NOAA Sea Grant has just announced $27 million in projects that will address the prevention and removal of debris in marine and Great Lakes environments throughout the U.S. Using Sea Grant’s partnered approach to bring science together with communities for solutions that work, the projects will support transformational research and the creation of local coalitions to address urgent marine debris prevention and removal needs.
The projects were competitively selected through two opportunities supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and leveraging funds from the Inflation Reduction Act: The Marine Debris Challenge Competition and The Marine Debris Community Action Coalitions. Complementary to the work of the Challenge projects, the Community Action Coalitions will engage communities, groups and localities, especially those that have been traditionally underserved, to transfer research into action and inform collaborative on-the-ground marine debris removal and prevention efforts. A total of 19 projects were chosen, including one from New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium. The full list of Marine Debris Community Action Coalitions and descriptions is available here.
Trash found on a beach in NJ.
For this project, New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) will partner with Columbia University through its Eco Ambassador program and with New York Sea Grant (NYSG) to develop effective marine debris curricula while expanding environmental literacy outreach to K-12 students from marginalized communities located in New Jersey and New York urban watersheds.
NJSGC Executive Director, Dr. Peter Rowe states that “We are thrilled to lead this project with our partners from New York Sea Grant and the Earth Institute of Columbia University’s Climate School. The project not only strengthens our regional partnerships but will help us expand our curricula in marine debris, in particular microplastics. Most importantly, the project will deliver this curricula to schools in marginalized communities to increase environmental literacy of a current coastal issue, but will also allow students to participate in experiential, hands-on learning.”
NJSGC Director of Education Diana Burich, adds “We are very excited to be collaborating with our partners to expand environmental literacy and plastic pollution awareness throughout the NY-NJ area’s urban watershed communities. Through the EcoEmbassadors Program, K-12 students from traditionally underserved and marginalized communities will learn about the pervasive problem of plastics in their local waterways and will become empowered to find solutions and take action to create a more sustainable environment, which will ultimately have long-term effects on human health and the blue economy. We are grateful for the resources to work with the community and to have the opportunity to collaborate with a great group of colleagues in this important effort.” Diana Burich, who is lead principal investigator (PI) on the project, is excited to work with co-PI Radhika Iyengar, Ph.D., Director of Education, Center for Sustainable Development, The Earth Institute, Columbia University.
This work is a component of nearly $3 billion in targeted investments for NOAA in the areas of habitat restoration, coastal resilience and weather forecasting infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help America build resilience to climate change. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a historic, federal government-wide investment that furthers NOAA’s efforts to build a Climate-Ready Nation. The law’s significant investment in NOAA – with funding leveraged from the Inflation Reduction Act – will help to meet the needs of a nation that is ready for and resilient to climate change. The projects announced today represent Sea Grant’s initial efforts to support marine debris prevention and removal over the next five years through this legislation.
Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute Research Scientist, Kevin Stuart, harvests juvenile yellowtail from a production tank (photo credit Mark Drawbridge, HSWRI).
NOAA Sea Grant announced approximately $14 million in federal funding across four strategic areas for improving U.S. aquaculture. The competitively selected projects will advance early stage propagation strategies for various aquaculture species, marine finfish juvenile production technologies, aquaculture collaboratives and establishment of an aquaculture information exchange.
“These investments demonstrate Sea Grant’s commitment to sustainably growing U.S. aquaculture throughout coastal and Great Lakes communities,” said Jonathan Pennock, director of NOAA’s National Sea Grant College Program. “The funded projects, which address a variety of challenges, will ensure that growth of the aquaculture sector will be informed by the latest science and community needs.”
Aquaculture production provides great potential for increasing the economic resilience and nutritional security of communities across the country. All of the above investments are consistent with Sea Grant’s focus area of Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture (SFA) and the Sea Grant Network’s 10-year Aquaculture Vision, both of which support NOAA and Department of Commerce aquaculture goals. To learn more about Sea Grant’s work in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, click here.
It may be fall, but read all about our work from over the summer in our Summer 2022 ‘COASTodian’ newsletter! Stay up to date on what we’ve been up to during this season! New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium’s ‘COASTodian’ newsletter (Summer 2022) is now available online here or by scanning the code below.
Highlights include:
Building Aquaculture Career Interest and Competencies Through Student Engagement in a Pilot Apprenticeship
New Jersey’s Picks for Favorite Beaches Announced in Ocean City
The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium Held the Annual Jersey Shore Photo Contest Once Again!
Alexandra Swanson is Sea Grant’s 2023 Knauss Finalist
When you eat farm-raised clams and oysters from New Jersey, you are supporting both a sustainable and restorative industry. The aquaculture of oysters, clams, and other bivalve mollusks not only improves water quality, but also provides habitat for a suite of species including recreationally and commercially important fish.
There are more than 30 shellfish farms in the State located along Atlantic coastal bays from Ocean County to Cape May County and in portions of the Delaware Bay from Cape May County to Cumberland County. The flavor of oysters and clams is reflected in the waters where they are grown, this is called merroir and just another reason to try shellfish from different locations.
Use our Jersey-Shellfish Directory (below) to find shellfish farmers throughout the State and create your own Bivalve trail as you try them all.
This Directory was supported with funds from the COVID-19 Rapid Response Program of NOAA Sea Grant with the intent to help shellfish farmers of New Jersey expand opportunities for direct-to-customer sales.
Love what New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium does? We are currently hiring for 2 positions at our Sandy Hook office:
Field Instructor: The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC), a non-profit organization on Sandy Hook, is hiring part-time field instructors for their K-12 Education Program and Scout Program. NJSGC provides students and scouts with dynamic ocean science programs that may include but not be limited to outdoor experiential learning activities such as seining, interactive games, scientific demonstrations and laboratory experiments. Join a great group of people that love the beach, the outdoors and sharing their knowledge with students to promote a love of environmental science. Gain hands-on educational experience and work in one of the most unique natural “classroom” environments in New Jersey, Gateway National Recreation Area-Sandy Hook Unit. Click here to view job description.
Communications Intern: New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) is currently seeking a summer intern to work within the communications department and assist staff with all relevant tasks including (but not limited to): social media campaigns, video production, event coverage/promotion, and programmatic outreach. This position is ideal for undergraduates (preferably third or fourth year) interested in pursuing a career in the digital communications field, with a unique emphasis on marine, coastal, and STEM initiatives. The intern will report directly to NJSGC’s Communications Specialist and work throughout the busy 2022 summer season (June-August) at the Jersey Shore. Click here to view the full job description.
Job openings and fellowship opportunities across the Sea Grant Network are listed on the National Sea Grant website. Click here to see all current openings.
The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Proper documentation of identity and your ability to work in the United States is required at the time of employment.
As New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) enters its fifty-third year of operation, the organization is excited to officially announce Dr. Peter Rowe as its newest Executive Director. Since 2019, as Acting Executive Director, Dr. Rowe has supported vital programming, used his experience to build a strong foundation for the organization, and has guided the Consortium through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Sea Grant is where it all started for Dr. Rowe: in 1984 he embarked on his first graduate student research project via a Delaware Sea Grant award. In addition, he has worked at NJSGC for over 17 years, holding the positions of Associate Director for Sea Grant Administration (2010), Research Director (2008), and Extension Director (2004).
“I am grateful and excited to further my relationship with NJSGC and take on the position of Executive Director. Looking towards the challenges and opportunities in store for NJSGC, I will continue to find ways to improve our impact on the communities we serve. I am especially proud to be working with a great team of colleagues.”
Dr. Rowe, summer 1993, as a postdoctoral fellow at Laval University and GIROQ as part of a United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (UN IPCC) funded project to the Northeast Water Polynya aboard the Alfred Wegener Institute for Marine and Polar Research’s RV Polarstern studying larval Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida).
Dr. Rowe engaging some visitors during the crab races at New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium’s signature event, Ocean Fun Days.
Dr. Rowe has over 35 years of professional experience in marine research, education, extension, and administration. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Gettysburg College in Biology and Chemistry. His passion for the marine sciences flourished at the University of Delaware, where he received both a Masters of Science degree in Marine Studies and a PHD in Oceanography. Outside of work, he is an avid SCUBA diver and underwater photographer. He is also famous for his world renowned homemade hot sauce.
Dennis Kearney, Chairman of NJSGC Board of Trustees, notes “The Executive Committee is pleased to announce that Dr. Peter Rowe has accepted our invitation to become full-time Executive Director of NJSGC. Pete’s steady hand has guided us through unprecedented times. His dedication to our core values and commitment to our partnership with the Sea Grant program is invaluable. Join us in congratulating Pete!”
As NJSGC faces the road ahead, Dr. Rowe will continue to bring his extensive knowledge of the marine sciences and proven collaborative leadership capabilities to the Consortium. Congratulations, Dr. Peter Rowe!
Congrats to the 2022 Knauss Legislative Fellows for successfully completing virtual Placement Week! Good luck to Ashlyn Spector (Rutgers University) who is placed at the Commerce Committee; Subcommittee on Oceans, Fisheries, Climate Change, and Manufacturing and Janine Barr (Rutgers University) who will be placed at the Committee on Environment and Public Works. Their fellowships in federal government begin February 1, 2022.
Our Executive fellows Schuyler Nardelli (Rutgers University) were placed at the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Office, and Liza Wright-Fairbanks (Rutgers University), at the Ocean Acidification Program Office.
Congratulations to all! See other placements, and learn how to become a fellow in 2023 at https://seagrant.noaa.gov/Knauss-Fellowship-Program.
Eileen Murphy, Janice DeFalco, and Suzanne Chiavari of American Water Works Association New Jersey present grant award to Diana Burich, Director of Education, and Kanesha Jones, NJSGC Board of Trustee Member and Central Jersey Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc.
The $2,000 grant will support NJSGC’s education initiatives throughout the State of New Jersey. Funds will be directed towards further development of an interactive underwater robotics program with underserved minority students in Asbury Park and Neptune, giving children the opportunity to experience hands-on STEM education right in their own neighborhoods. This grant will also provide student transportation to participate in a pilot aquaculture apprenticeship program in the Delaware Bay-shore area. This program will introduce high school students to aquaculture as an important food source and an emerging industry in New Jersey.
“We are grateful to NJAWWA for recognizing the relevance of NJSGC’s programs to their mission of providing safe, clean water for all citizens and creating a better world through better water. Through their support, NJSGC will continue to better prepare the next generation of decision makers to thoughtfully care for our watersheds and ocean environments.”
– Diana Burich, NJSGC Director of Education
Diana Burich, Director of Education, gives NJAWWA members a glimpse of the natural environments explored during NJSGC’s education programs on Sandy Hook.
Please click here to learn more about NJSGC’s Educational Programs.
AWWA New Jersey Section ~ A Better World Through Better Water
The New Jersey Section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA NJ) is dedicated to providing solutions to effectively manage water, the world’s most important resource. AWWA NJ is proactive and passionate about water! We work to advance technology, science, proper management and government policies relative to the stewardship of water. AWWA NJ is the recognized resource for information and guidance for local and state government, water utilities, and the general public.
AWWA NJ is made up of more than 1,300 members united in a mission to provide safe drinking water to the people of New Jersey. Our members include most of New Jersey’s public and investor-owned water utilities along with engineering and environmental professionals and allied industry businesses.
As part of the American Water Works Association, the New Jersey Section joins over 50,000 water professionals and vendors worldwide in a dynamic organization dedicated to a better world through better water.
Silver Spring, MD — NOAA and Sea Grant are pleased to announce the finalists for the 2022 class of the Sea Grant John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship program. The one-year fellowship places early career professionals in federal government offices in Washington, D.C. The 74 finalists in the 2022 class represent 28 of the 34 Sea Grant programs. Since 1979, almost 1,500 fellows have completed the program, becoming leaders in science, policy, and public administration roles.
Congratulations to NJSGC executive fellows Schuyler Nardelli (Rutgers University) placed at the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Office, and Elizabeth Wright-Fairbanks (Rutgers University), at the Ocean Acidification Program Office. Also congratulations to 2022 Knauss Fellows Janine Barr (Rutgers University) and Ashlyn Spector (Rutgers University) who will receive their placements in January. Please stay tuned for more updates!
Knauss finalists are chosen through a competitive process that includes comprehensive review at both the state Sea Grant program and national levels. Students that are enrolled in or have recently completed master’s, Juris Doctor (J.D.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs with a focus and/or interest in marine and coastal science, policy or management apply to one of the 34 Sea Grant programs. If applicants are successful at the state program level, their applications are then reviewed by a national panel of experts.
“At both the state and national levels, Sea Grant’s active recruitment and student engagement efforts supported one of the most robust applicant pools in fellowship history,” said Jonathan Pennock, Ph.D., National Sea Grant College Program director. “I have no doubt that the finalists’ diverse perspectives will provide great insight towards addressing critical marine policy and science challenges. We look forward to welcoming the 2022 class of Knauss fellows.”
This year’s class comprises students and recent graduates from 51 distinct universities, including 11 minority-serving institutions. The finalists completed coursework and research in a range of fields, such as agronomy, anthropology, ecology, environmental policy and law, fisheries, geology, marine and coastal sciences, several disciplines of oceanography, tourism management, and urban and regional planning.
This Directory was supported with funds from the COVID-19 Rapid Response Program of NOAA Sea Grant with the intent to help shellfish farmers of New Jersey expand opportunities for direct-to-customer sales.
