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.
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.
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!
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!
Marsh and Ocean Environments: This full-day outdoor program introduces students to the salt marsh and ocean beach environments through a variety of hands-on activities.
Secrets of the Salt Marsh: Students will explore the most productive ecosystem on earth, the salt marsh, during this half-day program. Go seining and sieving in this very special environment.
Sea Shell Science: Students will learn all about local mollusks during this half-day program. Each student will “make and take” a seashell collection and enjoy age appropriate learning activities. A shell craft can be requested in advance, time permitting.
On Sandy Shores: This half-day program offers age appropriate activities all about sand. Students will experiment with microscopes to examine sand from around the world. Activities include making sand sample cards to take home.
Happiness is a Horseshoe Crab: Often called a living fossil, this half-day program focuses on the horseshoe crab. Through “hands-on” activities, children will learn about the care, importance, and unique habits of this ancient animal. For younger children a story may be included.
For more information contact Julie Lang, K-12 Program Coordinator at jlang@njseagrant.org or via phone at (732) 872-1300, ext. 13.
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.
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 (May-August) at the Jersey Shore. Click here to view the full job description.
The purpose of the competitive grant program is to fund research projects that will enhance and optimize the deployment of green infrastructure and low impact development techniques to mitigate impacts on freshwater systems (GI/LID). The utilization of GI/ LID in freshwater watersheds will have profound and positive benefits on the health of our coastal ecosystems, a primary goal of New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium and the National Sea Grant College Program.
NJSGC anticipates funding for up to 3-5 projects with a maximum budget of $160,000 per project for 18 months. The total funding available combined is $480,000. Funding must include a 50% non-federal match. The proposed start date should be December 1, 2023, with completion no later than May 31, 2025.
Deadlines for applications:
Letters of Intent: March 24, 2023, by 11:59 pm ET Full Proposals: June 9, 2023, by 11:59 pm ET. Please note that deadlines will be strictly enforced. The opportunity to submit a full proposal is contingent on the timely receipt of a letter of intent.
This competition calls for research projects on green infrastructure and low impact development techniques in metropolitan areas of the Mid-Atlantic coastal states (NY-NJ-DE-PA-MD-VA-NC). All fieldwork must take place within the watersheds of this region. A significant part of the Sea Grant’s capabilities and place-based engagement in the coastal environments along the East Coast involves partnering with State and local agencies and academic institutions to conduct coastal management-related research. Continued engagement with Sea Grant partners will be an important aspect of this competition, and engagement with Sea Grant programs will be valued in the review process.
For more information please view the official RFP document here. Research priorities for this RFP reflect the Strategic Scoping Document developed for this project.
For additional information please contact Dr. Peter Rowe at prowe@njseagrant.org.
It’s official! The 20th annual Ocean Fun Days will take place on May 20 at Island Beach State Park in Seaside Park and May 21 at the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium headquarters on Sandy Hook – a perfect event for families and kids. With fun activities, eco tours, hands-on workshops, and much more, there’s something for everyone.
Click here for more info. Check out OceanFunDays.Org for some fun from last year!
Field Instructor: The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) 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.
