The Flax Pond Marine Lab is an active research and instructional facility involved in investigating fundamental problems affecting marine fisheries on a regional and national scale. The lab is located at Flax Pond, a 0.6 km^2 preserve that encompasses an entire tidal wetland area. The tidal marsh is located between Crane Neck Point (to the west) and Old Field Point (to the east) at 40 deg. 57.778 min. North latitutde and 73 deg. 8.216 min. West longitude.

Three main goals of the laboratory are: (1) Provide equipment and facilities for scientists conducting fisheries related research; (2) Train graduate and undergraduate students for careers in marine science and education; and (3) Increase public awareness of marine ecology and the direction of fisheries research.