Marine & Ocean Sciences

Marine & Ocean Sciences

Marine and ocean sciences research at UNH explores the biological and physical aspects of the world’s seas. Seeking to understand the complex factors that comprise and influence the ocean, the areas of study include estuaries, the critical zones where the ocean meets the freshwater sources that feed into it. Developing new tools to extend our ability to visualize, measure and predict ocean characteristics and events is an important focus of the research. In addition, ongoing projects investigate how to take advantage of the ocean’s resources for energy and food production in responsible, sustainable ways.

Dive into the descriptions of the departments, programs, Institutes and Centers provided below to learn more.

 

Research Profile

Larry Mayer –
Picturing
the Arctic
Ocean Floor

 

Research Profile

  Win Watson -
 Considering
the Lobster

 

Colleges & Schools

The School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering is UNH's first ‘interdisciplinary school,’ designed to address today’s highly complex ocean and coastal challenges through integrated graduate education, research and engagement. As such, it serves as an interdisciplinary nexus for marine science and ocean engineering teaching and research across the University.

College of Life Sciences and
Agriculture (COLSA)

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS)

UNH Cooperative Extension (CE)

 

Research Institutes & Centers

  • A regional program established in partnership with NOAA that provides research and development to stimulate an environmentally sustainable offshore aquaculture industry in New England and nationwide

  • A NOAA-supported national center of expertise to foster a new generation of hydrographers and ocean mapping scientists and develop and evaluate a wide range of state-of-the-art hydrographic and ocean mapping technologies and applications

  • Supports research to promote effective and wise use of the coastal ocean and integrates UNH’s academic and research activities in ocean engineering

  • Interdisciplinary center for research, development and evaluation for ocean renewable energy systems, training the next generation of engineers, scientists and policy makers for advancing this new industry, and providing innovation and commercialization support for commercial developers of “hydrokinetic” energy systems

  • Partnership between UNH and NOAA that develops and applies tools to detect, prevent, and reverse the impacts of coastal pollution and habitat degradation on coastal ecosystems and communities

  • A multidisciplinary scientific research institute dedicated to understanding the integrated behavior of the Earth and its surrounding universe

  • Funds and supports Reserve-led research projects that bring scientists, intended users of the science, stakeholders, educators, and trainers together to address problems related to coastal pollution and habitat degradation in the context of a changing climate

  • Provides support, leadership, and expertise for marine research, education and extension, including promoting understanding, development, wise use, and conservation of our ocean and coastal resources

  • Encourages and funds collaborative research and monitoring projects in the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank through effective, equal partnerships among fishermen, scientists, educators, and marine resource managers to study broad range of topics including gear selectivity, fish habitat, stock assessments, and socioeconomics

  • Conducts basic and applied research on marine ecosystems ranging from the near-shore western Gulf of Maine to the global ocean utilizing direct measurements, remote sensing, and modeling

  • Part of the U.S. EPA's National Estuary Program, a joint local/state/federal program established under the Clean Water Act to promote the protection and enhancement of nationally significant estuarine resources

  • This first interdisciplinary school at UNH integrates the university’s various marine-related research, teaching and outreach activities, drawing faculty from every college within the university.

  • A leading authority on sustainability within higher education, the Sustainability Institute at UNH is a convener, cultivator, and champion of sustainability on campus, in the state and region, and around the world.  It works closely with educators, students, policymakers, and researchers to bring learning in sustainability to life.