Coastal food webs are experiencing increased stress related to eutrophication, habitat degradation and overfishing. However, because of the complexity of coastal food webs, we have only a partial understanding of the trophic dynamics of these systems and potential responses to anthropogenic and natural disturbances. Current research areas include the relative importance of predation and food/nutrient enhancement in structuring estuarine and subtropical ecosystems, roles of structural habitats (e.g. oysters, seagrasses, marshes, reefs) in coastal food webs, responses to anthropogenic changes (e.g. eutrophication) and natural disturbances, and trophic interactions among key species. The presence of an excellent small boat fleet as well as seawater facilities, including both an indoor wet lab and an outdoor mesocosm area, facilitates access to local habitats and experimental approaches.