The mission of the Patuxent Environmental & Aquatic Research Laboratory (PEARL) is to provide society with the knowledge to solve its environmental challenges through research, education and economic development. The Patuxent Environmental & Aquatic Research Laboratory is located near the Patuxent River (part of Chesapeake Bay watershed) in Saint Leonard, Maryland. Research conducted at the state
-of-the art facility is designed to increase the understanding of coastal ecosystems so that they may be properly managed and protected. Much of the work is focused on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, such as the Patuxent River.
-Founded in 1967 by The Academy of Natural Sciences and located in Benedict, Maryland
-Moved to current facility in St. Leonard, Maryland, in 1994
-Became part of Morgan State University in September 2004
