Voting for NJSGC’s “Jersey Shore” photo contest is now underway! Thanks to everyone who entered – the design team received dozens of extraordinary images, and it was very difficult to narrow it down to just 26 finalists.
Fans can now select up to three of their favorite snapshots displayed below. The 12 photos with the most votes will be used for New Jersey Sea Grant’s 2020 desktop calendar. Winning photographers will also receive an enlarged glossy poster of their amazing work. Click on any photo to enlarge.
[Survey link below]
(1) “Appierance”
“Seal Bathing” / Paul Bagdanov
(3) “What a View”
(4) “Blowout Tide”
“December Chill” / Patrick Lynham
(6) “Flower Power”
“Rise & Shine” / Paula Dameika
“White Out” / Mac Birch
“Gulls on Jetty” / Virginia Rice
“Not Gonna Bail” / Kelly Hunt
(11) “Good Morning”
“Path to Perfection” / Kate Booth
(13) “Frosty Day”
“Up & Away” / Ray Bogan
“Bliss” / Christopher Amabile
“Over the Rainbow” / Joanna Cellary
(17) “Peak Horizon”
“Silvery Sands & Sky” / Paula Moore
(19) “Fly Away”
(20) “Smooth Ride”
(21) “Vultures Galore”
(22) “Approaching Tides”
(23) “Umbrella Lineup”
(24) “Bird Bath”
(25) “Tranquility”
“Light of Day” / Frank Slezak
Now that you’ve had the opportunity to view all finalists, please vote here!
New Jersey boasts some of the most picturesque beaches along the East Coast. If you have a great shot that celebrates and embraces the natural elements of the Garden State’s beautiful coastline, submit the image to NJSGC’s revamped “Favorite Beaches of the Jersey Shore” photo contest! Ultimately, the top twelve photos will be used to create New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium’s annual desktop calendar.
About the Contest:
New Jersey Sea Grant’s graphic design team will select 24 photos from all entries received up until June 1st. Those finalists will then be posted on the NJSGC website where visitors can vote for their favorite throughout the month leading up to the July Fourth holiday.
New Jersey’s “Favorite Beaches” Photo Contest Submission Guidelines: (If your submission does not meet the following guidelines, it will not be considered)
The email entry must include: name, current hometown, contact information (phone and email) and a title or name for the image.
Photo files must be .JPG format and a minimum of 300 DPI saved at quality setting of “10” or higher and 8 ½” for longest side
Images should be horizontal (landscape)
Entries will be accepted until 9 pm (EST) on June 1st, 2019
Submit only your own original work
Stick to the contest theme: The Natural Elements of New Jersey Beaches. We welcome both traditional and innovative approaches to this subject
Photos should be appropriate for a general audience. Explicit content is expressly prohibited
Post-processing and digital manipulation is not allowed, but minor adjustments to contrast, subtle burning, and dodging are acceptable since some images need minor adjustments due to scanning process or camera settings
All entries become the property of NJSGC and may be used by the organization for other educational or marketing materials (the twelve finalists will receive an additional waiver for signature prior to publication of the calendar)
By submitting your photo to this contest, you grant NJSGC permission to publicly display, reproduce, and use the photographs in all manner and media for any and all purposes, including related promotional purposes, in perpetuity. However, you will retain the copyright to your photo and NJSGC will not sell your photo. You also warrant that the photo is your original work and does not violate the copyright or any other personal or property right of any third party, and that you may be required to and can obtain any and all releases and permissions necessary for its use in the production of our calendar, including releases for any recognizable faces, unless they are incidental to a larger scene (e.g., a group of sunbathers on the beach)
To celebrate NJSGC’s “Favorite Beaches” contest in 2019, we’ll be announcing the Top 12 photos that received the most votes right before the July Fourth holiday. These images will be used to create the 2020 NJSGC downloadable desktop calendar, which will also feature useful coastal facts and information that will help locals and visitors learn more about and appreciate the Jersey Shore. The twelve finalists will receive an additional waiver for signature prior to publication of the calendar.
Find out what NJSGC and our partners have been up to this past season in the Summer 2024 edition of the COASTodian:
–NJSGC’s Photo Contest Wows Again!
–Dr. Peter Rowe attends Sea Grant Week in Savannah to learn about Sea Grant network activities and responses to a wide variety of marine related topics
–Research Spotlight: It’s Not Just Oysters! The Importance of Biodiversity in Restoration Studies
–New Jersey Names its Favorite Beaches Again!
–The Eco-Ambassador Marine Debris Project is underway at at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory at the Columbia Climate School
In 2021-2022, contributions from important donors like you allowed us to:
Continue funding ocean, climate, and social science research to further promote sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, enhance healthy coastal ecosystems, and create a environmental literate workforce throughout the Garden State.
Provided nearly 20,000 schoolchildren from over 30 different legislative districts the opportunity to experience unique hands-on experiential learning through our robust education programs.
Disperse nearly 65,000 NJ Fish and Wildlife marine recreational fishing regulation cards and posters to over 260 marinas throughout the State, from over 24 different legislative districts.
Influenced more than 150 marinas to have operating pumpout stations (including nine pumpout boats) thanks to NJSGC’s involvement with the New Jersey Clean Vessel Act Program.
We’re looking forward to the bright future ahead of the Consortium as we move forward into our 54th year. In 2022 NJSGC not only continued, but also created several new outstanding programs and projects, including:
Piloting a novel Aquaculture Student Apprenticeship Program to provide students with an understanding of shellfish aquaculture to create a foundation for a career in the emerging field of shellfish farming.
Created a new feature section in the COASTodian Newsletter called “Research Spotlight” focusing on NJSGC’s groundbreaking and innovative coastal, ocean, and climate research.
Hosted a Professional Development Workshop intended for elementary school teachers looking to build confidence in teaching climate science in their classrooms.
And much more to come in 2023!
With your support we can continue to work hard to promote the wise use of New Jersey’s marine and coastal resources through research, education, and outreach. The New Year is just around the corner. Can we count on you to support our mission to steward New Jersey’s marine and coastal environment? To make a year-end, tax-deductible contribution to NJSGC for 2022, please click HERE or kindly address your contribution to:
Deborah Meehan Quinn
New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium
22 Magruder Road
Fort Hancock, NJ 07732
In 2019-2020, contributions from donors like you allowed us to:
Continue supporting marine, coastal, and social science research to help further promote and enhance healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries/aquaculture, resilience communities/economies, and environmental literacy/workforce development throughout the Garden State.
Provide direct instruction to nearly 20,000 schoolchildren from over 30 different legislative districts throughout NJ on a broad range of environmental topics through our diverse, interactive education programs.
Disperse nearly 65,000 NJ Fish and Wildlife marine recreational fishing regulation cards to and posters to over 260 marinas throughout the State, from over 24 different legislative districts. Of these, more than 100 have operating pumpout stations (including nine pumpout boats) thanks to NJSGC’s involvement with the New Jersey Clean Vessel Act Program.
Accept four graduate students from prestigious institutions throughout NJ into the highly-competitive John A. Knauss Marine Policy fellowship program.
And while combating the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium continues developing several outstanding programs and projects, including:
Virtual education initiatives appropriate for grades K-12. Taught by experienced environmental education staff, these lively presentations, demonstrations, experiments, and games encourage student interaction on topics designed to excite while meeting educator’s curricular needs, scout leader’s requirements, and/or families’ interests.
A new COVID-19 rapid response opportunity (led by NJSGC’s Aquaculture Program Coordinator Lisa Calvo) that helps support oyster farmers, promote habitat restoration, and advocate local seafood sales.
For the first time in 17 years, NJSGC and its partners hosted a virtual Ocean Fun Days event. Online video presentations, teacher/parent resources, and other printout activities from over 25 exhibitors provided eco-friendly fun focused on ocean discovery, coastal stewardship, and energy conservation.
In partnership with New York Sea Grant, NJSGC created a BEach SAFEly campaign to remind beachgoers to stay safe while still having fun at the Jersey Shore (and beyond).
And more to come in 2021!
Despite such trying times, we hope you choose to help so that we can continue our mission to promote the wise use of New Jersey’s marine and coastal resources through research, education, and outreach. To make a year-end, tax-deductible contribution to NJSGC for 2020, please click HERE.
If you prefer to mail your gift, kindly address your contribution to:
New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium
22 Magruder Road
Fort Hancock, NJ 07732
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
###
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.
What you need to know heading into the Summer Season with NJSGC… view the latest edition of the “COASTodian” here.
SPOTLIGHT
Favorite Beaches survey State of the Shore update Jersey Shore photo contest Virtual “Sharks vs. Rip Currents” Ocean Fun Days update Knauss Fellow diaries Seabeach Amaranth feature Jersey Shore Junior Science Symposium follow-up #SeaCreaturesInYourNeighborhood campaign
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!
(Sandy Hook, NJ) — Despite the devastating blows Sandy dealt many beach communities last fall, the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) is coordinating a cooperative effort among regional tourism leaders that will put a non-competitive focus on its popular, annual New Jersey’s Top Ten Beaches project to help promote Shore tourism for the summer of 2013.
In 2008, the New Jersey’s Top Ten Beaches Survey was created by NJSGC and the Richard Stockton College Coastal Research Center to encourage stewardship and pride in the state’s beaches while promoting a little healthy competition among New Jersey’s favorite beach towns. The voting traditionally opens up on the New Jersey Top Ten beaches web site in mid- to late February and continues through the end of April. The results of the survey are announced each year just before Memorial Day weekend at the NJSGC’s State of the Shore Media Event, a premier gathering of coastal experts, State officials, and members of the news media, to kick off the Jersey Shore summer.
In honor of the July 4th holiday weekend, the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium announced the official winners of this year’s ‘Favorite Beaches’ poll during a gorgeous beachside ceremony held at Music Pier in Ocean City on Thursday, June 29. This popular shore town remains defending overall champion, snagging more than half the votes (which totaled 7,200).
The survey was first created in 2008 and initially deemed “New Jersey’s Top Ten Beaches,” to help encourage stewardship and pride in the state’s beaches while promoting a little healthy (and friendly) competition between NJ’s beloved beach towns. The contest has since become a highlight of the Garden State’s summer festivities.
But over the years we’ve come to realize something at NJSGC — New Jerseyans are passionate about visiting ALL different sand and surf hotspots throughout the state! So, in order to better recognize every part of our wonderful coastline, as of 2016 we picked individual victors from all four coastal counties (while still naming a top overall winner).
Voting really started to heat-up in June 2017. So without further delay, here is the official breakdown!
Overall:
Ocean City
Brigantine
Margate
Monmouth:
Asbury Park
Spring Lake
Sandy Hook – Gateway National Park
Belmar
Ocean Grove
Ocean:
Seaside Heights
Beach Haven
Point Pleasant Beach
Island Beach State Park
Ship Bottom
Atlantic:
Brigantine
Margate
Atlantic City
Longport
Ventnor
Cape May:
Ocean City
Sea Isle City
Wildwood Crest
Cape May
Wildwood
Thank you again for your participation, and stay tuned for more details about next year! Please also visit NJSGC’s official Facebook and Instragram.
