Explore Sandy Hook from your classroom or in person with the Every Kid Outdoors Program – FREE to 3rd 4th and 5th Graders!
Whether your students are in class or learning from home, we can enhance their educational experience and support your curriculum with an awesome program! For more than 30 years, school groups from New Jersey and neighboring states have enjoyed learning about coastal ecosystems with New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) at Sandy Hook, a unit of Gateway National Recreation Area. NJSGC is proud to partner with the National Park Service and Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy to offer FREE programs to 3rd 4th and 5th grade students for 2023-2024 school year.
As part of the Every Kid Outdoors initiative, 3rd 4th and 5th graders (along with their families and teachers) are encouraged to visit national parks to experience the natural wonders and cultural history that can be found there. NJSGC headquarters has long been located at Sandy Hook, bringing this unique national park experience to tens of thousands of students since 1976.
Educators with 3rd 4th and 5th grade students interested in participating in the Every Kid Outdoors program through NJSGC can choose from 1 in-person field trip at Sandy Hook or 3 remote synchronous learning programs, all provided FREE of charge and led by NJSGC Educators.
Field Trip Program:
Marsh & Ocean Environments– This full-day outdoor experience is a comprehensive introduction to the salt marsh and barrier beach environments found along New Jersey’s coasts. The program, divided into two segments, covers salt marsh exploration and beach dynamics. This hands-on field trip will provide students with the opportunity to explore concepts such as estuary processes, native flora and fauna, marine food webs, scientific data and sampling, as well as historical human impacts on these unique environments.
Lenape and the Jersey Shore– The program involves students in problem solving and teamwork, through an exploration of Sandy Hook’s marine environment from the perspective of the native people who once camped there in summertime. By focusing on coastal community life, students will gain insight into the Lenape lifestyle, organization and traditions. This full-day outdoor program provides a “hands-on” introduction to the historic coastal lifestyle of New Jersey’s natives, the Lenape people.
Remote Programs:
Coastal Ecosystems – Based on our most popular and comprehensive field trip, Marsh & Ocean Environments, students learn about the estuaries, maritime forests, and barrier beaches at Gateway National Recreation Area and the NY-NJ Harbor Estuary. Explore the importance of the plants and animals found there, and how human interactions with these environments can both positively and negatively impact them. Discover the concepts of watersheds and marine food webs through a lively interactive and game-enhanced presentation.
Terrific Terrapins – Meet New Jersey’s estuarine turtles, the Northern Diamondback Terrapin, in this fun program that teaches students why these animals are so unique and important to our coastal ecosystems. Students will participate in an interactive presentation with a LIVE Northern Diamondback Terrapin to answer questions about this reptile’s adaptations, anatomy, habitat, and more. Students will also learn about the impacts humans are having on terrapin populations, and what some local groups and scientists are doing to help protect this charming turtle.
Sharks vs. Rip Currents – Even though sharks are often seen as the most dangerous and life-threatening inhabitants of the ocean, children really love learning about them. Rip currents are more common and actually can be more of a hazard to bathers. Students learn about shark ecology and what makes them an important apex predator in the marine environment. Rip current mechanics are discussed as students learn how to spot them from the beach and safely escape if they are caught in one. Students test their knowledge as they work in teams in a Jeopardy-style game that compares the aspects of these two marine “inhabitants.”
All programs support New Jersey Student Learning Standards and can be modified for learning abilities. Remote learning programs are 45-60 minutes and accommodate 1 class of up to 25 students. Field trips are full-day outdoor experiential learning programs that accommodate 1 class of up to 25 students, multiple classes can be accommodated daily.
TO RECEIVE A FREE PROGRAM 3rd 4th and 5th grade educators agree to:
Watch a short video (Gateway Overview 2020) from the National Park Service with your students to prepare them for their virtual or in-person field trip;
Participate in one of the NJSGC instructor-led programs mentioned above; and
Give us your follow-up feedback by completing a short survey.
Links to the video and survey will also be provided in your program reservation confirmation email. Contact the Education Department at[email protected]for further information. Book your program with out online reservation request form.
JULY 2022: This summer, New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) and New York Sea Grant (NYSG) want you to enjoy the BEach SAFEly!
COVID-19 brings more considerations beyond the usual “beach safety and ocean hazards” messaging. Starting this month and continuing into September, our Sea Grant programs will debut a new social media graphic each week to remind beachgoers to stay safe while still having fun at the Jersey Shore and beyond!
For more information, please visit the NYSG “BEach SAFEly” homepage.
Week 1: Stay Social, Be Distant! | English PDF | Spanish PDF
This summer, the beaches are open and you should enjoy them! Just remember that you still need to practice social distancing – embrace your personal space.
Stay at least 6 feet apart from other beachgoers that you didn’t come with; this is about the average length of a surfboard, two boogie boards, a bit more than an beach towel length, or three beach chairs – you could even measure based on your beach umbrella pole!
When you’re walking around the beach, to and from the parking lot or other facilities, or if you can’t stay more than 6 feet apart from others, remember to wear your mask. Frequently wash or sanitize your hands – and if you feel sick, stay home.
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Week 2: Break the Grip of the Rip! | English PDF | Spanish PDF
Rip currents are one of the deadliest beach hazards. They occur as ocean water moves swiftly away from the shore.
If caught in a rip, the most important thing is to remain calm! Wave or call for help, “flip” onto your back and “float” rather than fighting against the current, and “follow” as it takes you to calmer waters where it dissipates and you can swim safely to shore.
If you notice someone else in danger, do not try to save them yourselves. Instead, maintain visual contact with the victim and send another beachgoer to get help, find a lifeguard, or call 9-1-1.
Week 3: Shoreline Rescue | English PDF | Spanish PDF
Many rescuers often become victims themselves, so if you notice someone in the water who needs assistance, follow these steps to help them while still staying safe yourself!
Act quickly, maintain sight of the victim, call for help or send someone else to get help, and (if possible) throw a floatable to them.
Common beach items that float include life jackets, coolers, boogie boards, surfboards, or pool toys.
Remember to enjoy the beach safely this summer by (1) avoiding physical contact with others (outside of those who you came with); (2) bringing and wearing your mask when you’re not sitting on your towel or in the water; (3) washing your hands; and (4) if you feel sick, stay home!
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Week 4: Grab your sunscreen and sanitizer! | English PDF | Spanish PDF
The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) rays which are powerful enough to damage your skin and result in sunburn. The National Weather Service (NWS) issues a daily UV Index, a number ranging from 0-10; the higher the number, the greater amount of skin damaging UV radiation. Make sure to check this number and the appropriate protective actions before you spend a day outside.
When you do go outside, use a broad spectrum sunscreen to protect against UV rays, which contribute to premature aging, sunburn, and skin cancer. Apply generously and reapply every two hours and/or when you get out of the water.
This summer, in addition to protecting yourself from the sun, remember to protect yourself from COVID-19. Don’t forget to bring any extra safety precautions such as your mask, which should be worn when you can’t social distance, and plenty of hand sanitizer to apply often.
To increase effectiveness, your hand sanitizer should be at least 60% alcohol and wipe any sand or sunscreen off before applying.
Remember to enjoy the beach safely this summer by (1) avoiding physical contact with others (outside of those who you came with); (2) bringing and wearing your mask when you’re not sitting on your towel or in the water; (3) washing your hands; and (4) if you feel sick, stay home!
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Week 5: Be a water watcher! | English PDF | Spanish PDF
While enjoying the beach, please remember that there are many hazards to consider – a nice day can quickly turn dangerous or even deadly!
Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to those you are with, particularly small children or those who are poor swimmers. By doing this, you can react more quickly if a situation were to occur.
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Week 6: Stay dry when waves are high! | English PDF | Spanish PDF
Waves form as the wind interacts with the ocean’s surface, so the stronger the wind becomes, the larger the waves get! Even smaller waves can be very powerful and easily knock over a wader or toss around and disorient a swimmer.
If you do go into the water while at the beach, always swim near a lifeguard. And if you notice someone in trouble, remember to call for help rather than attempting to perform a rescue yourself.
But – as illustrated in “Stay dry when waves are high!” – if the waves look high, enjoy a day playing on the sand.
The National Weather Service issues daily surf forecasts, so always be sure to check your local report before you head to the beach. And if the waves look high, enjoy a day playing on the sand and taking beautiful snapshots of the sea!
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Week 7: Don’t let your mask become marine debris! | English PDF | Spanish PDF
Marine debris, as defined by NOAA’s Marine Debris Program, is any manufactured solid material that is intentionally or unintentionally disposed of or abandoned into the marine system. Marine debris can originate at the beach or make its way to the ocean from inland areas being carried by water or wind; it persists in the marine environment and causes harm to plants and animals.
If you remove your personal protection equipment, be alert and aware that it doesn’t blow away and land in the ocean. Make sure to always “carry in and carry out” and dispose of your trash in appropriate receptacles. When at the beach, please only leave your sandy footprints behind!
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Week 8: Pay Attention to Lifeguards! | English PDF | Spanish PDF
Lifeguards work to protect beachgoers from ocean-related hazards, such as rip currents. In fact, according to the United State Lifesaving Association (USLA), the chance of drowning at a lifeguarded beach is approximately 1 in 18 million.
Therefore, it’s important to always swim near a lifeguard and listen to their warnings!
When you arrive at the beach, check with a lifeguard if you are unsure where you can or if it is safe to swim.
Flags may be flown at the beach that express different hazards or designate swimming areas that may change from time to time; if you are unsure of their meanings, ask a lifeguard!
Several Jersey Shore towns are extending the summer season for 2020. Check out this growing list of participating beach communities from 94.3 “The Point.”
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Week 9: Rock the Jacket, Tailor the Type! | English PDF | Spanish PDF
Life jackets are required when enjoying various water recreational activities such as boating, kayaking and paddleboarding!
Life jackets are available in different shapes, colors, and sizes; each tailored to the type of activity – check out U.S. Coast Guard’s “Wearing Your Life jacket” and National Safe Boating Council’s “Wear It” to learn more. Be sure to read your life jacket’s label to assure that it is appropriate for your size and activity. Life jackets are made for adults, children, and even pets!
Remember to enjoy the beach safely this summer by (1) avoiding physical contact with others (outside of those who you came with) – stay at least 6 feet away from fellow beach goers and swimmers; (2) bringing and wearing your mask when you’re not sitting on your towel or in the water. however, masks should not be worn in the water, as they can be difficult to breathe through if they get wet; (3) washing/sanitizing your hands; and (4) if you feel sick, stay home!
Things are a bit different at the Jersey Shore this year, and New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium would like to refer everyone to the CDC’s “Guiding Principles to Keep in Mind at the Beach” when visiting the Garden State coastline.
NJSGC’s long-standing “Favorite Beaches” survey also ran a bit differently this year. The current situation surrounding COVID-19 greatly impacted the poll’s outcome, with limited planning, participation, and publicity. As a surprising result, the winners list is more diversified and widespread as compared to previous years. Even without the possibility of hosting a public ceremony alongside the ocean, NJSGC is thrilled to announce the top “favorite beaches” throughout Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties for 2020!
Please stay tuned for the launch of NJSGC’s “BEach SAFEly” campaign in partnership with New York Sea Grant. COVID-19 brings more considerations beyond our usual Rip Current Awareness messaging, so every week starting in early July, we will be launching a new graphic to remind beachgoers to have fun while remaining safe, healthy, and alert.
Kirsten Hogg, “Brigantine Sunrise”
Atlantic County:
Brigantine
Atlantic City
Margate
Cody Molowski, “Autumn At Sunset Beach” (Cape May)
Cape May County:
Cape May
The Wildwoods
Ocean City
Linda Griffiths, “Late August Evening” (Sandy Hook)
Monmouth County:
Asbury Park
Bradley Beach
Belmar / Manasquan / Sandy Hook – Gateway National Recreation Area (three-way tie)
Patrick Welsh, “Lonely Dunes” (Point Pleasant Beach)
Ocean County:
Point Pleasant Beach
Lavallette
Island Beach State Park
Top overall:
Brigantine
Cape May
Atlantic City
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Thousands of voters also participated in NJSGC’s revamped “Jersey Shore” photo contest (four contestants were featured in the list above). The competition was intense, with over 100 breathtaking snapshots submitted, but we’re happy to announce the Top 12 photographs which will be featured in NJSGC’s popular desktop calendar for 2021. Check out the winners here.
VOTING IS NOW CLOSED. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR NJSGC’S FULL LIST OF WINNERS.
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New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium Debuts “Favorite Beaches” Poll for Summer 2020 with 94.3 THE POINT!
Current times remain daunting and uncertain for most. But take a moment to close your eyes and just imagine – sandy toes, sun-kissed skin, gentle gusts of the warm, salty air… That’s the epitome of summers spent at the Jersey Shore. Despite the future’s unknown, one thing remains for sure. The beaches await our return – under whatever circumstances that might be.
NJSGC would like to keep the traditions going this Memorial Day Weekend with 94.3 “The Point.” And with that, we’re proud to debut the highly-anticipated “Favorite Beaches” poll for 2020!
Starting today, fans get to choose their favorite local “hotspots” from a list of amazing beaches located throughout the Jersey Shore’s four coastal counties – Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth, and Ocean. NJSGC will announce the winners around the July Fourth holiday.
First established in 2008 as New Jersey’s “Top Ten Beaches,” the survey was initially designed to encourage friendly competition and camaraderie amongst popular Jersey Shore communities along the coast. Following Hurricane Sandy, the contest was rebranded “Favorite Beaches” to diversify results so that ALL areas of the Garden State’s gorgeous oceanfront are recognized, inspiring a refreshing sense of unity and support.
An overall “top beach” is still announced, with Ocean City remaining undefeated over the past several years. But will that impressive winning streak end in 2020? Asbury Park, Seaside Heights, Margate, and Brigantine have definitely proved fierce competitors over the past few years… You decide!
Be sure to share the “Favorite Beaches” poll with family and friends, and stay tuned for when NJSGC announces the official results of 2020 later this summer.
NJSGC would like to send a huge thank you to 94.3 “The Point” for their continued support and enthusiasm!
Our mission at NJSGC is to promote the wise use of the State’s marine and coastal resources through research, education, and outreach. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more updates. Please contact NJSGC’s communications specialist for more information.
Who’s up for a little marine-inspired scavenger hunt? Get ready for NJSGC’s “Sea Creatures in your Neighborhood” campaign! Here’s the plan.
Draw and color a picture of NJSGC’s “animal of the week” (more information below).
Include a “fun fact” about this creature.
Hang your masterpiece in a front window, door, or yard. Snap a photo to post on social media with the hashtags #SeaCreaturesInYourNeighborhood, #NJSGC, and #SeaGrantSTEM. Be sure to include the name of your city or town Feel free to send photos directly to NJSGC by contacting our Communications Specialist.
On your next ride or walk around the neighborhood (while respecting the rules of social distancing), take pictures of any #SeaCreaturesInYourNeighborhood you notice. Or search and discover more virtually.
Encourage friends and family to do the same and be sure to share your findings with us!
Stay tuned for next week’s ”animal of the week” and repeat. Stay safe and have fun while learning about our favorite sea creatures found along the Jersey Shore!
NJSGC will “spotlight” all submissions throughout Spring 2020.
The Common Atlantic Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) – please use this template for guidance.
“In honor of Mother’s Day this past weekend, we would like to pay tribute to one of the most dedicated moms in the ocean, the octopus! The Common Atlantic Octopus can be found living in crevices and muddy bottoms of NJ’s coastal waters. This member of the Mollusk family has greyish-yellow or brownish-green smooth skin that can change with its surroundings, which helps it maintain its private lifestyle. Like all octopuses, it has 8 arm-like tentacles with suckers to capture its prey. When a female is ready to lay her eggs, she will find a hiding spot such as a hole or other hollow area that can be sealed off with rocks, shells, or debris. Inside she will lay thousands of eggs (up to 500,000!) and stitch them together in long braids that she will then attach to the walls of the den. In the 4-5 months that it takes for the eggs to hatch, the mother octopus never leaves the nest to feed. Instead, she will vigilantly care for her young by carefully blowing water with her siphon over the eggs to keep them clean and oxygenated and protecting them from predators. After her young have hatched and she has shuttled them out of their nest, she will finally venture out in a weakened state and give the ultimate gift – her life.”
Watch this cool video excerpt from PBS’ “Nature” show entitled Octopus: Making Contact where a teenager befriends this unique creature!
Did you know…
– Considered the smartest of all invertebrates thanks to their large brains, octopuses can recognize people and explore objects through play – even opening jars and locked boxes!
– Octopuses use their tentacles not only for touching but for tasting, too!
– The Common Atlantic Octopus can grow up to 3 feet and live for 2-3 years.
– As a mollusk, octopuses are related to clams and oysters, but they have no external or internal shell.
Please visit NJSGC’s educational resources webpage for more information on this “social distancing” scavenger hunt campaign.
Who’s up for a little marine-inspired scavenger hunt? Get ready for NJSGC’s “Sea Creatures in your Neighborhood” campaign! Here’s the plan.
Draw and color a picture of NJSGC’s “animal of the week” (more information below).
Include a “fun fact” about this creature.
Hang your masterpiece in a front window, door, or yard. Snap a photo to post on social media with the hashtags #SeaCreaturesInYourNeighborhood, #NJSGC, and #SeaGrantSTEM. Be sure to include the name of your city or town Feel free to send photos directly to NJSGC by contacting our Communications Specialist.
On your next ride or walk around the neighborhood (while respecting the rules of social distancing), take pictures of any #SeaCreaturesInYourNeighborhood you notice. Or search and discover more virtually.
Encourage friends and family to do the same and be sure to share your findings with us!
Stay tuned for next week’s ”animal of the week” and repeat. Stay safe and have fun while learning about our favorite sea creatures found along the Jersey Shore!
NJSGC will “spotlight” all submissions throughout Spring 2020.
Visit our “Sea Creatures in your Neighborhood” webpage to learn more.
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Week 6 (May 1, 2020)
The Blue Claw Crab (Callinectes sapidus) – please use this template for guidance.
“Spring is a time that many land animals emerge from hibernation, and there are some similarities in the ocean. Although most marine organisms do not hibernate specifically, some (like the blue claw crab) spend the colder months buried in the ocean bottom in a dormant state. As the duration of sunlight increases and water temperatures rise in May, hungry blue crabs will emerge and swim to shallow bays and estuaries. Crabs are ambush predators and once close to shore they will lie in wait for their prey to swim or amble by. Eating clams, fishes, and other crabs cause these invertebrates to fatten and eventually molt as they outgrow their shells. It takes a few hours for the new shell to harden, and while it is “soft shell” a crab is vulnerable to predators. Therefore, blue crabs will once again bury themselves into the sandy shallow bottom until their shells can protect them.”
Did you know…
(Virginia Institute of Marine Science)
– By looking at the abdomen, you can tell the gender of a crab: males are shaped like a golf tee, while females are shaped either like a triangle (immature) or rounded (mature). The large claws on mature females also have red tips.
– Although crabs spawn in the fall, females do not lay eggs until the spring, and they can lay up to 8 million at a time!
– Male blue crabs can live up to 3 years while females only live up to 2 years.
– Blue crabs feed by catching prey with their large claws and ripping their food apart to pass into their mouths.
Attention schools, libraries, and community groups in Monmouth and Ocean County: FREE Ocean Hazards & Beach Safety programming available!
Sharks are often seen as the most dangerous and life-threatening part of the ocean. Their razor-sharp teeth and aggressive nature make these apex predators efficient contributors to the marine ecosystem. Yet a more common and potential risk to bathers is the threat of hazardous RIP CURRENTS, powerful narrow channels of water that flow away from the beach carrying everything in their path out towards the ocean. Moving faster than an Olympic swimmer, rip currents can transport bathers away from the shore in a matter of seconds. Panic and lack of safe swimming skills is what causes more than 100 people to perish from rip currents in the U.S. each year.
New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) would like to remind all beachgoers about the greater importance of ocean safety and rip current awareness. Our Ocean Hazards and Beach Safety: Sharks vs. Rip Currents program is a great way to engage your community in the importance of swimming safely at the beach. This lively presentation combines ocean science, animal ecology and fun in an interactive program that compares shark facts with rip current mechanics, ending with ocean swimming safety tips. Teams of participants play a Jeopardy-style game to test their knowledge and determine which is more dangerous… sharks or rip currents?
Help keep your community safe by reserving an Ocean Hazards and Beach Safety: Sharks vs. Rip Currents program today. This hour-long program can take place at your school/center or virtually anywhere via Zoom or Google Meets. For more information contact Mindy Voss, Education Specialist at [email protected] or 732-872-1300, extension 30 or use this convenient online reservation request form.
And be sure to always remember, “When in doubt, don’t go out!”
Interested in more information about sharks or rip currents? Check out these great resources:
NJSGC manages a comprehensive Rip Current Awareness campaign for New Jersey which includes distributing thousands of metal signs, alerting swimmers to the dangers of rip currents and illustrating what to do if caught in one. The signs are posted at high traffic beach access and bathing points in essentially every shore community along the New Jersey coast. Municipal officials interested in obtaining additional signs in English and Spanish or copies of NJSGC’s rip current safety trifold brochure, please contact NJSGC Samantha Kreisler, Communications Specialist at [email protected] or 732-872-1300, ext 18. Rip Current Awareness brochures are distributed at municipal buildings, beach badge check-points, and other locations from Sandy Hook to Cape May.
Who’s up for a little marine-inspired scavenger hunt? Get ready for NJSGC’s “Sea Creatures in your Neighborhood” campaign! Here’s the plan.
Draw and color a picture of NJSGC’s “animal of the week” (more information below).
Include a “fun fact” about this creature.
Hang your masterpiece in a front window, door, or yard. Snap a photo to post on social media with the hashtags #SeaCreaturesInYourNeighborhood, #NJSGC, and #SeaGrantSTEM. Be sure to include the name of your city or town. Feel free to send photos directly to NJSGC by contacting our Communications Specialist.
On your next ride or walk around the neighborhood (while respecting the rules of social distancing), take pictures of any #SeaCreaturesInYourNeighborhood you notice. Or search and discover more virtually.
Encourage friends and family to do the same and be sure to share your findings with us!
Stay tuned for next week’s ”animal of the week” and repeat. Stay safe and have fun while learning about our favorite sea creatures found along the Jersey Shore!
NJSGC will “spotlight” all submissions throughout Spring 2020.
__________________________
June 22, 2020
The Long-Clawed Hermit Crab (Pagurus longicarpus) – please use this template for guidance.
Have you ever walked through a shallow, intertidal beach and noticed a small, dark object moving along the sandy bottom? If so, chances are that you’ve seen a long-clawed hermit crab, one of many marine crustaceans found along the Jersey shore. A close relative of lobsters, long-clawed hermit crabs are invertebrates with exoskeletons that shed in order for the animal to grow. Like lobsters, long-clawed hermit crabs have two chelipeds (claws). but instead are narrow and unequal in size, with the right one growing larger than the left. They have five pairs of legs and use the first three pairs for walking; the fourth and fifth pairs are small and modified to hold into the gastropod (snail) shell that they carry on their backs. Hermit crabs “wear” unoccupied gastropod shells to protect their soft, elongated abdomens and will change shells when they outgrow the current one.
1. Hermit crab eggs hatch into larvae, called zoea. After molting several times, the zoea become megalops which then develop into juveniles, which will then grow into adults.
2. Long-clawed hermit crabs are the ultimate recyclers because, as scavengers, they recycle energy back into the ecosystem.
3. Long-clawed hermit crabs can regenerate lost limbs when they molt.
Check out this cool video of a long-clawed hermit crab changing shells with anemones. And here’s another clip of hermit crabs living in aluminum cans.
June 5, 2020
The Atlantic Silverside (Menidia menidia) – please use this template for guidance.
The Atlantic Silverside is a resident species and is one of the most abundant fish found in NJ’s estuaries and nearshore habitats. They have long slender bodies that are grey-green above and pale colored below with a distinct silver band that runs along each side (giving it the name “silverside”). Silversides are small, growing only up to 6 inches in length, and can often be found schooling in shallow waters. Commonly called “spearing” or “shiners” by fishers that use them for bait, silversides are consumers in the marine food web because they feast on the tiny phytoplankton and zooplankton that drift with the currents. Their small mouths lack teeth and are positioned upwards at the end of their snouts so that they can grab food that floats or swims above them. Females are usually larger than males and during the spawning season (May, June, early July) will deposit egg clusters on sandy bottoms. Silversides are sensitive to fluctuations in salinity, dissolved oxygen, and temperature, so they are an important species in helping scientists study environmental change.
Did you know…
Atlantic silversides can live up to two years, but most only make it to one year.
Silverside eggs that hatch in cooler water will develop into females, and those that hatch in warmer water will develop into males.
Silversides are an important food source for other marine animals in the estuary, and are eaten by everything from bluefish and striped bass to sea birds and crabs.
May 22, 2020
The Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) – please use this template for guidance.
“Memorial Day is the start of the beach season at the Jersey Shore, and no sound is more iconic to beachgoers than the call of the laughing gull (click on this link to hear one). Like many vacationers, laughing gulls are regular visitors to NJ’s beaches, marshes, and back bays throughout the summer and fall. These medium-sized birds are relatives to lesser black-backed and Bonaparte’s gulls, which they can be found in congregation with along coastal areas of NJ. Adults have black heads, thin white eye crescents, and red bills which make them easy to identify. If you notice a laughing gull extending and lowering its neck, calling, and then throwing its head backwards, it is displaying a threatening behavior and alerting other gulls to stay away. This is also an important reminder for all beachgoers to practice social distancing!”
Did you know…
– Laughing gulls are opportunistic feeders. They eat snails, insects, crabs, squid, garbage, and anything else they can get their beaks on – including the snacks they steal from your beach bag!
– During the spring nesting season, male and female laughing gulls build their nest together where the female will lay 2-4 brown with black-speckled eggs.
– The oldest known laughing gull lived to be 22 years old!
Check out this cool video – and happy Memorial Day weekend!
May 11, 2020
The Common Atlantic Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) – please use this template for guidance.
“In honor of Mother’s Day this past weekend, we would like to pay tribute to one of the most dedicated moms in the ocean, the octopus! The Common Atlantic Octopus can be found living in crevices and muddy bottoms of NJ’s coastal waters. This member of the Mollusk family has greyish-yellow or brownish-green smooth skin that can change with its surroundings, which helps it maintain its private lifestyle. Like all octopuses, it has 8 arm-like tentacles with suckers to capture its prey. When a female is ready to lay her eggs, she will find a hiding spot such as a hole or other hollow area that can be sealed off with rocks, shells, or debris. Inside she will lay thousands of eggs (up to 500,000!) and stitch them together in long braids that she will then attach to the walls of the den. In the 4-5 months that it takes for the eggs to hatch, the mother octopus never leaves the nest to feed. Instead, she will vigilantly care for her young by carefully blowing water with her siphon over the eggs to keep them clean and oxygenated and protecting them from predators. After her young have hatched and she has shuttled them out of their nest, she will finally venture out in a weakened state and give the ultimate gift – her life.”
Watch this cool video excerpt from PBS’ “Nature” show entitled Octopus: Making Contact where a teenager befriends this unique creature!
Did you know…
– Considered the smartest of all invertebrates thanks to their large brains, octopuses can recognize people and explore objects through play – even opening jars and locked boxes!
– Octopuses use their tentacles not only for touching but for tasting, too!
– The Common Atlantic Octopus can grow up to 3 feet and live for 2-3 years.
– As a mollusk, octopuses are related to clams and oysters, but they have no external or internal shell.
May 1, 2020
The Blue Claw Crab (Callinectes sapidus) – please use this template for guidance.
“Spring is a time that many land animals emerge from hibernation, and there are some similarities in the ocean. Although most marine organisms do not hibernate specifically, some (like the blue claw crab) spend the colder months buried in the ocean bottom in a dormant state. As the duration of sunlight increases and water temperatures rise in May, hungry blue crabs will emerge and swim to shallow bays and estuaries. Crabs are ambush predators and once close to shore they will lie in wait for their prey to swim or amble by. Eating clams, fishes, and other crabs cause these invertebrates to fatten and eventually molt as they outgrow their shells. It takes a few hours for the new shell to harden, and while it is “soft shell” a crab is vulnerable to predators. Therefore, blue crabs will once again bury themselves into the sandy shallow bottom until their shells can protect them.”
Did you know…
(Virginia Institute of Marine Science)
– Blue crabs are only one of two crab species in NJ that can swim – their 5th pair of (back) legs are modified to look like paddles, known as swimmerets.
– By looking at the abdomen, you can tell the gender of a crab: males are shaped like a golf tee, while females are shaped either like a triangle (immature) or rounded (mature). The large claws on mature females also have red tips.
– Although crabs spawn in the fall, females do not lay eggs until the spring, and they can lay up to 8 million at a time!
– Male blue crabs can live up to 3 years while females only live up to 2 years.
– Blue crabs feed by catching prey with their large claws and ripping their food apart to pass into their mouths.
The Atlantic Spiny Dogfish (Squalus acanthias) – please use this template for guidance.
“The Spiny Dogfish is a small shark found in abundance throughout the Garden State’s coastal waters. They are called ‘spiny’ because of the long spines located anterior to each of its two dorsal fins. These slim fish have long snouts and can grow up to four feet long. Like many sharks, Dogfish exhibit countershading, a type of camouflage that makes them effective predators. Dogfish are grey with white spots on their dorsal sides, and white below (on their ventral sides), making them difficult for prey swimming below them to see in the water. They are opportunistic feeders, which means that they will eat just about anything that they can catch, but they prefer crustaceans, squid, jellyfish, and other fish. While they are predators, Spiny Dogfish are also eaten by other animals higher up the food chain such as cod, hake, sharks, and even some whales. Dogfish, together with all types of sharks, are very important to the marine food web by helping to keep other species populations in balance.”
Did you know…
– Many people in European countries enjoy eating dogfish as part of a “fish and chips” meal.
– Females take up to 12 years to mature. When they do, they can give birth to an average of 6 live pups that take up to 24 months to gestate.
– The dogfish’s salt gland produces a substance called squalamine which scientists are studying as an anti-cancer agent.
– Spiny dogfish can live up to 40 years.
Check out this cool YouTube video on shark conservation.
April 17, 2020
The Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) – please use this template for guidance.
“Sometimes called “fish hawks,” ospreys live along waterways, lakes, and coastal waters in NJ and are typically spotted throughout Spring/Summer/Fall. These large birds feed almost exclusively on fish and can plunge feet-first into water to catch prey with their sharp talons. Identifiable characteristics of the osprey include: dark brown back, white front plumage, dark stripes on the head and tail, bent wings, and a high-pitched call. Ospreys breed during this time of the year, and pairs can be found preparing for nesting. Nests need elevation to keep predators away, so observers are likely to find them in tall trees, chimneys, cell phone towers, or man-made nesting platforms. Ospreys use sticks, bark, seaweed, bones, and even beach towels to build their nests. Males collect nesting materials while the females arrange it. The couple will then use this same nest for years to come – eventually even ‘growing’ large enough for a human to sit in!”
Did you know…
– Ospreys mate for life, but males and females winter separately.
– Females are larger than males and have a dark feather “necklace” on their white chest.
– Females lay approximately three brown-spotted eggs in mid-April to early May, and chicks hatch in late May.
– Both osprey parents help feed and care for their young.
“Egg case of the Jersey Shore,” the Clearnose Skate (Raja eglanteria). Please use this template for guidance.
“Have you ever seen a dark brown, leathery pouch with “horns” on each end wash up on the beach? You might have heard it being called a “mermaid’s purse,” but it doesn’t come from a mermaid at all! They’re actually made by skates, a flat fish related to sharks. Female skates produce these casings when they lay their eggs and attach them to seaweed. The young grow and develop inside these egg cases, eventually breaking out and swimming away when they get to be about 6 inches long, which can take up to 3 months. As they mature, they feed on shrimp and other crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish.”
Did you know…
– Skates have cartilage instead of bones.
– Skates have flattened bodies, with their pectoral fins joined to their head and trunk, and a long tail trailing behind them.
– Skates can’t harm people with their tails because they do not have a venomous barb like stingrays do.
The Lined Seahorse (Hippocampus erectus) – please use this template for guidance.
“The lined seahorse is a resident of NJ’s shallow coastal waters and can be found living in eelgrass and seaweed beds. This fish has a horse-like head with a small mouth at the end that can quickly slurp up its favorite food – tiny crustaceans and other zooplankton. Its body is upright and covered in bony plates, and its long, finless tail curves inward to help it grasp objects. Seahorses grow to be 4-6 inches in length and can live to up to 4 years in the wild. They are vulnerable to pollution, loss of habitat, and overfishing (people like to collect them!) so protection is important so that they can thrive in their natural environment.”
Did you know…
– Seahorse fathers incubate the mother’s eggs and give birth to as many as babies!
– Seahorses mate for life, and pairs “dance” together every morning.
– Their color varies from light brown to almost black and it can change depending upon the background it is against.
NJSGC’s first pick of the week is the Eastern Common Sea Star. Feel free to use this template for guidance.
Did you know… – Sea stars can regenerate their limbs if damaged or severed – Sea stars eat their food outside of their body by turning their stomach inside out and extending it through their mouth – Sea stars can live up to 35 years – Or do your own research and get creative with the “fun fact!”
“The Eastern Common Sea Star is native to NJ’s coast and can be found in shallow rocky areas or sandy bottoms. Usually referred to as ‘starfish,’ they’re actually not fish at all. They’re echinoderms, belonging to a group of marine animals with tough, spiny skin and no bones (invertebrates). Sea stars have limbs (called rays) that radiate out from a central disc (radial symmetry) in multiples of five that help them move around and find food. They are carnivorous predators that love to eat snails, clams, oysters, mussels and barnacles. Sea star colors vary from olive, brown, yellow, orange, purple ,or red. They are related to sand dollars and sea urchins, both of which can also be found in coastal NJ waters.”
It’s officially summertime at the Jersey Shore, which means New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium is ready to announce the results of this year’s “Favorite Beaches” contest!
Thousands of voters participated in this annual survey following its 94.3 “The Point” radio debut over the Memorial Day Weekend. In anticipation of the July Fourth holiday, winners were honored during a gorgeous beachside ceremony held at Music Pier in Ocean City on Friday, June 28th. Once again, this popular shore town was honored as top overall favorite – that’s 11 years of undefeated victory!
The survey – initially deemed “New Jersey’s Top Ten Beaches” – was created in 2008 to encourage some friendly competition and camaraderie amongst popular Jersey Shore communities throughout the state. The poll was later rebranded “Favorite Beaches” so that individual towns from all four coastal counties can have an opportunity to shine. So without further delay, here is the breakdown for 2019:
Overall:
Ocean City
Margate
Atlantic:
Margate
Brigantine
Atlantic City
Longport
Ventnor
Cape May:
Ocean City
Wildwood Crest
Sea Isle City
Cape May
Wildwood
Monmouth:
Asbury Park
Spring Lake
Sandy Hook – Gateway National Recreation Area
Belmar
Ocean Grove
Ocean:
Seaside Heights
Point Pleasant Beach
Beach Haven
Island Beach State Park
Barnegat Light
And new this year… NJSGC’s revamped “Jersey Shore” photo contest received dozens of submissions and thousands of votes. The Top 12 winning images featured below will appear in the official NJSGC online desktop calendar for 2020.
Thanks to everyone who voted, and be sure to stay tuned for more updates throughout the summer!
Get the shades and sunscreen ready! The fun-filled days of summer are fast approaching, which means it’s finally time to cast your vote for New Jersey’s favorite beach!
Starting today, fans get to choose their favorite local “hotspots” from a list of amazing beaches throughout the Jersey Shore’s four coastal counties – Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth, and Ocean. New Jersey Sea Grant (NJSGC) will announce the winners around the July Fourth holiday.
This year’s poll debuted during a LIVE broadcast on the Asbury Park boardwalk with 94.3 “The Point.”
Debuting in 2008 as New Jersey’s “Top Ten Beaches,” the survey was initially designed to encourage friendly competition and camaraderie amongst popular Jersey Shore communities along the coast. Following Hurricane Sandy, the contest was rebranded “Favorite Beaches” to diversify results so that ALL areas of the Garden State’s gorgeous oceanfront are recognized, inspiring a refreshing sense of unity and support.
An overall victor is still announced, with Ocean City remaining undefeated champ over the past several years. But will that impressive winning streak end in 2019? Asbury Park has definitely proved a fierce competitor over the past couple years… You decide!
Be sure to share NJSGC’s highly-anticipated “Favorite Beaches” poll with family and friends, and stay tuned for the official results later this summer.
Connect with New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more updates. Thank you for your continued support!
