Eastern Shore Laboratory

ESL Campus Aerial view of VIMS Eastern Shore Laboratory in Wachapreague, VA. Photo by P.G. Ross
Restoring Bay Scallop Populations Juvenile bay scallops produced in the ESL hatchery are placed in restored seagrass beds in South Bay as part of an ongoing effort to restore scallop populations in the VA coastal bays. Photo by ESL Staff
Experimental Oyster Reefs P.G. Ross, Alan Birch, and Edward Smith prepare to sample experimental oyster reefs in the Virginia Coast Reserve. Photo by ESL Staff
Education William & Mary students and professors embark on a field trip to study Physical Oceanography during the Field Studies in Coastal Marine Environments course. Photo by Wes Hudson
Education Undergraduate students learn about salt marsh and dune vegetation as part of William & Mary's Field Studies in Coastal Marine Environments course. Photo by Stephanie Bonniwell
Oyster Reef Research Alan Birch and P.G. Ross assess experimental oyster reefs in Onancock Creek. Photo by ESL Staff
Barrier Islands Virginia's Atlantic shoreline is home to some of the nation's most pristine barrier islands and saltmarsh lagoons.
Wachapreague VIMS Eastern Shore Lab is located in the small seaside village of Wachapreague, VA. Photo by Stephanie Bonniwell
Salt Marsh Ecology Researchers use respiration chambers and an infrared gas chromatograph to measure marsh respiration rates. Photo by Randy Jones
Vessels The Eastern Shore Lab operates a fleet of small vessels for coastal research and education. Photo by ESL Staff
Shark Longline Survey The waters off of the Eastern Shore Lab represent one station in the VIMS Longline Shark Survey. Photo by ESL Staff
Education Students explore the diversity of organisms living in the barrier island - salt marsh - lagoon ecosystem while on an ESL field trip. Photo by Wes Hudson
Education Visiting students use microscopes and taxonomy guides to identify a variety of marine species found in the waters near the Eastern Shore Laboratory. Photo by Wes Hudson
Education Salisbury University students use stereo scopes to examine the diversity of organisms collected in nearby creeks and mud flats. Photo by Stephanie Bonniwell
Seawater Tanks VIMS graduate student Amber Hardison monitors her seawater tanks for her PHD study of nutrients and macroalgae in Eastern shore lagoons.
Salt Marsh Ecology Three researchers head off into the vast expanse of coastal marshes on the Eastern Shore. Photo by ESL Staff
New Student Field Trip Members of the VIMS matriculating class of 2008 pose for a photo during the annual "new students" field trip to the Eastern Shore Laboratory in Wachapreague.
Field Trip Members of the VIMS matriculating class of 2008 learn about coastal erosion during the annual "new students" field trip to the Eastern Shore Laboratory in Wachapreague.
Sunrise in Wachapreague Watching the sun rise over the marsh is an early morning bonus when visiting the Eastern Shore Laboratory. Photo by Stephanie Bonniwell

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The Virginia Institute of Marine Science's Eastern Shore Laboratory (ESL) serves as both a field station in support of research and teaching and as a site for resident research in coastal ecology and aquaculture. By virtue of its access to unique coastal habitats, excellent water quality, and an extensive seawater laboratory, the ESL affords educational and research opportunities not available elsewhere within the region. Over its 60 plus-year history, the laboratory has become internationally recognized for shellfish research, with important contributions to molluscan ecology and culture. See our Facebook page for the latest info.

Director: Richard Snyder

Business Manager: Hollis Parks

Facilities and Reservations

Mailing Address

Eastern Shore Laboratory
PO Box 350
Wachapreague, VA 23480

Physical Address

Eastern Shore Laboratory
40 Atlantic Avenue
Wachapreague, VA 23480

Phone: 757-787-5816