Find out what NJSGC and our partners have been up to this past season in the Summer 2024 edition of the COASTodian:
–NJSGC’s Photo Contest Wows Again!
–Dr. Peter Rowe attends Sea Grant Week in Savannah to learn about Sea Grant network activities and responses to a wide variety of marine related topics
–Research Spotlight: It’s Not Just Oysters! The Importance of Biodiversity in Restoration Studies
–New Jersey Names its Favorite Beaches Again!
–The Eco-Ambassador Marine Debris Project is underway at at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory at the Columbia Climate School
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Sea Grant College Program is thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2025 class of the Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship. This year, for the first time in program history, all eligible Sea Grant programs are represented by a diverse cohort of 88 early-career professionals who will spend the next year working alongside federal agencies or legislative offices in Washington, D.C., applying their academic expertise to critical marine, coastal and Great Lakes policy issues.
Laura Geronimo, NJSGC Knauss Finalist
This year New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium’s applicant Laura Geronimo a Post-Doctoral Associate from Rutgers University, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences has been chosen for the Executive Branch of the fellowship.
Since 1979, the Knauss Fellowship provides graduate students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience developing and implementing national policy. This year’s class brings a wide range of experiences and aspirations, reflecting the breadth of the marine and coastal fields. Many of the finalists were motivated by a desire to work at the interface of science and policy, and passionate about building sustainable futures and promoting resilient ecosystems. As one finalist described, “My values are woven from the ocean’s lessons—a tapestry of interconnectedness, symbiosis among different perspectives and adaptability to change.”
As in previous years, this year’s finalists were selected through a competitive process that involved review panels composed of national experts in marine science, policy and education. Over the past 45 years, the Knauss Fellowship has supported more than 1,660 students who have significantly contributed to environmental policy and management and built lasting careers.
“This year’s Knauss Fellowship cohort exemplifies the passion and expertise necessary to address the evolving challenges facing our coasts and oceans,” remarked Dr. Jonathan Pennock, Director of the National Sea Grant College Program. “We are confident that their dedication to serving through science will lead to innovative solutions that sustain coastal and marine resources and communities for future generations.”
The Knauss Fellowship is a one-year paid opportunity for current and recent graduates from advanced degree programs to apply their scientific knowledge and experiences to current issues in science, policy, and public administration. Students who are enrolled in or have recently completed master’s, Juris Doctor and Doctor of Philosophy programs with a focus and/or interest in marine and coastal science, policy, or management apply to one of the 33 eligible Sea Grant programs.
The 2025 finalists represent 70 universities across the country—including 10 minority serving institutions—comprising 44 master’s students, 41 Ph.D. candidates and 3 J.D. candidates. They are geographers, ichthyologists, ecologists, lawyers, environmental managers and more. They represent communities across the nation and are committed to making meaningful contributions to marine policy.
The Monmouth University Climate Change Learning Collaborative (MU CCLC) was developed by Michelle Schpakow, Ed.D., Catherine Duckett, Ph.D., and Peter Jacques, Ph.D. in collaboration with New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, Monmouth University’s Urban Coast Institute (UCI), and Monmouth Conservation Foundation. With the funding support of the NJ Department of Education’s Expanding Access to Climate Change and NJ Student Learning grant, the MU CCLC will prepare NJ K-12 teachers to teach climate change in developmentally appropriate ways across all grade levels and subject areas. Monmouth Conservation Foundation, NJ Sea Grant Consortium, and the Urban Coast Institute will offer place-based curriculum and experiential learning opportunities. The MU CCLC program began in June 2024 and will continue to offer professional development events multiple times each month through March 2025. Click here to register.
Experiential Learning Opportunity with New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC)
Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit
October 5, 2024, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Climate Change and the Ocean (Grades 6-12)
Experiential Learning Opportunity with New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC)
Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit
October 18, 2024, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Build Your Confidence in Teaching Climate Science – Ocean Processes Focus (K-5)
Experiential Learning Opportunity with New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC)
Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit
November 2, 2024, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Global Climate Systems and Human Society (Grades 6-12)
Experiential Learning Opportunity with New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC)
Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit
March 8, 2025, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Build Your Confidence in Teaching Climate Science – Human Impacts Focus (K-5)
Experiential Learning Opportunity with New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC)
Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit
March 14, 2025, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Communities and the Cost of Climate Change (Grades 6-12)
New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) in conjunction with The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, has released a Request for Proposals (RFP). This research-grant based RFP, funded through the state’s Offshore Wind Research & Monitoring Initiative (RMI), promotes regional research and monitoring efforts to assess the impacts of offshore wind development on coastal and marine resources during the pre-construction, construction, operation, and decommissioning phases. Please see the full Request for Proposal here.
The goal of this funding is to execute a robust Research and Monitoring Initiative to support the responsible implementation of offshore wind energy in the waters off New Jersey’s coastline. The Initiative employs the best available science and is consistent with mandates to protect and responsibly manage New Jersey’s marine and coastal resources.With this solicitation, the RMI seeks to award funding for projects in the following focus areas:
Non-extractive methods for surveying wildlife and habitat ($500,000)
Technological innovations in data collection, analysis, and management ($500,000)
Fishery sustainability and socioeconomic impacts of offshore wind activities ($750,000)
Identifying and reducing offshore wind noise impacts on marine wildlife ($750,000)
Characterization of benthic ecosystems and primary productivity ($1,000,000)
Assessing bird and bat abundance, migration patterns, and risk exposure associated with offshore wind ($500,000)
Proposals that address other high priority research needs identified by the RMI. These high priority research needs include projects on data management, environmental change, benthic systems, birds, bats, fish and invertebrates, sea turtles, marine mammals, and fisheries ($750,000)
Applicants should contact New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium by August 28, 2024 by 5pm EST with their intention to submit a proposal by sending a Letter of Intent to Julie Lang at jlang@njseagrant.org.For Principle Investigators with an approved Letter of Intent, the proposal deadline has been extended to October 22 by 5PM. Please contact Dr. Peter Rowe at prowe@njseagrant.org with any questions or concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can organizations / institutions / agencies outside of New Jersey apply for these funds?
Yes, entities outside of New Jersey are allowed to apply for these funds. However, proposed work should be within New Jersey addressing New Jersey’s priorities, and finding suitable New Jersey partners. The project team does not need to include someone as co-PI from NJ but PI team should have partners that they will work with from NJ or have a presence in NJ. For example any support (letter of support in full proposal) from a state agency or organization (e.g., TNC) that operates there or associations with NJ interests (e.g., ECSGA, GSSA, JCAA), or industry (e.g., Lund’s Fishery).
May interested entities submit more than one Letter of Intent?
Yes, an entity submitting a Letter of Intent can submit more than one.
Are entities already being funded by NJDEP RMI allowed to submit a Letter of Intent and Proposal?
Yes, currently or previously funded entities through RMI are allowed to submit a Letter of Intent.
Are you looking to fund more than one project per focus area or should budgets match the available funding for that focus area?
DEP RMI is interested in funding one project from each focus area at the suggested cap. So please match your budget cap to that focus area.
NJDEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette speaks at Press Conference held at Sadowski Parkway Waterfront Park, Perth Amboy
Dr. Peter Rowe, Executive Director of New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium joined Lt. Governor Tahesha Way and Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette, alongside U.S. Department of Commerce and NOAA officials, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Perth Amboy Mayo Helmin Caba, and other dignitaries, announced a $72 million federal grant for the Building a Climate Ready NJ initiative. This initiative is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Resilience Regional Challenge competition, which allocated $575 million to enhance the resilience of coastal communities against extreme weather and climate change impacts, such as sea-level rise. The project encompasses 16 coastal New Jersey counties. The awards are being made under the Biden Administration’s Climate Resilience Regional Challenge, a competitive, $575 million program funded through the nearly $6 billion total investment under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act that is funding 19 regional projects.
Administered by the Department of Commerce and NOAA, the Climate Ready Coastsinitiative is focused on investing in high-impact projects that create climate solutions by storing carbon; building resilience to coastal hazards such as extreme weather events, pollution and marine debris; restoring coastal habitats that help wildlife and humans thrive; building the capacity of underserved communities and supporting community-driven restoration; and providing employment opportunitiesThe New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Climate Resilience will implement the initiative, focusing on densely developed municipalities and overburdened communities. The initiative will provide resources for critical climate resilience projects, education, and workforce training on climate change.
Dr. Peter Rowe, Executive Director of NJSGC states ”We are excited to work with NJDEP and its partners on the NOAA funded project Building a Climate Ready NJ to address climate resilience challenges of New Jersey’s coastal communities including Disadvantaged Overburdened Communities (DOBC). We look forward to bringing onboard a Coastal Resilience Extension Specialist who will co-develop and manage the delivery of practitioner training modules in the CRECP (Coastal Restoration Extension and Credentialing Program) and provide outreach and educational information to communities across New Jersey. Also, we will support a New Jersey Coastal Resilience Collaborative (NJCRC) coordinator who will engage NJCRC partners and workgroups to manage the development and integration of all Design Pipeline components.”
Key Statements from the Press Conference held at Sadowski Parkway Waterfront Park, Perth Amboy and corresponding Press Releases:
Governor Phil Murphy emphasized the necessity of preparing New Jersey’s coastal and riverine communities for climate change-induced extreme weather.
Lt. Governor Tahesha Way highlighted the importance of safeguarding coastal communities to protect residents and boost tourism.
Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette expressed gratitude for the federal funding and its role in strengthening coastal resilience.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. wrote about the importance of investing in climate resilience.
Sen. Cory Booker and Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. praised the initiative for its focus on green infrastructure, flood risk reduction, and community engagement.
Rep. Andy Kim, Rep. Donald Norcross, Rep. Rob Menendez, and Senator Joseph F. Vitale, Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin, and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez all expressed support for the resilience initiatives.
Project Specifics:
Green Infrastructure Projects: Led by Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program in Newark, Paterson, and Perth Amboy to improve stormwater management.
Restoration of Vegetated Marshlands: Managed by New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority in Kearny and Lyndhurst.
Riverfront Park Construction: DEP’s Division of Resilience Engineering and Construction will build a new park on the Hackensack River in Little Ferry.
These projects aim to enhance recreational opportunities, improve air quality, and increase access to natural areas. Additionally, hands-on learning opportunities and a green infrastructure training and entrepreneurship initiative will be launched for Newark-area students and professionals.
Future Initiatives:
Expanding Resilient NJ Program: Funding for direct climate resilience planning assistance.
Meadowlands Strategic Plan: To inform municipal climate resilience planning.
Urban Chief Resilience Officer Program: Training for Chief Resilience Officers in key cities.
Updating Flood Models and Maps: To improve planning and decision-making.
Liberty State Park Revitalization Program: Phase 2 design plans to enhance coastal habitats and recreational opportunities.
New State Park on Camden Waterfront: Development of community-supported designs.
Community Engagement: Education and engagement initiatives will include expanding the MyCoast NJ citizen science app, climate change resilience programming at the Novins Planetarium, and launching a K-12 Research Practice Partnership to help educators teach about climate change.
New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) in conjunction with The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, has released a Request for Proposals (RFP). This research-grant based RFP, funded through the state’s Offshore Wind Research & Monitoring Initiative (RMI), promotes regional research and monitoring efforts to assess the impacts of offshore wind development on coastal and marine resources during the pre-construction, construction, operation, and decommissioning phases. Please see the full Request for Proposal here.
The goal of this funding is to execute a robust Research and Monitoring Initiative to support the responsible implementation of offshore wind energy in the waters off New Jersey’s coastline. The Initiative employs the best available science and is consistent with mandates to protect and responsibly manage New Jersey’s marine and coastal resources.With this solicitation, the RMI seeks to award funding for projects in the following focus areas:
Non-extractive methods for surveying wildlife and habitat ($500,000)
Technological innovations in data collection, analysis, and management ($500,000)
Fishery sustainability and socioeconomic impacts of offshore wind activities ($750,000)
Identifying and reducing offshore wind noise impacts on marine wildlife ($750,000)
Characterization of benthic ecosystems and primary productivity ($1,000,000)
Assessing bird and bat abundance, migration patterns, and risk exposure associated with offshore wind ($500,000)
Proposals that address other high priority research needs identified by the RMI. These high priority research needs include projects on data management, environmental change, benthic systems, birds, bats, fish and invertebrates, sea turtles, marine mammals, and fisheries ($750,000)
Applicants should contact New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium by August 28, 2024 by 5pm EST with their intention to submit a proposal by sending a Letter of Intent to Julie Lang at jlang@njseagrant.org.For Principle Investigators with an approved Letter of Intent, the proposal deadline has been extended to October 22 by 5PM. Please contact Dr. Peter Rowe at prowe@njseagrant.org with any questions or concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can organizations / institutions / agencies outside of New Jersey apply for these funds?
Yes, entities outside of New Jersey are allowed to apply for these funds. However, proposed work should be within New Jersey addressing New Jersey’s priorities, and finding suitable New Jersey partners. The project team does not need to include someone as co-PI from NJ but PI team should have partners that they will work with from NJ or have a presence in NJ. For example any support (letter of support in full proposal) from a state agency or organization (e.g., TNC) that operates there or associations with NJ interests (e.g., ECSGA, GSSA, JCAA), or industry (e.g., Lund’s Fishery).
May interested entities submit more than one Letter of Intent?
Yes, an entity submitting a Letter of Intent can submit more than one.
Are entities already being funded by NJDEP RMI allowed to submit a Letter of Intent and Proposal?
Yes, currently or previously funded entities through RMI are allowed to submit a Letter of Intent.
Are you looking to fund more than one project per focus area or should budgets match the available funding for that focus area?
DEP RMI is interested in funding one project from each focus area at the suggested cap. So please match your budget cap to that focus area.
As you may know NJSGC holds the Favorite Beaches Contest in New Jersey every year. Well, the public voted and the results are in! Congratulations to all shore towns. The winners are as follows:
On Friday July 12, NJSGC held it’s annual Favorite Beaches Contest Ceremony in Ocean City, New Jersey. Mayor Jay A. Gillian of Ocean City received their award for Overall Favorite Beach and for Winner of Cape May County. Special thanks to Ocean City for hosting our awards ceremony on their Music Pier!
Samantha, Michele, and Lou on 94.3 the Point Morning Show
Winners at the Ocean City Awards Ceremony
NJSGC Team in Ocean City
Samantha Kreisler (left) and Julie Lang (right)
NJSGC team with 94.3 the Point
From Left to Right: Matt Ryan, Sylvia Sylvia, Samantha Kreisler, Kory Koch, Julie Lang, and Matthew Whelan.
In addition, the NJSGC communications team went live on the famous radio station 94.3 the Point twice that day. In the morning with Lou Russo and Michele Pilenza and again in the afternoon with with Matt Ryan to announce the winners. They also met with give Sylvia Sylvia Business Development Administrator / UEZ Coordinator for the City of Asbury Park and Matthew Whelan, Executive Director, Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce to give the award for the Best Beach in Monmouth County to City of Asbury Park.
NJSGC held its annual Jersey Shore Photo Contest again this year. The contest always gets a lot of submissions, but this year we received an incredible amount and quality of images!
Twelve submissions won the contest and will be on display for NJSGC’s desktop calendar. The winning photos shown below were shot in familiar locations like Brigantine, Cape May, Seaside Heights, and many more. The 2025 desktop calendar with these dazzling nature photos will be available on njseagrant.org in a few months. But in the meantime, view the winners below (in no particular order). Congratulations to all of the winners!
Dawn’s Awakening, Edward Volpe
Mother Nature’s Artistry: No Filter Required, Laurie VanSant
Red Fox Enjoying a Day at the Jersey Shore, Scott M. Miller
Bachelor Party, Anthony G. Bagileo
Sunrise Surfer, Anthony Ferraina
Morning Light, Brian Lundy
Cape May Locals, Melissa Laurino
Brigantine Sticks, Robin Eisman
Humpback Whale Lunge Feeding Off Lavalette Beach, Karen Riley
