February is all about milestones and big moves. IMET's partner UMCES is celebrating 100 years of groundbreaking environmental research, shaping everything from policy to conservation. Meanwhile at IMET, we’re teaming up with Maryland Sea Grant to tackle big questions in coastal resilience and fisheries. Scientists are also digging into a tiny but deadly dinoflagellate, and on the innovation front, a multimillion-dollar award is fueling marine energy research—featuring a key IMET connection.

From celebrating the past to driving the future, there’s a lot to be excited about this month. Let’s dive in!

On February 6, we launched UMCES’ centennial celebrations with a special event at IMET—one of many held across the institution. With so many of our faculty and staff affiliated with UMCES, it was only fitting that we had this IMET-UMCES celebration, bringing it home in a way that truly honored 100 years of groundbreaking environmental research and policy impact.

Innovation in Aquaculture: Maryland Sea Grant & IMET

Did you know that aquaculture production will have to double by 2040 to keep up with demand? IMET’s Yonathan Zohar takes you inside his world, where cutting-edge biotechnology and sustainable aquaculture practices are shaping the future of seafood—reducing pressure on wild fish populations while ensuring a reliable, eco-friendly food source for generations to come.

Small but Deadly: The Tale of K. veneficum

The ocean is a battleground where even tiny creatures wield powerful weapons!

Dinoflagellates like Karlodinium veneficum produce potent toxins, giving them an edge in the fight for survival. Researchers at UMCES, including Dr. Allen Place, are uncovering the secrets of these karlotoxins, revealing how marine life captures prey and evades predators. Click below to hear the audiobook.

IMET proudly hosted our first Black History Month partner screening, featuring UMCES alum Imani Black as a panelist. We are honored to uplift Black voices and share stories that highlight contributions to Chesapeake Bay restoration and environmental conservation. This event included a screening of Water’s Edge: Black Watermen of the Chesapeake, a documentary that explores the untold stories of African Americans who shaped the region’s maritime and seafood industries. By celebrating these legacies, we continue to honor and amplify Black history in environmental stewardship.