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Two people in a boat troll the oyster lines at Center for Marine Science pier

Center For Marine Science

Center for Marine Science

UNCW is an internationally recognized leader in coastal and marine science research and education.

Our faculty, staff and students explore topics of regional, national and international importance. With waterside facilities at Myrtle Grove and Wrightsville Beach, we have immediate access to a variety of marine ecosystems.

Half a Century of Marine Research and Education

Marine science at UNCW spans over 50 years! Our work covers diverse fields, including oceanography, coastal and wetland studies, estuarine science, marine physiology and genetics, fisheries, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and all aspects of marine biology, marine and atmospheric chemistry, marine geology, environmental science and physical oceanography.

And we keep expanding the breadth of our programs. In 2022, we launched the Ph.D. in Applied Coastal and Ocean Sciences degree program. We also are the first U.S. university to offer a bachelor’s degree in coastal engineering.

We also support research in specialized topics such as coastal policy, geography, economics and health and human services.

Safe and Healthy Coasts

Keeping Tabs on Our Oceans & Coast

CMS advances research and teaching of the highest quality, enhancing your UNCW experience whether you are a graduate or undergraduate student in marine science. Our respected faculty support research that addresses current and future questions about the environment and the life and health of our oceans, sounds and tidal waterways.

We are recognized as a world-class site for applied marine science, especially in the areas of biotechnology and drug discovery, mariculture and living resources, and coastal monitoring and technology. Many of our researchers are developing and marketing products from the ocean, such as new pharmaceuticals.

Outstanding Facilities

Our state-of-the-art facilities include ample laboratory space, a shellfish research hatchery, a marine biotechnology building and an aquaculture complex. Docking space and a fleet of research vessels facilitate water-based research activities.

Tift, Pearson Receive Marine Mammal Commission Grant 

Michael Tift, assistant professor of biology and marine biology, is the lead investigator on a nearly $60,000 grant from the Marine Mammal Commission to examine the physiological impact of climate change on crabeater seals. One of seven grants awarded from 84 proposals, this grant was co-written with UNCW Ph.D. student Anna Pearson, who will perform the bulk of the proposed research. 

Tift, Pearson Receive Marine Mammal Commission Grant 

Coral Researchers Receive Global CORDAP Grants

Four UNCW faculty will receive nearly $2 million to advance their research to help save the world’s endangered coral reefs. The Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP), a global organization formed by 17 of the Group of Twenty (G20) nations, awarded UNCW two of 14 grants totaling $18 million to fast-track worldwide research and development for coral conservation and restoration.  

Coral Researchers Receive Global CORDAP Grants

Discovery: Stranded Whale Ingested Balloon  

The UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program recently collaborated with marine mammal scientists, veterinarians and students from a variety of state institutions and agencies to study a Gervais’ beaked whale (Mesoplodon europaeus) that washed ashore, alive in Emerald Isle, NC on Oct. 30. The animal expired shortly after being on the beach, and scientists discovered the whale died from ingesting a plastic balloon. 

Discovery: Stranded Whale Ingested Balloon  

UNCW Studying Frying Pan Shoals as Possible Offshore Sand Source

Dr. Joe Long, director of UNC Wilmington's Coastal Engineering program, and UNCW researchers will take dozens of trips to Frying Pan Shoals to collect oceanographic measurements, biological samples and geological surveys that will help the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management understand the shoal ecology.

UNCW Studying Frying Pan Shoals as Possible Offshore Sand Source

Impact Like No Other: UNCW Celebrates Its Research Leaders

The achievements, scholarly productivity and creative works of UNCW’s research leaders were formally applauded at the 16th annual research celebration on Sept. 28.

Impact Like No Other: UNCW Celebrates Its Research Leaders

Hogfish Can “See” Using More Than Their Eyes 

A research breakthrough at UNCW and the Center for Marine Science suggests that some color-changing fish species may be able to "see" with their skin. Attracting global media attention within the scientific community, Assistant Professor of Biology and Marine Biology Lorian Schweikert's findings were published in a new paper in Nature Communications on Aug. 22. 

Hogfish Can “See” Using More Than Their Eyes 

A World of Marine Science

Interested in marine science? You’ve come to the right place. UNCW offers many degrees focusing on our oceans and coast. Even if your major isn’t in the sciences, you can choose studies that let you get your feet wet.

Find your program

Contact CMS

Center for Marine Science

Phone: (910) 962-2408
Fax: (910) 962-2410

5600 Marvin K. Moss Lane
Wilmington, NC 28409

Monday-Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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