Strategically located on the Hampton River, adjacent to Hampton Roads on the Lower Chesapeake Bay, the Department of Marine and Environmental Science is ideally situated for the study of marine, estuarine and freshwater locales. Our department utilizes several vessels for field work. The R/V Aquaria III, a 40-foot research vessel built for the Center, a 19′ Privateer, provides access to deep water areas. In addition, ten kayaks and five canoes allow us to access shallow coastal habitats around Chesapeake Bay. Our faculty have been continuously engaged in research projects and actively recruit students to assist in these projects, especially at the undergraduate level