Here at the Paynter Lab, we investigate the physiological and ecological processes associated with life in the estuary. We focus on the biology, ecology, and restoration of the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, which plays a critical role in the overall health of the Chesapeake Bay. Our students and staff are affliated with the University of Maryland's department of Biology, the Marine, Estua
rine, and Environmental Science (MEES) program, and the University of Maryland's Center for Environmental Science (UMCES). Graduate and undergraduate students work in the lab, investigating topics ranging from the physiological response of oysters to changing water conditions to the role that live oysters play in the Chesapeake Bay's benthic food web. In addition, staff help to monitor the bay's restored and natural oyster population, through SCUBA diving, hydraulic patent tong surveys, as well as testing oysters for disease. We hope our page can provide a bit of insight into who we are and what we're up to, with regular updates on what's happening in the lab and on the water. Check out our website (http://www.oyster.umd.edu) for additional information about the lab and past research.
