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NEWS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
FEBRUARY 2017 
Meeting the demand for food without hurting the environment

Eric Davidson and Xin Zhang of UMCES' Appalachian Laboratory believe  nitrogen fertilizer can be used more efficiently and agriculture as a whole can be more sustainable. They are leading a global team of experts to establish a universal grading system that will evaluate each country's agricultural perfromance and its environmental, economic, and social impacts. Over time, the data in this new Sustainable Agricultural Index could help influence policy recommendations for how countries can move forward to meet food production targets without a negative environmental impact.

Scientists map evolution of dinoflagellates for first time
A group scientists have used new genetic sequencing data to understand how an ancient organism that lived alongside the dinosaurs has evolved over millions of years. A four-year effort by a research team from a dozen universities, including Tsetso Bachvaroff of the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, has uncovered for the first time the biology and evolution of dinoflagellates, tiny but complex organisms primarily known as marine plankton.  The findings could lead to a better understanding of how bioluminescence works, how to turn off harmful red tides, or how to identify areas rich with oil by looking at fossilized dinoflagellates in the rock.

Science in Action: Little fish that make a big impact

Professor Ed Houde explains the importance of forage fish--bay anchovy and menhaden--as the foundation for the Chesapeake Bay's fishing industry. Thanks to the Chesapeake Bay Program for this great video.


Next Generation: Graduate student Reed Brodnik

" I'm studying marine fisheries management. Specifically, I am working to better describe the life history and population dynamics of black sea bass using both field work and laboratory techniques. My research will help to better describe the life history and seasonal movement patterns of this species to aid resource managers in making informed decisions about how to best proceed in managing this resource in the future." 
It's coming...
keep an eye out for our new website in March!  
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