Beach In Baltimore Harbor Site of Stevenson University -- NOAA Collaboration.

By Glenn T Johnston

There are very few beaches along Baltimore's waterfront that have 100-meters of uninterrupted sand and gravel. A beach like that provides optimal conditions for monitoring marine debris. Of the three beaches meeting that criteria, only one, Ferry Bar Park, is positioned to catch debris flowing out of the Patapsco River and Gwynns Falls. Located in the Middle Branch sector of the harbor, the park is at the southern tip of Baltimore Peninsula (Port Covington) and presents an opportunity for use as an outdoor laboratory by Stevenson researchers.

Looking south along the beach at Ferry Bar Park on Baltimore Peninsula near the Patapsco River's Middle Branch.

In pursuit of an improved understanding of the estuarine environment within the Port of Baltimore, Stevenson University's Port Study Center has teamed with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project (MDMAP). That project is NOAA’s flagship initiative to measure the amount and types of marine debris on shorelines. MDMAP's standardized collection methods and tools allow Stevenson researchers to detect differences in marine debris over time. The NOAA initiative seeks to inspire debris prevention efforts, educate the public, and improve water quality.

Debris, both natural and human-made, washed ashore along the beach at Ferry Bar Park.

The only MDMAP site within the port, it provides a location for Stevenson's researchers, both students and faculty, to engage in a wide variety of projects beyond marine debris inventory. Research questions regarding water quality, bottom sediments, and air quality can be addressed, as can bioassessments of estuarine water.

This image illustrates the back barrier that runs along the beach.

Stevenson University's Center for the Study of the Port is an initiative undertaken by the University to apply its academic resources to researching, analyzing, and engaging in real-world projects with a focus on Baltimore's port community across all disciplines and interest areas. It is the only organization of its type in the U.S.

Inquiries can be made to the Center's director, Glenn T. Johnston, at gjohnston@stevenson.edu.