bounty . The PEARL mission is to help solve environmental challenges through research , education , and economic development .
Leadership
Dr . Scott Knoche serves as the Director of PEARL . His research interests , which include environmental and natural resource economics , mesh well with PEARL ’ s mission to inspire society to understand the need for healthy waterways . Dr . Knoche leads an interdisciplinary team that includes 12 staff members with expertise in shellfish aquaculture , oyster genomics , environmental education , blue crab population dynamics , and more . For these researchers — and future ones — the data they collect and share creates an important snapshot of Maryland ’ s treasured bay .
Research Programs
OYSTER AQUACULTURE PROGRAM Oysters have been a staple on Maryland ’ s dinner tables for centuries . Overfishing , pollutants , disease , and land development have taken their toll on the ecological health of the bay , its tributaries , and its occupants to the dismay of farmers , restaurants , and residents . Acknowledging that healthy oyster beds are essential to future harvests , the state created a 10-Point Oyster Restoration Plan in 2010 that served as a catalyst to increase oyster aquaculture in the bay . Researchers at PEARL determined that a comprehensive view of the developing aquaculture industry was essential . So in addition to assisting with private hatchery development , PEARL also focuses on policy , regulation , economics , and marketing .
In 2017 PEARL hosted a National Science Foundation-funded workshop titled “ Chesapeake Fisheries : From Oysters to Economics .” Attended by internationallyrecognized scholars and researchers , the workshop focused on many of the issues PEARL works on year round : blue crab and oyster population levels , the economics of oyster reef restoration , and harvesting regulations .
BLUE CRAB STUDY The blue crab is a Maryland icon . The health and population levels of blue crabs are monitored annually , and even the most avid steamed crab-lover appreciates the need for sustainable harvest . PEARL ’ s annual George Abbe blue crab population survey began in 1968 and is the longest-running fisheries independent blue crab study in the state .
Results from this long-term survey show that male blue crab size has decreased significantly since 1971 . Because a healthy crab size is linked to more vigorous reproduction , the diminishing size highlights a problem that may affect future commercial harvests . PEARL ’ s long term involvement with the blue crab study helps to identify such problems and attract the necessary resources to research solutions .
Education and Outreach
Morgan is busy developing more researchers to carry on the vital work of PEARL . Morgan has a well-earned reputation for identifying and educating talented young people who gravitate towards science . PEARL ’ s internship and training programs are excellent examples of such development opportunities targeted to emerging scientists .
6 MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY