National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) plans to rebuild its historic marine science laboratory in Beaufort, North Carolina, after the facility was closed because of structural damage caused by hurricanes. The agency has allocated $64 million for the reconstruction through the 2025 Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. Design and preconstruction work are expected to begin in early 2027.

125 Years Of Marine Science In North Carolina

The Beaufort Laboratory was established in 1899 as part of the US Fish Commission, one of NOAA's predecessor agencies. It is the nation's second-oldest federal marine laboratory, after the Woods Hole facility in Massachusetts.

The laboratory moved to its current Pivers Island location in 1902. Its researchers have contributed to fisheries, marine ecology and oceanographic research for more than a century.

The previous main laboratory building was permanently closed after an inspection found structural and foundation damage that made continued occupancy unsafe. NOAA has since renovated other campus buildings to accommodate displaced staff and maintain research operations.

New Facility To Support Fisheries And Coastal Research

NOAA said the replacement laboratory will support research on harmful algal blooms, marine habitats, fisheries and coastal resilience.

Researchers will also use uncrewed underwater systems for habitat mapping and coral restoration. The facility will support South Atlantic fisheries management and research into natural infrastructure used for coastal protection.

The Beaufort campus also houses NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service personnel and the North Carolina Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve. The reserve operates through a federal-state partnership involving NOAA and North Carolina's Division of Coastal Management.

A Research Hub With National Reach

NOAA said the new laboratory is intended to expand scientific services in coastal North Carolina and support research and resource management across the US.

The facility's location provides access to diverse coastal ecosystems, the country's second-largest estuary and the Gulf Stream. NOAA said the new design will also improve the campus's resilience to future storms and flooding.