Columbia Environmental Research Center

The Columbia Environmental Research Center is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) research facility located in Columbia, Missouri. The Center provides scientific information and data needed to address national and international environmental contaminant issues, and effects of habitat alterations on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The Center has a unique capability for conducting multidisciplinary research that includes large river floodplains, coastal habitats, wetlands, streams and lakes. Scientists at CERC form partnerships with national, state and local agencies, nongovernmental organizations and universities to enhance scientific information needed for management of the nation’s resources.

There are several Field Research Stations affiliated to CERC, two of which are located in Texas and address environmental issues related to the Gulf of Mexico. They are the Texas Gulf Coast Field Research Station, and the Marine Ecotoxicology Research Station located on the Texas A&M University campus in Corpus Christi.