CBL serves the people of Maryland with active involvement in a variety of outreach and public service programs dealing with coastal and watershed issues, regional fisheries information, and environmental planning and conservation. Expertise is available to citizens and local and state legislators for the purpose of providing objective opinions and information concerning the environment.

CBL is a member of a consortium of six regional research organizations, SEARCH, the Solomons Environmental and Archaeological Research Consortium. CBL provides field-oriented marine science educational activities to various environmental and educational groups.

The Maryland Sea Grant Extension Office, based at CBL, engages in outreach activities on coastal and marine issues. Activities range from conducting seminars, conferences, workshops, and demonstrations to producing educational materials such as videos and newsletters