Three OHHI Centers of Excellence were competitively awarded in 2004. They have strong multi-institutional partnerships with academia, other federal and state agencies, and the private sector; foster robust linkages across marine and biomedical sciences and management communities; and strengthen NOAA's core capabilities to conduct leading-edge research in OHH areas particularly related to NOAA's mission.

NOAA Center of Excellence for Oceans and Human Health at the Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML), Charleston, South Carolina

The OHH Center at HML is developing new methods and approaches to identify and characterize chemical and microbial threats to marine ecosystems and human health and to evaluate the health responses of marine organisms to stress. The core research areas for this center include: (1) source tracking of marine pathogens; (2) emerging chemical contaminants; (3) applied marine genomics; and (4) monitoring, assessment, and prediction.

NOAA West Coast Center of Excellence for Oceans and Human Health (WCCOHH) at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, Washington

The WCCOHH at the NWFSC conducts its research through four core programs: (1) pathogens, viruses, and bacteria; (2) chemical contaminants and biotoxins; (3) marine mammals and fish as sentinel organisms; and (4) climate impacts. Key priorities for the Center include sharing data and research results with other institutions and the public, fostering the exchange of information among diverse communities, including other OHH programs, and providing educational opportunities.

NOAA Center of Excellence for Great Lakes and Human Health (CEGLHH) at the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, Ann Arbor, Michigan

The CEGLHH at GLERL focuses on understanding the inter-relationships among the Great Lakes ecosystem, water quality, and human health. Main research foci include: (1) bacterial and microbial pollutant sources and loadings; (2) pathogen/virus transport; (3) microbial research; (4) nearshore transport; and (5) Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). The research includes laboratory work, field experimentation, and computer modeling.