James J. Howard Marine Sciences Laboratory

Established in September 1961, the Sandy Hook Marine Laboratory was the first Federal scientific laboratory devoted solely to research on marine recreational fish and fishing. It was originally located on the bay approximately 300 ft from here in the former Ft. Hancock Post hospital building. The 1959 passage of the Marine Game Fish Act enabled the beginning of the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, and the naming of the Laboratory's first director, vanguard biologist Dr. Lionel A. Walford. The laboratory was incorporated into the new National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) within the U.S. Department of Commerce in 1970.

On September 21, 1985, the Laboratory suffered a tragic loss when fire destroyed its original building, built in 1899, along with years of pre-electronic research data, and a 35,000 volume library.

The laboratory's current mission is to conduct research and understand the effects of environmental variability and human disturbances on fish and shellfish productivity relative to habitat.

Research emphasizes resource species of commercial or recreational value such as bluefish, weakfish, flounders, and shellfish.

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Founder ? Dr. Lionel A. Walford

Today the laboratory, named for Congressman James Howard, a staunch supporter of maintaining a Federal marine presence here in New Jersey, is comprised of two buildings: Bldg. 74, a restored former Ft. Hancock enlisted men's barracks constructed in 1909, and a new (1993) laboratory building across the street, designed to complement original Ft. Hancock architecture. The new and renovated spaces contain modern laboratories, and a 32,000 gallon aquarium with running seawater from the bay, supporting 22 seawater labs. A control room contains computers for configuring, controlling and monitoring the lighting and seawater systems. Dedicated laboratory suites support chemical and microbiological research. The facility houses the Lionel A. Walford Library which is noted for its collection of fisheries-related archives and journals.

Researchers from this laboratory have authored thousands of scientific publications.

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Sandy Hook Barracks Building #22 Built 1899
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Hospital Steward's Quarters
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