Hollings Marine Laboratory



The HML is administered by and houses the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Center for Human Health Risk, one of five National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) in NOAA. It is also home to a NOAA Center of Excellence in Oceans and Human Health.

The HML Paradigm

HML Paradigm

Researchers from all partner institutions work side-by side, combining expertise to conduct research they could not accomplish otherwise. This work spans from molecules to ecosystems, and the below model demonstrates the process of successful collaboration amongst partners. HML is the product of a long-term Joint Project Agreement among the following organizations:


World Class Facility

The HML facility is 117,500 square feet that include world class laboratories and technologies unique to NOAA and marine laboratories nationwide. Special capacities include:


Oceans & Human Health

Oceans and Human Health

At HML the NCCOS Center for Human Health Risk and the NOAA Center of Excellence in Oceans and Human Health develop new methods and approaches to evaluate marine ecosystem health. The goal is to understand and predict how the condition of coastal watersheds and ecosystems positively or negatively affects human health and well-being, under changing environmental conditions. Predicting impacts from change, whether the change is caused by changes in climate, land use, natural processes, social patterns, or individual behavior, is necessary to plan to prevent or mitigate the environmental consequences. Communicating up-to-date information to environmental and public health managers, elected officials and citizens will enable everyone to make the best decisions for themselves, others, and the planet.


Center for Human Health Risk

NCCOS's Center for Human Health Risk (CHHR) conducts research to understand and forecast relationships between coastal ocean and estuary ecosystems and human health and well-being. To accomplish this CHHR provides a safe and secure state-of-the-art environment and the support to facilitate collaboration among the partners, emphasizing the strengths and expertise of the partners. CHHR scientists address local, regional and national resource management questions by considering ocean and human health-related risks. Collaborating with partners at HML, federal and state agencies and universities to learn more about changing ecosystem services, biological diversity and distribution, and patterns of disease will improve our understanding of natural and anthropogenic changes, including climate-related shifts that may affect the health and well-being of coastal communities. Understanding risks and predicting impacts of environmental changes will assist scientists and local governments in protecting important coastal ecosystem services for community health and well-being.


NOAA Center of Excellence in Ocean and Human Health

Oceans and Human Health Initiative

As a NOAA Center of Excellence in Ocean and Human Health HML develops new methods and approaches to evaluate marine ecosystem health. Researchers also identify and characterize chemical and microbial threats to both marine ecosystems and humans. The OHH research programs work to link coastal development to changes in the environment and surrounding ecosystems. Results are distributed to coastal managers, teachers, university students and citizens of all ages through outreach and education programming.

Work within NCCOS includes long-term agreements to partner with the National Estuarine Research Reserves and National Marine Sanctuaries to conduct collaborative ecosystem research. The laboratory is also part of NOAA's Cooperative Center for Marine Animal Health, which is a collaboration between the National Ocean Service and National Marine Fisheries Service.

NOAA has traditionally looked at how humans affect the condition of the ocean, its habitats and inhabitants. Now, scientists are taking a new look at how the health of our oceans and coasts impacts our own health and well-bring. The goal is to understand and predict how the condition of these waters positively or negatively affects human health.

We seek to answer the questions:

For more information, or to contact the HML, visit The Hollings Marine Laboratory website.