Check out some highlights from this edition of the COASTodian:
– Welcome to Dr. Roy Messaros to the NJSGC Extension Staff!
– An Interview with Oluwafemi Soetan
– Welcome to the Education Team Alaina Perdon
– NJSGC Educators Mindy Voss and Jody Sackett Present Microplastics Program at The Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education Winter Research Symposium & Conference at TCNJ
Love what New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium does? We are currently hiring for 2 positions at our Sandy Hook office:
Communications Intern: NJSGC currently seeking a summer intern to work within the communications department and assist staff with all relevant tasks including social media campaigns, video production, event coverage/promotion, and programmatic outreach. This position is ideal for undergraduates 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 2024 summer season (May-August) at the Jersey Shore. Read the full job description here. Click here to view the full job description.
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 the full job description.
Apprenticeship in Shellfish Aquaculture Program (ASAP) is a unique new training concept for New Jersey high school students ages 16 and older to gain understanding about the aquaculture industry through education and practice. With a combination of in-person instruction and on-farm work experience, participants will discover the inner workings of shellfish aquaculture, gain entry level work skills, and learn what it takes to get food from the farm to our tables.
A collaboration of New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, Rutgers University’s Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory and industry partners, ASAP brings participants closer to the knowledge and understanding of shellfish aquaculture as one of New Jersey’s emerging industries that produces an important food source and contributes to coastal economies. The foundations of aquaculture science and technology are the heart of the program that incorporates industry practices and basic skills training with real-world experiences. Apprentices learn and gain valuable experiences with paid summer work, mentorship by program facilitators and industry professionals, and support from fellow participants.
Are you interested in joining a great group of individuals who want to learn more about aquaculture biology and technology and the opportunities in this fast-growing industry? Click here to learn more about the application. Applications are due May 1, 2024.
This project is sponsored by New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium with funds from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Sea Grant, under grant #NOAA-OAR-SG-2023-2007550, Special Projects “D”.
Subject to the availability of funding, Sea Grant anticipates $5,000,000 to $6,000,000 will be available for research projects and programs that will develop and refine methods, protocols, techniques, and/or strategies to enhance the production of one or more life stages of aquaculture species (described below) with the overall goal of improving the efficiency, output, and profitability of commercial coastal, marine, or Great Lakes region aquaculture businesses.
Projects that focus on the following aquaculture categories and organisms in both marine and freshwater are eligible for this competition and include:
Proposals are sought that will support broad, non-proprietary research to address issues and/or barriers to aquaculture production; make that information available to aquaculture businesses; and preferably include participation and involvement of Sea Grant extension personnel and industry stakeholders. All projects must take place within the United States or territories or their respective waterways.
This opportunity is open to: any individual; any public or private corporation, partnership, or other association or entity (including any Sea Grant College, Sea Grant Institute or other institution); or any State, political subdivision of a State, Tribal government or agency or officer thereof. Applications require the standard 50% non-federal match for Sea Grant projects.
Please carefully review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for specific instructions on how to apply for the competition via grants.gov.
Contact Dr. Peter Rowe or oar.hq.sg.aquaculture@noaa.gov with any questions regarding this NOFO and please specify the opportunity in the subject line.
Deadline for Letters of Intent: Wednesday, January 17, 2024 by 5:00 pm local time
Deadline for full applications: Wednesday, April 3, 2024 by 11:59 pm ET
Subject to the availability of funding, Sea Grant anticipates $5,000,000 to $6,000,000 will be available for research projects and programs that will develop and refine methods, protocols, techniques, and/or strategies to enhance the production of one or more life stages of aquaculture species (described below) with the overall goal of improving the efficiency, output, and profitability of commercial coastal, marine, or Great Lakes region aquaculture businesses.
Projects that focus on the following aquaculture categories and organisms in both marine and freshwater are eligible for this competition and include:
Proposals are sought that will support broad, non-proprietary research to address issues and/or barriers to aquaculture production; make that information available to aquaculture businesses; and preferably include participation and involvement of Sea Grant extension personnel and industry stakeholders.
This opportunity is open to: any individual; any public or private corporation, partnership, or other association or entity (including any Sea Grant College, Sea Grant Institute or other institution); or any State, political subdivision of a State, Tribal government or agency or officer thereof. Applications require the standard 50% non-federal match for Sea Grant projects.
Please carefully review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for specific instructions on how to apply for the competition via grants.gov.
Please contact Dr. Peter Rowe for more information and with interest to apply. Additionally, contact oar.hq.sg.aquaculture@noaa.gov with any questions regarding this NOFO and please specify the opportunity in the subject line.
Deadline for Letters of Intent: Wednesday, Janaury 17, 2024 by 5:00 pm local time
Deadline for full applications: Wednesday, April 3, 2024 by 11:59 pm ET
The purpose of this solicitation is to invite research proposals for the upcoming NJSGC’s omnibus grant period that best reflect the current science and policy needs of New Jersey’s stakeholders, coast, estuaries, and watersheds. Original, innovative proposals that target the research priorities and principles described below are welcomed. NJSGC is interested in funding proposals from all qualified investigators, particularly those from institutions with a history of under-funding from Sea Grant and/or from under-represented populations that:
Funding Period: February 1, 2024 – January 31, 2026
Application Deadlines: Letters of Intent due May 2, 2023, by 11:59 pm ET
Full Proposals due June 20, 2023, by 11:59 pm ET
For this solicitation, NJSGC anticipates funding:
To view the proposal please click here or download the PDF. For general submission questions: Ms. Lisa Aromando, Sea Grant Program Associate, 732-872-1300, ext. 10, laromando@njseagrant.org. For questions on collaborations, priorities, evaluation criteria, data management: Dr. Peter Rowe, Executive Director, Director of Research and Extension, 732-872-1300, x 31, prowe@njseagrant.org.
It may be spring, but don’t forget to read all about our work from over the winter in our Winter 2023 ‘COASTodian’ newsletter! Stay up to date on what we’ve been up to during the season! New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium’s ‘COASTodian’ newsletter Winter 2023 is now available online here.
Check out some highlights from this edition of the COASTodian:
-With summer less than 100 days away, New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium would like to remind all beachgoers about the importance of staying safe at the beach. Our Rip Current Awareness Program’s “Ocean Hazards and Beach Safety: Sharks vs. Rip Currents” presentation educates learners of all ages about the perils of rip currents and how to stay safe when faced with one.
– The 20th annual Ocean Fun Days takes place May 20-21st, so be sure to join our official Facebook event page for special highlights and updates.
– Research spotlight: New Jersey Salt Marsh Ponds as Harmful Algae Reservoirs
– Interested in a job where you get to explore Sandy Hook while teaching children about marine science? NJSGC is hiring part-time field instructors. Are you interested in learning the ins and outs of science communications? NJSGC is also hiring a summer communications intern!
The purpose of this solicitation is to invite research proposals for the upcoming NJSGC’s omnibus grant period that best reflect the current science and policy needs of New Jersey’s stakeholders, coast, estuaries, and watersheds. Original, innovative proposals that target the research priorities and principles described below are welcomed. NJSGC is interested in funding proposals from all qualified investigators, particularly those from institutions with a history of under-funding from Sea Grant and/or from under-represented populations that:
• Engage and support students and promote workforce development.
• Demonstrate an integrated approach to research, outreach, and engagement.
• Engage NJSGC’s extension, communications, and/or education professionals to support the transition of applied research into useful applications that address the needs of New Jersey’s coastal residents and stakeholders.
• Involve stakeholders and end-users throughout all phases of the project, including identifying need and the statement of the problem at the pre-proposal stage.
• Strive to contribute to increased STEM literacy, greater stewardship, and the ideals of diversity and inclusion.
Funding Period: February 1, 2024 – January 31, 2026
Application Deadlines: Letters of Intent due May 2, 2023, by 11:59 pm ET , Full Proposals due June 20, 2023, by 11:59 pm ET
For this solicitation, NJSGC anticipates funding:
• Up to eight (8) proposals with a maximum budget of $70,000 per year for two (2) years.
• Up to seven (7) proposals with a maximum budget of $20,000 per year for two (2) years.
• Total funding available combined is up to $560,000 per year for two (2) years.
• Proposals will be reviewed as two separate groups according to funding requested.
To view the proposal please click here or download the PDF. For general submission questions: Ms. Lisa Aromando, Sea Grant Program Associate, 732-872-1300, ext. 10, laromando@njseagrant.org. For questions on collaborations, priorities, evaluation criteria, data management: Dr. Peter Rowe, Executive Director, Director of Research and Extension, 732-872-1300, x 31, prowe@njseagrant.org.
Attention schools, libraries and community groups in Monmouth and Ocean County: FREE Ocean Hazards and Beach Safety: Sharks vs. Rip Currents programs are available! With summer less than 100 days away, New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium would like to remind all beachgoers about the importance of staying safe at the beach. Our Rip Current Awareness Program’s Ocean Hazards and Beach Safety: Sharks vs. Rip Currents presentation educates learners of all ages about the perils of rip currents and how to stay safe when faced with one.
Mindy Voss, Education Specialist, presents the sharks vs. rip currents program to a group of interested students.
We all know rip currents can be dangerous, but are they more dangerous than SHARKS? Find out with a lively presentation and interactive Jeopardy-style game that compares rip current mechanics and safe practices to shark biology and ecology, participants gain knowledge and insight that will help to keep them safe while enjoying the beach at the Jersey Shore.
Have fun and keep your community out of harm’s way with the Ocean Hazards and Beach Safety: Sharks vs. Rip Currents program. Suitable for children in grades 3-12 and accessible for all, these are free, hour-long programs that can take place in person at your school/library/center or online in the comfort of your own home. They are only available for a limited time so reserve yours today!
For further details, download the flyer or visit the official webpage. For more information contact Mindy Voss, Education Specialist at mvoss@njseagrant.org or 732-872-1300, extension 30 or use this convenient online reservation request form.
Our Summer Field Trip Programs give your group the unique opportunity to spend a fun AND educational day learning about the beach and other marine environments. Participants will explore the shore with a combination of hands-on activities, laboratory experiments, field work, and maybe even some crafts. Learning about the shore is a fun way to spend the Summer! Learn more by downloading the Summer Program Flyer or by clicking here!
For more information contact Julie Lang, K-12 Program Coordinator at jlang@njseagrant.org or via phone at (732) 872-1300, ext. 13.