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Thanks to the generous support of Robert M. Lee (‘78 B.S., ‘09 Hon.) and Linda M. Wilkins (‘88 MBA), the University’s new home for marine science in the Canal Dock Boathouse offers more than a place to study — it’s a space where students can engage directly with the coastal environment through lab courses, fieldwork, and community outreach. Located on the New Haven Harbor near Long Wharf, the facility supports both academic learning opportunities and environmental education for the local community.

Designed with sustainability and resilience in mind, the building incorporates repurposed materials from the historic George Adee Memorial Boathouse and features several green design elements. A white roof helps reduce heat absorption, while state-of-the-art building controls manage ventilation, lighting, and energy use. Storm-resistant breakaway panels and high-efficiency insulation contribute to both the safety and sustainability of this waterfront facility.

The Canal Dock Boathouse is a multi-use building, which contains two University spaces – the Marine Science Laboratory and the Boat Bay. Together, these two spaces create an environment where students and community members can connect with marine ecosystems, contribute to coastal resilience, and deepen their understanding of the Long Island Sound.

Where Learning Meets the Shore

The Long Island Sound is a unique tidal estuary where saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean meets freshwater from rivers across the Northeast, creating a rich coastal ecosystem bordered by Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island. With over 11 million people living along its shores, the Sound has long shaped the region’s economy, ecology, and culture.

At the University of New Haven, the Sound is more than a backdrop—it’s a living laboratory. The Robert M. Lee and Linda M. Wilkins Marine Science Center’s proximity to the Sound allows students to engage directly with the coastal environments that they study in the classroom, applying scientific concepts in real-world settings. It also serves as a place where the broader community can gather to explore, learn about, and connect with the marine environments that define our region.

• Marine Science Laboratory
  
  

  The Marine Science Laboratory at Canal Dock is a fully equipped biological wet lab that was thoughtfully designed to immerse students in hands-on, inquiry-based learning. The lab supports both undergraduate and graduate coursework by providing a space where students can apply classroom concepts directly to marine ecosystems on Connecticut’s coast. From analyzing water samples to studying marine plant life and using microscopes to examine plankton, students gain valuable ºÚÁÏÉçs that bring learning to life and prepare students for careers in marine and environmental science.

  
• The Boat Bay

  The Boat Bay is a versatile, waterfront space that supports both academic programming and community engagement at the University of New Haven. Used regularly for course-based activities, it also serves as a venue for a diverse range of community outreach events that highlight the unique characteristics and immense value of our Blue Backyard, the Long Island Sound. From public lectures and field trips for local K-12 students to broader fair-style events, the Boat Bay’s adaptable layout can accommodate a wide range of educational ºÚÁÏÉçs. This quality makes the space a vital setting for connecting classroom learning with real-world applications and for strengthening ties between the University and the broader community.

FAQ

• What kinds of educational activities are hosted at the Marine Science Center?

  The Marine Science Center hosts a wide variety of educational activities, including college-level lab courses, field trips for local K-12 classrooms, public lectures, and environmental outreach events that connect our local community to the marine environments around them.

• What can I do if I am interested in bringing students to the facility for a field trip or collaborating to host a community event?

  Contact our team via email at COASTS@newhaven.edu or reach out directly to our Lab Manager and Outreach Coordinator, Sarah Novarro, at SNovarro@newhaven.edu.

• Is the Marine Science Center open to the public?

  No, the Marine Science Center does not currently have open hours for the public. Group visits and events for community members are arranged upon request.

• I am a community member, external to the University. Can I rent your space to host an event?

  We are unable to rent out the spaces in this facility for external events, but we are able to host collaborative community events in the boat bay space.

  If you are interested in renting one of the private event spaces on the second floor of Canal Dock Boathouse, please contact Erika Flowers at BoatHouse@newhavenct.gov.

• I am a faculty, staff, or student at the University. Can I plan a field trip for my class or host an event at the Marine Science Center?

  Yes! Whether you are planning a community-engaged event and need a suitable venue or if you would like to bring students to the facility for a field trip, please reach out to Sarah Novarro (SNovarro@newhaven.edu) for more information and upcoming availability.

• Marine and Environmental Sciences, B.S.
• Marine Policy & Management, M.A.
• Environmental Science, M.S.

Community Opportunities for Accessing Science Training on the Sound (COASTS)