Ecosystems Processes Division

Chief: Acting Chief: Beth Phelan James J. Howard Laboratory (732) 872-3054

The Marine Chemistry Branch focuses on a wide range of research problems related to the health and well-being of marine resource species, and the extent to which environmental contamination affects sustainability and utilization.

The Branch conducts studies on contaminants in water, sediment, and tissues of fishes and invertebrates to determine how contaminants accumulate and are distributed in nearshore and estuarine systems and through food web transfer. The Branch measures nutrients, trace metals and organic contaminants and emphasizes the development of new and more rapid and cost-effective detection techniques. Additionally, the Branch develops, tests, and applies analytical methodology to ensure the highest quality in fishery products sold or consumed in the United States. Branch Research Habitat Stock Identification Protected Species