Welcome to the Duke University Marine Laboratory, where we work at the forefront of understanding marine environmental systems, their conservation, and governance. Our goal is to understand these systems through leadership in research, training and communication. 

Our faculty and students conduct world-class, cutting-edge research on many aspects of marine ecosystems and the human communities that depend on them. Our research is multi-faceted and inter-disciplinary, reflecting the complex problems faced by the world's oceans.

We train students at the undergraduate, master's and doctoral levels. We emphasize small classes, intensive research experiences, immersion in field work, and the opportunity to sample other maritime environments through our signature travel classes. We encourage all our students to become engaged citizens who will strive to make the world a better place. 

We are keenly aware of the challenges facing the world's oceans and our faculty are strong advocates for conservation of marine ecosystems and maritime communities. Our faculty and alumni are leaders in analyzing, developing and implementing policy at the local, national and international levels.  

We are proud to be a part of the Nicholas School of the Environment and we embrace being part of a great research university. At the same time, we offer an experience that is different (and saltier) than on main campus. We invite you to join us here for a unique educational and research experience at the southern tip of the Outer Banks.

Andy Read
Stephen A. Toth Professor of Marine Biology
Chair, Marine Science & Conservation Division 
Director, Duke University Marine Lab