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News from Hollings Marine Laboratory
April 16, 2008
Funding Leveraged for Summer Camp in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance for Chemistry
A multiple-partner effort at the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science’s Hollings Marine Laboratory, led by
Mirko Hennig from the Medical University of South Carolina, acquired support for a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
(NMR) summer camp from a National Science Foundation grant through the South Carolina Experimental Program to
Stimulate Competitive Research and Institutional Development Awards Program (http://www.scepscoridea.org/). The
camp will provide an opportunity for student and faculty teams from Southeastern colleges and universities to learn
skills and concepts related to using NMR instruments in research. Determining the structure of small molecules
will be the focus of the research. Additional funding for the summer camp is being provided by the National
Institute of Standards and Technology. Applications are currently being reviewed. The camp will be held from May
19-22. For more information, contact Susan Lovelace at (843) 762-8824 or Susan.Lovelace@noaa.gov, or Katie
Dombrowski at (843) 762-8919 or Katie.Dombrowski@noaa.gov. (HML)
Collaboration Among NOAA Offices, Commerce Agencies Furthered at Charleston Gathering
On April 3 and 4, 2008, the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML)
hosted the first site visit to Charleston’s facilities by the Joint Management Team for NOAA's Cooperative Center
for Marine Animal Health (CCMAH). Participants included scientists and managers from the HML, Center for Coastal
Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, the National Institute for Standards and Technology, NOAA Fisheries’
Office of Protected Resources, and NCCOS Headquarters. Presentations and discussions focused on common mission
and program interests, cooperation among the offices, scientific capabilities, and means to advance collaboration
and improve efficiency between NOAA’s National Ocean Service and NOAA Fisheries under CCMAH. For more information,
contact Nathalie Valette-Silver at (301) 713-3020 or Nathalie.Valette-Silver@noaa.gov, or Fred Holland at (843)
762-8813 or Fred.Holland@noaa.gov. (CCMAH, HML)
April 9, 2008
HML and CCEHBR Staff Pull Together to Donate Items to In-Need Charleston, SC Elementary School
Scientists and Staff from the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science’s Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML) and
Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research held a one week food and bag drive for the
students at Edmund A. Burns Elementary School in North Charleston, SC. On April 2, over 85 conference bags,
totes, and book bags were donated to the School Store, along with school supplies and science activities. A
generous load of non-perishable food was donated to the Book Bag Buddies Program, which sends 100 kids home each
weekend with a book bag full of food for the students and their families. HML IT Staff is currently working with
the school Technology Coordinator to help acquire excess equipment through the federal program, Computers for
Learning, which will help the school reach their technology goal of one computer for every classroom. For more
information, contact Katie Dombrowski at (843) 762-8919 or Katie.Dombrowski@noaa.gov, or Susan Lovelace at (843)
762-8824 or Susan.Lovelace@noaa.gov. (HML/CCEHBR)
April 2, 2008
Documentary Provides Population Change and Land Use Story to Educate South Carolina Viewers
As part of long-term informal cooperation between the Strom Thurmond Institute at Clemson University and NOAA in
Charleston, SC., National Ocean Service and National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science scientists were featured in
a South Carolina Education Television Commission (the South Carolina public television network) documentary, "Tide
of Change". The documentary, which aired March 27 at 9 pm, examined population growth and the challenges it brings
to protecting environmental health during development and the ramifications for human well-being and quality of
life in coastal South Carolina. Scientists shared research on tidal creeks as sentinel habitats, and pollution of
estuarine waterways by emerging contaminants. The documentary was produced by the Public Service Program of
Clemson University as a special episode of the television series, "Expeditions with Patrick McMillan". For more
information, contact Fred Holland at (843) 762-8811 or Fred.Holland@noaa.gov, or Susan Lovelace at (843) 762-8824
or Susan.Lovelace@noaa.gov. (HML)
Significance: As human populations swell along the coasts, the impact of development also increases. If citizens
understand the impacts that development brings to ecosystem health, and the risks they face as their ecosystem
changes, they can take a more active role in government issues that affect development decisions.
Regional Conference Continues Eco-Friendly Theme
Organizers of the 16th annual Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium (SEAMAMMS) in Charleston
continued the tradition of hosting an eco-friendly conference by incorporating environmental consciousness into
different parts of the event. Electronic files were provided instead of printed abstract books to reduce paper
waste, and attendees used biodegradable plates, napkins, and utensils. Hot and cold drink cups were made of PLA
plastic, a compostable material derived from U.S.-grown corn. Fair Trade coffee was served during breaks, and
other food and beverage items were purchased locally from businesses that provide organic and environmentally
sustainable goods and services. For more information, contact Lori Schwacke at (843) 762-8868 or Lori.Schwacke@noaa.gov, or Katie Dombrowski at (843) 762-8919 or Katie.Dombrowski@noaa.gov. (HML)
Scientists Meet in Charleston to Discuss Research on Marine Mammal Health
The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science’s Hollings Marine Laboratory, in partnership with the NOAA National
Marine Fisheries Service’s Office of Protected Resources, hosted the 16th annual Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine
Mammal Symposium (SEAMAMMS) in Charleston, S.C. from March 28-30, 2008. Participants focused discussions on
disease and stressors that threaten the health of marine animals, such as dolphins and whales, commonly found in
waters along the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts. Over 135 scientists from most of the Southeast coastal
states, from Virginia to Texas, attended and presented research on topics such as emerging marine mammal disease,
impacts from biological and chemical toxins and cutting edge diagnostic tool development using various approaches.
For more information, contact Lori Schwacke at (843) 762-8868 or Lori.Schwacke@noaa.gov, or Katie Dombrowski at
(843) 762-8919 or Katie.Dombrowski@noaa.gov. (HML)
Evaluating Gulf of Mexico Tidal Creeks as Sentinel Habitats for Ecosystem Health
As part of a long term agreement between the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science and the National Estuarine
Research Reserves (NERRS), scientists from Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML) conducted an initial sampling
recognizance on March 24-27. The sampling was for the integrated project, “Evaluating Tidal Creek Ecosystems as
Early Warning Systems for the Impacts of Coastal Population Growth and Associated Land Use Changes on Coastal
Ecosystem and Human Well-being in the Gulf of Mexico.” The primary objective of this work is to clearly define
the relationships between coastal development, land use changes, non-point source pollution loading, and the
ecological and ecosystem health status of tidal creek ecosystems. The project uses the NERRS as reference sites.
This year, the sentinel habitats group will be sampling creeks in the Grand Bay NERR (MS) and Weeks Bay NERR (AL).
As the project develops there may be opportunities for cooperative work between HML and the Center for Coastal
Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research. For more information, contact Fred Holland at (843) 762-8811 or
Fred.Holland@noaa.gov or Susan White at (843) 762-8993 or Susan.White@noaa.gov (HML)
March 19, 2008
Tidal Creek Sentinel Habitats and Organisms Provide a Conceptual Model that Optimizes Ability to Determine
Effects of Local Land Use Change
Scientists from the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science’s Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML) presented six
talks and posters that demonstrated links between land use stressors, exposures, and responses within the tidal
creeks ecosystems to scientists and environmental managers at the Southeastern Estuarine Research Society
semiannual meeting in Charleston, SC March 13-14. The presentations examined the biota in the sediments and water,
the volume and rate of stormwater runoff and the nutrients it carries, and preliminary work defining impacts on
human dimensions. All of this work fits into a conceptual model that will assist communities in making decisions
when planning development in coastal areas. Additionally, an HML graduate student identified a positive
relationship between exposure and motor response of a sentinel organism, the sheepshead minnow, to a pharmaceutical
(fluoxetine), a serotonin re-uptake inhibitor now commonly found in tidal creek waters. For more information,
contact Susan Lovelace at (843) 762-8824 or Susan.Lovelace@noaa.gov, or Ed Wirth at (843) 762-8903 or Ed.Wirth@noaa.gov. (HML)
Significance: Development of sentinel habitat and organism conceptual models improves scientists’ ability to
efficiently measure the effects changes in land use have on ecosystem health and human well-being.
Improving tools that forecast urban impacts to coastal ecosystems assists coastal managers in their decision making
processes.
Reducing and Reusing Water Lowers Environmental Footprint of HML Operations
Building managers at the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science’s Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML) have
efficiently recalibrated the sensors in a water cooling tower, saving 1.7 million gallons of water a year.
When conducting a repair to the tower, they used the opportunity to recalibrate the sensors to the manufacturer’s
recommended specifications which improved the operation of the supply system and created the large savings in
water and budget. This is one of several measures recently implemented at HML to reduce water use. These
measures contribute to an effective use of resources as HML conducts its part of the NOAA mission. For more
information, contact Martin Burnett at (843) 762-8808 or Martin.Burnett@noaa.gov, or Cleve Robertson at (843)
762-8934 or Cleve.Robertson@noaa.gov. (HML)
March 5, 2008
Cooperative Efforts to Update Coastal Stormwater Guides Improves Information to Local Governments
In considering the content and form of a coastal development addition to the Georgia stormwater management
recommendations, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) scientists met with Georgia and South Carolina
University, extension, coastal program, commercial development, environmental not-for-profit, and National
Estuarine Research Reserve staff on February 28, 2008 at the Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML). Researchers shared
new tools for determining the components of the tidal creek conceptual stress-response model such as improved
predictive capabilities for determining stormwater runoff in different watershed classes. Co-hosted by HML and the
Center for Watershed Protection, presentations and discussions centered on NCCOS-produced stormwater management
tools and tidal creek research outcomes that can provide the most efficient guidelines for sustaining water quality
in the face of increasing development. For more information, contact Fred Holland at (843) 762-8811 or Fred.Holland@noaa.gov, or Susan Lovelace at (843) 762-8824 or Susan.Lovelace@noaa.gov. (HML)
Significance: Increased impervious surface due to increased coastal development creates larger volumes and rate of
flow for stormwater and the pollution it carries. New tools and information can assist decision-makers and
planners in reducing development impacts.
Integration of Research Provides Strong Indicators to Improve Coastal Management Decisions
Efforts to assess and characterize a sentinel habitat as an indicator of coastal development in the Southeastern
United States was presented by a National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science researcher in a panel discussion
during NOAA’s Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, Annual Ocean and Coastal Program Managers’ Meeting,
February 25-28, 2008 in Washington DC. The presentation included new data that integrate the human dimension
aspects into the sentinel habitat characterization of tidal creeks to support stronger applications for coastal
management decisions. This presentation is one of three that identified and incorporated monitoring and assessment
data into national coastal program efforts to track changes in coastal resources and management successes to
achieve the goals of the Coastal Zone Management Act. For more information, contact Susan White at (843) 762-8993
or Susan.White@noaa.gov, or Katie Dombrowski at (843) 762-8919 or Katie.Dombrowski@noaa.gov. (HML)
Significance: For coastal science to be useful to many local land use decisions it must use methods that develop
indicators of sentinel ecosystem health that includes humans as part of the ecosystem. Improving tools that assess
sentinel organisms and ecosystems assists coastal managers in their decision-making processes that affect human
health and well-being.
CCEHBR and HML Combined Federal Campaign Effort Awarded Gold and Iron Man Awards
At the 2007 Awards and Recognition Program of the Coastal Carolina Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) held on
February 28, 2008 in Charleston, SC, the Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research
(CCEHBR) and the Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML) were awarded a Gold Achievement Award for reaching a 10% or more
increase over the 2006 Campaign results. Joe Wade, Activity Coordinator for CCEHBR, accepted the Iron Man Award
for the greater Charleston area for the organization showing the greatest persistence in meeting its contribution
goal. For more information, call Joe Wade at (843) 762-8597 or Joe.Wade@noaa.gov. (CCEHBR, HML)
Coastal Managers and NOAA Leaders Direct Focus toward the Future of Coastal Management
The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) in collaboration with NOAA’s Office of Ocean and Coastal
Resource Management (OCRM) hosted a concurrent session focused on developing strategies and ideas to support the
development of the next generation of leaders in coastal management during the NOAA’s OCRM, Annual Ocean and
Coastal Program Managers’ Meeting, February 25-28, 2008 in Washington DC. Discussions focused on how drivers such
as changing coastal zone policies, increasing retirements from the field, and professional development that ensures
the changing needs of stakeholders are incorporated into leadership training, are bringing about a critical
juncture in coastal management. Coastal program managers and NOAA program leaders contributed their insights and
suggestions as to how to build out new initiatives and strengthen existing efforts that focus on preparing the
next generation of coastal leaders. For more information, contact Susan White at (843) 762-8993 or Susan.White@noaa.gov, or Cory Riley at (603) 862-2813 or Cory.Riley@noaa.gov. (HML)
February 27, 2008
Chemical Used in Stain Repellents Impairs the Immune System in Threatened Loggerhead Turtles
Work conducted by National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science partners at Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML) found
significant levels of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in blood plasma of loggerhead turtles along the U.S. East
Coast. PFCs in the turtles were similar in concentration to those previously measured in humans, a finding that
suggests the loggerhead is a good sentinel of human exposure to PFCs. Research indicates that PFCs are also much
more toxic to the turtle immune systems than previously thought. PFCs are used as nonstick coatings and stain
repellents in a wide variety of cookware, carpets, and food packaging, and are known to be toxic to livers,
reproductive organs, and immune systems of laboratory mammals. HML scientists from the National Institute of
Standards and Technology and Medical University of South Carolina reported these results at the annual meeting of
the American Association for the Advancement of Science on February 16 in Boston, MA. For more information,
contact Jennifer Keller at (843) 762-8863 or Jennifer.Keller@noaa.gov, or Susan Lovelace at (843) 762-8824 or Susan.Lovelace@noaa.gov. (HML)
Significance: Loggerhead sea turtles are listed as a threatened species. Human activities, including releasing
contaminants into the environment, may impact the immune system and longevity of these animals. Environmental
levels of PFCs in turtles may signal similar contamination in other marine species.
Aquaculture Workshop Identifies Solutions for Improving American Competitiveness
The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science’s Hollings Marine Laboratory cooperated with the National Institute
of Standards and Technology and the NOAA Aquaculture Office to host a workshop, “Enhancing Competitiveness of
Sustainable Marine Aquaculture in the United States; Addressing Measurement Barriers to Technological Innovation,”
on February 13-14, 2008 in Lake Buena Vista, FL. 120 participants representing commercial, academic, and
government interests discussed and prioritized technical gaps to innovation in order to move U.S. aquaculture
forward in its productivity. The discussions resulted in a draft white paper with priorities for short, medium,
and long-term research and development efforts that support sustainable aquaculture industries within the U.S. The
two-day workshop was associated with the Aquaculture America Conference. For more information, contact Susan White at (843) 762-8993 or Susan.White@noaa.gov, or Susan Lovelace at (843) 762-8824 or Susan.Lovelace@noaa.gov. [06H00005] (HML)
Significance: Seafood represents a very important component in the U.S. trade deficit and marine products have
important human health benefits. To move America forward in innovation and competitiveness in marine aquaculture,
it is important to identify and bridge the gaps in technology that hinder productivity.
February 20, 2008
NOAA Leadership Visits Charleston, SC to Discuss Issues and Opportunities
Mary Glackin, NOAA's Deputy Undersecretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, and Headquarters staff visited with NOAA
staff and constituents on February 11 to discuss the newly-released NOAA budget for FY09 and to talk about local
and regional concerns and opportunities. Overall discussions were well-received and over 100 attended the Public
Meeting where Ms. Glackin presented an overview of the FY09 NOAA budget. During the visit, she also met with local
managers from the Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML), Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular
Research, Coastal Services Center and National Weather Service. HML then hosted an informal brown bag lunch with
partners and constituents. For more information, contact Fred Holland at (843) 762-8811 or Fred.Holland@noaa.gov,
or Katie Dombrowski at (843) 762-8919 or Katie.Dombrowski@noaa.gov. (HML/CCEHBR)
February 6, 2008
Improved Methods for Modeling Stormwater Runoff in South Carolina Coastal Areas Increase Managers’ Input for
Decision-Making
A National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science scientist presented improved modeling tools for quantifying stormwater
runoff volume and rate to the South Carolina Oceans and Coastal Resources Management Office (OCRM) on January 29.
These models improve coastal managers’ ability to forecast the impact of urbanization on the volume and rate of
runoff through modifying the standard model to account for the flat slopes and shallow water tables of the
southeastern coastal area, as well as the level of soil compaction occurring with development. OCRM is the
regulatory agency for stormwater permits in the eight coastal counties of South Carolina and this information is an
addition to their toolbox for evaluating permits. For more information, contact Anne Blair at (843) 762-8992 or Anne.Blair@noaa.gov or Susan Lovelace at (843) 762-8824 or Susan.Lovelace@noaa.gov. (HML)
Significance: Increased development in coastal areas brings with it more impervious surface that increases both
the amount and speed of stormwater runoff. Tools that improve forecasts of coastal storm water runoff will assist
coastal managers in predicting impacts of rain events such as flooding to coastal ecosystems and local communities.
January 23, 2008
NOAA Distinguished Career Awards, Bronze Medals Go to NCCOS Staffers for Service, Achievements Furthering NOAA's Mission
The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science has several awardees among the recipients of the 2007 Distinguished Career and Bronze Awards.
The following employees earned bronze medals for their achievements:
Tammie Herrin (HML): For developing and implementing efficient and effective administrative and financial systems for the multi-organizational Hollings Marine Laboratory in Charleston, South Carolina.
Alexander F. (Fred) Holland (HML): For leadership in establishing a state-of-the-art laboratory with federal, state, and academic experts to study and protect the oceans and human health.
Stephan L. Morton (CCEHBR): For leadership in implementing the Southeast Phytoplankton Monitoring Network to enhance observations and awareness of harmful algal blooms.
The following employees were honored for cumulative career achievements over an extended period of time:
G. Malcolm Meaburn (CCEHBR): For outstanding research and achievement on coastal environmental contaminants and human health risks associated with seafood consumption.
W. Judson Kenworthy (CCFHR): For national and international scientific achievement and leadership in protecting and restoring seagrasses and other living marine resources. Congratulations to our award winners. For more information, contact Alicia Jarboe at (301) 713-3020 x182 or Alicia.Jarboe@noaa.gov. (HQ)
January 23, 2008
Hollings Marine Laboratory Executive Board Meeting Hosted in Charleston
Jack Dunnigan, Assistant Administrator of the National Ocean Service, hosted the Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML)
Executive Board meeting on Monday January 14 at HML. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Willie E. May, Director of
the Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
The board convenes several times a year to discuss important issues regarding HML and overall collaboration between
the partners, including NOAA, NIST, the College of Charleston, the Medical University of South Carolina, and the
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. For more information, contact Fred Holland at (843) 762-8811 or Fred.Holland@noaa.gov, or Susan Lovelace at (843) 762-8824 or Susan.Lovelace@noaa.gov. (HML)
December 19, 2007
Improved Data Management Platforms and Impervious Cover Measurements Increase Managers' Access to Information for Decision-Making
A National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) scientist presented improved tools for management decisions to
the Oceans and Coastal Resources Management Office of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental
Control on December 19. Improved data management frameworks, impervious cover measurements and a method for
analyzing environmental variables with socioeconomic variables to create an index of Quality of Place. The Quality
of Place index increases the utility of using tidal creek watersheds as sentinels of human health and well-being
in coastal communities. These tools will initially provide an understanding of how communities have developed in
the past and enhance decision-makers' abilities to assist communities in planning future development while
maintaining ecosystem health. This work is conducted by partners at NCCOS's Hollings Marine Laboratory, a
partnership of the Medical University of South Carolina, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources,
the College of Charleston, the National Institute of Standards and Technology and NOAA. For more information,
Susan Lovelace at (843) 762-8824 or Susan.Lovelace@noaa.gov. [06H00017] (HML)
November 21, 2007
Understanding Tidal Creeks Ecosystems as Sentinels of Land Use Change Provides Model for Improved Decision-Making
National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) research results indicate that the level of human development
activities, including roadways, sidewalks, and roofs, in a watershed has a direct impact on the health of America's
tidal creeks and may potentially threaten public health. Discussions with environmental health scientists and
policy makers at the November 4-9 Estuarine Research Federation International Conference in Providence, R.I.
presented tidal creeks as sentinel habitats from a variety of perspectives. A presentation on the overview of the
research framework and results, as well as presentations on pathogen and contaminant research in tidal creeks,
hydrology associated with changing land use in tidal creeks, and human dimension aspects of the quality of a place
all discussed the stressors and responses of this coastal ecosystem. The best use of national land cover data sets
to effectively evaluate tidal creeks was also presented. The National Estuarine Research Reserves are partnering
with NCCOS to evaluate and validate this model. Hollings Marine Laboratory, an NCCOS facility, is also a NOAA
Oceans and Human Health Initiative Center of Excellence in Oceans and Human Health. For more information contact
Fred Holland at 843-762.8811 or Fred.Holland@noaa.gov or
Susan Lovelace at 843-762-8824 or Susan Lovelace@noaa.gov. [ 06H00017] (HML)
November 14, 2007
Monitoring Study Contributes to Risk Assessment of Antifoulants in California Coastal Waters
The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science researchers, in collaboration with the Southern California Coastal
Water Research Project, recently reported the widespread detection of the antifouling agents irgarol and diuron in
coastal marina waters near San Diego, CA. While observed levels of /diuron/ were not considered hazardous, water
from some sampling stations contained amounts of /irgarol /that might pose a risk to local phytoplankton populations.
This is the first known report on the presence of these compounds in the coastal waters of the western U.S. and
the potential risk they pose to non-target marine species. For more information, please contact Yelena
Sapozhnikova at (843)762-8880 or Yelena.Sapozhnikova@noaa.gov, or Ed Wirth at
(843)762-8903 or Ed.Wirth@noaa.gov.
[02E00013 (CCEHBR), [06H00009] (HML)
October 17, 2007
Mentors Develop Content to Enhance Training Middle School Students in Inquiry Ocean Sciences
On October 9, students from South Carolina State University (SCSU), a Historically Black College and University
(HBCU), met scientists from the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science's (NCCOS) Hollings Marine Laboratory
(HML). They discussed the science of using oysters as sentinel organisms for indicators of habitat and ecosystem
health as well as vectors of contamination and illness for humans. The SCSU students developed content knowledge
to improve their mentoring of Orangeburg, SC middle school students and to begin working with scientists at HML to
further develop the middle school students' ability to ask and answer marine science questions. HML scientists are
partnering with SCSU, the SC Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and the South East Center for Ocean Sciences
Educational Excellence (COSEE) on this 2 year project conducted with support from the National Science Foundation.
For more information contact Susan Lovelace at (843) 762-8824 or Susan.lovelace@noaa.gov or Katie Dombrowski at
(843) 762-8919 or Katie.Dombrowski@noaa.gov. (HML)
October 10, 2007
Citistates Report Cites NCCOS Science in Land Use Analysis to Educate Citizens and Leaders
Using information from a meeting with scientists from the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), the
Citistates Group, in a report for the Charleston Post and Courier Newspaper
(http://www.charleston.net/news/2007/sep/30/the_price_having_all17653/) on September 30, discussed changes in
coastal land use in the Charleston region of South Carolina. The report was written to synthesize and analyze the
"threat and potential threat that growth presents" to the region. The fourth article in the five part series
discussed research at NCCOS' Hollings Marine Laboratory, including changes in land use that result in ecosystem
degradation by legacy and emerging threats, flooding, and other impacts to human health and well-being. The series
was funded by local foundations to communicate the status of the area's efforts to provide a good quality of life
to its citizens. For more information contact Fred Holland at 843-762-8813 or Fred.Holland@noaa.gov or Susan
Lovelace at 843-762-8824 or Susan.Lovelace@noaa.gov. [06H00017] (HML)
South Carolina Teachers Learn Lessons to Improve their Environmental Chemistry Instruction
Twenty-five local chemistry teachers participated in a workshop at the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science's
Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML) on September 29 to learn activities for high school chemistry standards within a
context of environmental chemistry and toxicology. Moving "Oceans and Human Health" science into high school
classrooms provides students the opportunity to develop environmental literacy, explore potential careers, and
learn basic chemistry skills in an exciting, new manner. HML scientists presented their research on organic
contaminants in sea turtles and inorganic contaminants in estuaries. Teachers attended laboratory sessions to
learn activities dealing with solubility, separation science, concentration, molecular structure/function, limiting
factors, and replacement reactions. These were written using HML toxicology, emerging contaminants and other
pollutants, natural products, and measurement science methods and content. The four lead teachers developed lesson
plans to disseminate the materials at regional and national meetings. HML partnered with the South Carolina Sea
Grant Consortium to develop and implement this project. For more information contact Susan Lovelace at 843-762-8824
or Susan.Lovelace@noaa.gov or
Katie Dombrowski at 843-762-8919 or Katie.Dombrowski@noaa.gov. [06H00016] (HML)