Sea Grant-funded research and work with coastal and Great Lakes communities across the nation are being highlighted in a special issue of “Oceanography,” the official journal of The Oceanography Society. This special issue, published in April 2024, Volume 37 entitled Sea Grant: Science Serving America’s Coastlines and People features 36 articles contributed by Sea Grant authors across 29 programs and the National Sea Grant Office.
The articles cover a diverse range of topics including projects that advance aquaculture, marine debris research, green infrastructure, science communication and community partnerships, highlighting the wide scope of contributions Sea Grant makes to the environmental and marine sciences. The special issue included coverage from BEach SAFEly, a collaborative social media project between New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium and New York Sea Grant that focused on safety on the beaches during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, another article features how Sea Grant programs enhance or sustain investments in regional collaborative networks and planning efforts that leverage multiple partners, expertise, and funding sources to rapidly translate science innovations for broad application by coastal communities. As an example, the New Jersey Coastal Resilience Collaborative (NJCRC) is a network established to foster sustainable and resilient coastal communities and ecosystems. Organized initially in 2016, the Collaborative has been facilitated by New Jersey Sea Grant since 2019 and has grown to include over 75 member organizations. The NJCRC brings together interested parties and serves as a community of practice for the state while also providing connections for technical assistance. Efforts like these multiply the capacity of Sea Grant programs. The article also highlights a NJSGC partnership with the Department of Defense that focuses on resilience of Naval Weapons Station Earle.
Read more about the two NJSGC projects that were featured below:
Rising Together in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
By Keri Kaczor, Rosanna ‘Anolani Alegado, Katy Hintzen, Lauren Ching, Michael Lieberman, Sandra Chang, Eileen Nakano, Angela Sy, David Horio, Kaeo Tam, Vivek R. Nerurkar, Ashley Smyth, Angela Collins, Kathleen Fallon, Paul Focazio, and Samantha Kreisler
Sea Grant Programs Build Resilience to Coastal Climate Hazards
By Ian Miller, Mary Collins, Michelle Covi, Parker Gassett, Holly Abeels, Karina Alvarez, Juliana Barrett, Savanna Barry, Mona Behl, Renee Collini, Laura Engeman, Phyllis Grifman, Laura Kerr, Kate McClure, Christopher Petrone, Laurie Richmond, Pamela Rubinoff, and Danielle Swallow
“Sea Grant’s success and impact will continue to rely on the power of collaboration,” said Jonathan Pennock, director of the NOAA’s National Sea Grant College Program. “This special issue showcases and celebrates the breadth of Sea Grant’s work. The articles in this special issue highlight projects from across the Sea Grant network and include contributions from 175 authors and over 50 external partners.”
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”.
Howard “Howie” Parish, a dedicated member of the Board of Trustees for New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium passed away on January 2, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to education and community service. Howie’s contributions spanned over four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the Consortium and the lives of those he touched.
Howie began his journey with the Consortium in October 1977 when he joined as a Member Representative (NJCU), eager to make a difference in the higher education landscape of New Jersey. His passion and dedication soon saw him ascend to the role of State College Representative of the Board of Trustees in October 1994, where he served tirelessly for a three-year term, advocating for the interests of students and faculty alike. Recognized for his exceptional leadership qualities and steadfast dedication, Howie was appointed Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees in October 1998, a position he held with distinction until his passing. As Vice Chairman, Howie played a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the Consortium and NJCU.
Throughout his tenure, Howie’s wisdom, integrity, and compassion earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues, students, and faculty members at NJCU and his colleagues at NJSGC. His unwavering commitment to our mission and vision served as an inspiration to all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Howie Parish will be remembered not only for his remarkable achievements but also for the warmth and sincerity with which he approached every interaction. His presence will be sorely missed, but his legacy will endure as a testament to the power of dedication, compassion, and service to others.
Barracks building 22 restored // Former Executive Director Claire Antonucci cuts the ribbon for NJSGC’s grand opening at Fort Hancock in Sandy Hook, NJ on July 12th, 2010. From left: Dr. Howard Parish (NJSGC Board of Trustees), Pete McCarthy (Unit Coordinator; NPS), Sean T. Kean (former State Senator; 2008-2012), Claire Antonucci (NJSGC Former Executive Director), Guy Hembling (Charles B. Hembling and Son, construction firm), Deborah Quinn (NJSGC Director of Human Resources and Administration) Credit: Marsha Samuel (former NJSGC Communications Specialist)
It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to Dr. Louise Wootton, a beloved member of the NJSGC community. Dr. Wootton’s passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew her. She joined Georgian Court University in 1997 as an assistant professor in the Biology Department and became an associate professor, professor, and chair of the department. In 1988, Dr. Wootton became a member representative of NJSGC for Georgian Court University from 1998 to 2023 and served on the Board of Trustees from 2021 to 2023. Her dedication to her profession and compassionate nature touched countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on our community. In addition to her many accolades and research projects with NJSGC, Dr. Wootton also participated in many other causes including cat rescues and Mercy Garden. As we mourn her loss, let us also celebrate her remarkable life and the legacy of kindness and service she leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time. Dr. Louise Wootton will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Louise on a trip with her husband and in her garb for a graduation at Georgian Court University. (David Williams/patch.com)
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 the full job description.
Subject to the availability of funding, the National Sea Grant Office (NSGO) anticipates approximately $2,000,000 in FY2024 federal funds will be available to eligible applicants to support projects that will advance our scientific knowledge of the American Lobster fishery and support the resiliency of fishing communities in the face of environmental change and economic uncertainty.
Awards will be made for no more than approximately $600,000 in federal funds per project, and may be for one or two years in duration with a maximum of two years. Applications will require 50% in non-federal match funding. All projects must take place within the United States or territories or their respective waterways.
There is no guarantee that funds will be available to make awards, or that any application will be selected for funding. If an applicant incurs any costs prior to receiving an award agreement signed by an authorized NOAA official, it does so at its own risk of not being selected or of these costs not being included in a subsequent award. NOAA and DOC will not be responsible for any incurred project costs if a project fails to receive full funding.
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.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider projects that involve partnerships among industry, State agencies, academia, and other community members engaged in the research priorities they intend to investigate.
Applications must be submitted to Grants.gov by May 7, 2024.
If you have questions please contact Dr. Peter Rowe or sg.grants@noaa.gov and specify that your question is related to the American Lobster Research Funding Opportunity in the subject line.
NOAA’s National Sea Grant Office anticipates approximately $1,000,000 of federal funds will be available to individual Sea Grant programs to support 1-5 projects that address Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) across a shared geography, biogeography or watershed. Each application may request between $200,000 and $600,000 in federal funds per project and may be for up to three years.
Eligible Applicants
Sea Grant College Programs, Sea Grant Institutional Programs, and Sea Grant Coherent Area Programs are eligible to submit to this opportunity. Applications require the standard 50% non-federal match for Sea Grant projects. This will be a stand-alone (i.e., non-omnibus) award. All projects must take place within the United States or territories or their respective waterways.
Applicants are encouraged to pursue diverse partnerships, including with state agencies and academic institutions, to develop projects that research and monitor CECs that may cause ecological or human health impacts, including PFAS, in coastal and estuarine waters. Projects may include direct or competed research and appropriate associated supporting costs and activities (e.g., administration, extension, research/project synthesis) and could include efforts that:
Focus on species of ecological importance, particularly those with strong socio-economic and/or human health dimensions (e.g., subsistence, recreational, or commercial shellfish and/or finfish);
Focus on the prevalence, transportation, and biogeochemical transformations of CECs across a watershed or ecosystem, especially those with pathways that involve drinking water and/or wastewater;
Consider the in-situ multi-stressor and/or interactive effects of CECs that organisms likely experience in their natural environments; and/or
Perform short-term monitoring assessments to help steer more focused, long-term monitoring initiatives.
Applications must be submitted to Grants.gov by May 2, 2024.
If you have questions please contact Dr. Peter Rowe or sg.grants@noaa.gov and specify that your question is related to FY24 Contaminants of Emerging Concern in the subject line.
Subject to the availability of funding, the National Sea Grant Office (NSGO) anticipates approximately $1,000,000 in FY2024 federal funds will be available to eligible applicants to support 2-3 projects that will develop and execute local, regional and national programs, workshops and services to enable fishermen to enter career paths and make a living supplying seafood from our oceans, coasts and Great Lakes.
Awards will be made for no more than approximately $400,000 in federal funds per project, and may be for one or two years though for no more than $200,000 per year. Applications will require 25% in non-federal match funding. All projects must take place within the United States or territories or their respective waterways.
Successful projects will create and implement trainings that include the following types of programs, workshops, and services:
seamanship, navigation, electronics, and safety;
vessel and engine care, maintenance, and repair;
sustainable fishing practices;
other training needs as identified by the community.
There is no guarantee that funds will be available to make awards, or that any application will be selected for funding. If an applicant incurs any costs prior to receiving an award agreement signed by an authorized NOAA official, it does so at its own risk of not being selected or of these costs not being included in a subsequent award. NOAA and DOC will not be responsible for any incurred project costs if a project fails to receive full funding.
To be eligible to receive a grant under this program a recipient shall be a collaborative State, Tribal, local, or regionally based network or partnership of public or private entities, which may include— (A) a Sea Grant Institution; (B) a Federal or State agency or a Tribal organization; (C) a community-based nongovernmental organization; (D) fishermen’s cooperatives or associations; (E) an institution of higher education (including an institution awarding an associate’s degree), or a foundation maintained by an institution of higher education; or (F) any other appropriate entity.
Federal agencies and their personnel are not permitted to receive federal funding under this competition; however, federal scientists and other employees can serve as uncompensated partners or co-Principal Investigators on applications. Federal labs and offices can also make available specialized expertise, facilities or equipment to applicants but cannot be compensated under this competition for their use, nor can the value of such assets be used as match.
Applications must be submitted to Grants.gov by May 2, 2024.
If you have questions please contact Dr. Peter Rowe or sg.grants@noaa.gov and specify that your question is related to the Young Fishermen’s Career Development Projects in the subject line.
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
