Coastal Heritage New Jersey

Historic and cultural sites exist up and down the New Jersey coast, but are widely unknown. To better inform visitors and residents of tourism opportunities, the Extension Program developed the Coastal Heritage New Jersey Web Guide.

A steering committee comprised of 15 organizations including the project’s funding partners, county tourism and cultural representatives and other relevant groups contributed to the project’s development. Funding for the project was provided by the NJSGC, DOC-Office of Travel and Tourism, NJDEP-Coastal Management Program, and NOAA-NMFS.

The Guide provides information on coastal attractions, monuments and memorials, museums, historic districts and other places that allow visitors to explore New Jersey’s maritime heritage and culture. Information includes the location of the site and easy-link access that provides all the information needed to plan a day trip or longer vacation to the Jersey Shore or Delaware Bay area. This Guide brings much-needed attention to cultural and historical sites.

Coastal Concerns

With 130 miles of Atlantic coastline and 1,792 miles of tidal shore, New Jersey can readily be described as a coastal state. Nearly 9 million people reside within New Jersey’s coastal counties year-round, with the population increasing dramatically during the summer vacation months. New Jersey’s economy is also tightly linked with the use of coastal and marine resources, through industries such as port’s commerce, tourism, aquaculture, and recreational and commercial fisheries. Thus, it is critical to ensure that these coastal resources upon which the entire state depends are managed in a way that enables economic growth while also safeguarding the health and integrity of such resources for use by future generations.

Dune Manual

The dune manual is a resource for government officials and others with the responsibility of building and maintaining dunes along New Jersey’s ocean front and bay shores. The guide addressed issues such as: permits and permissions, preparing a dune for planting, what to plant when, where and how; what not to plant, amendments to increase the success of your plantings, and sources of native plants for your restoration.

Read more…

Coastal Resilience

Major storms in recent years like Tropical Storm Irene and Superstorm Sandy have had major impacts to life and business in nearly every region of the state. Sandy in particular hammered the Jersey Shore as it flooded communities and destroyed transportation, homes and businesses. The storms’ legacy is one of becoming more resistant to major storms and the long-term effects of sea-level rise.

Read more…

Rip Current Awareness Program

The Extension Program manages a comprehensive rip current awareness campaign for New Jersey which includes producing and distributing thousands of metal signs in English and in Spanish, warning swimmers about the danger of rip currents and illustrating what to do if caught in one.

Read more…

Climate Infographic

This infographic was created using data from a Monmouth University national poll on climate.

Read more…

New Jersey Coastal Access Website

The New Jersey Coastal Access website offers legal information and tools that address coastal access issues and enables New Jersey’s waterfront users, coastal communities, and land owners to deal with those issues cooperatively and hopefully without litigation.

Read more…

Coastal Heritage New Jersey

Historic and cultural sites exist up and down the New Jersey coast, but are widely unknown. To better inform visitors and residents of tourism opportunities, the Extension Program developed a Coastal Heritage New Jersey Web Guide – currently under revision.

Read more…

Research Projects

Current Projects

2024-2026

Advancing an Online Calculator of Oyster Farms’ Water Quality Benefits to Foster Coastal Communities’ Environmental Stewardship [Omnibus]
Janine Barr
Rutgers University
Janine.barr@rutgers.edu

Determining whether surfclam subspecies can hybridize and evaluating their tolerance to ocean warming [Omnibus]
Dr. Michael Acquafredda
Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
michael.acquafredda@rutgers.edu

Distribution and sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in commercial coastal species in South New Jersey [Omnibus]
Thivanka Ariyarathna
Rowan University
Ariyarathna@rowan.edu

Assessing coastal invertebrate diversity and presence of fouling organisms through eDNA approaches with regards to offshore wind development [Omnibus]
Kirsten Monsen-Collar
Montclair State University
monsenk@montclair.edu

Unlocking Wind-Whale Co-Existence Through Artificial Intelligence [Omnibus]
Ahmed Aziz Ezzat
Rutgers University
aa2085@rutgers.edu

Freshwater mussel stocking to assess water quality benefits in nutrient-impaired ponds [Omnibus]
Martha Maxwell-Doyle
Partnership for the Delaware Estuary
mmaxwelldoyle@delawareestuary.org

Synthesis and assessment of potential green infrastructure retrofitting materials for adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of PFAS in stormwater runoff [Omnibus]
Dibyendu Sarkar
Stevens Institute of Technology
Dsarkar@stevens.edu

Listening In: Acoustic Monitoring for Improved Management and Protection in NJ Tidal Marshes [Omnibus]
LeeAnn Haaf
Partnership for the Delaware Estuary
lhaaf@delawareestuary.org

Expanding the New Jersey Apprenticeship in Shellfish Aquaculture Program (ASAP) [National Sea Grant College Program 2023-2025 Special Projects]
Diana Burich 
New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium
dburich@njseagrant.org 

Community Science to Address Microplastic Pollution in Environmentally Underserved Urban Watershed Communities in New Jersey and New York [National Sea Grant College Program 2022-2025 Special Projects]
Diana Burich 
New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium
dburich@njseagrant.org 

2022-2024

Filth Fly (diptera; Muscidae,  Calliphoridae) Functional Biodiversity at Wastewater and Coastal Sites to Explore Impact on Water Associated Industries [NOAA Supplemental]
Michael Monzon
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
848-445-8416
mmonzone@njaes.rutgers.edu

Does the Surface Area of Edge Habitat Affect Community Structure Between Hard and Soft Sediments? [NOAA Supplemental]
Sophia Piper
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
sp2272@hsrl.rutgers.edu

It’s Not Just Oysters! The Importance of Biodiversity in Restoration Studies [NOAA Supplemental]
Allison Fitzgerald
New Jersey City University
afitzgerald@njcu.edu

Quantifying the Role of Vegetation Cover on Berm-Dune Geometry and Sedimentation Patterns in Long Branch, New Jersey [Omnibus]
Jorge Lorenzo-Trueba
Montclair State University 
973-655-5320
lorenzotruej@monclair.edu

Testing the Influence of the Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone on Blue Crabs [Omnibus]
Paul Jivoff
Department of Biology, Behavioral Neuroscience, and Health Sciences
Rider University
609-895-5421
pjivoff@rider.edu

Tropical Cyclone Impacts and Climate Resilience of Maritime Forests of New Jersey [Omnibus]
Nicole Davi
Department of Environmental Science
William Paterson University
973-720-3399
DAVIN@wpunj.org

Advancing Techniques to source track fecal Microbes in estuarine and coastal Waters to engage civic Scientists [Omnibus]
Nicole Fahrenfeld
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
848-445-8416
nfahrenf@rutgers.edu

Expanding Project SEA: Science, Education, and Action [Omnibus]
Lauren Madden
Elementary and Early Childhood Education
The College of New Jersey
609-771-3319
maddenL@tcnj.edu

Prioritizing Hazard Mitigation Investments for Equitable and Efficient Adaptation of Coastal Residential Communities [Omnibus]
William Payne
Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
848-932-2370
will.b.payne@rutgers.edu

Predicting the response of salt marsh methane emissions to sea-level rise through field and numerical experiments [Omnibus]
Charles Schutte
School of Earth & Environment
Rowan University
856-256-5208
schutte@rowan.edu

Application of Ecoenzymes to Marine Oil Spill Mitigation [Omnibus]
Philip Sontag
Department of Environmental Sciences
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
philip.sontag@rutgers.edu

Combining eDNA with Acoustic and Video Data to Assess the Ecology of Submerged Coastal Structures [Omnibus]
Peter Straub
School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Stockton University
609-652-4556
Peter.Straub@stockton.edu

The Impact of Offshore Wind Farms on Local Physical Oceanography and Summer Flounder Distribution [Omnibus]
Ruo-Qian Wang
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
848-445-4288
rq.wang@rutgers.edu

Co-Treatment of Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Lignocellulosic Bioreactors: Control of Redox Conditions to Stimulate Denitrifiers and Polyphosphate Accumulating Organisms [National Sea Grant College Program 2020-2021 Special Projects]
Dr. Mathew Reid
Cornell University
mcmr239@cornell.edu 

Innovative Inflow Distribution Design for Optimizing Hydraulic and Pollutant Removal Performance in Bioretention Systems [National Sea Grant College Program 2020-2021 Special Projects] 
Dr. Michel Boufadel
Michel.Boufadel@NJIT.edu 

Growing Trees by Growing Communities: Fostering Volunteer Tree Stewardship Through Community-Based Social Marketing [National Sea Grant College Program 2020-2021 Special Projects]
Dr. Mitchell Pavao-Zuckerman
MPZucker@UMD.edu 

Removal of Nutrients and Pollutants from Stormwater Runoff through Green Infrastructure and Low Impact Development Optimization [National Sea Grant College Program 2020-2021 Special Projects]
Dr. Zhiming Zhang
zhangz@rowan.edu 

Developing Low-Impact-Development Plans in Underserved Communities by Optimizing the Co-Benefits, Locations, and Characteristics of Green Infrastructures [National Sea Grant College Program 2020-2021 Special Projects]
Dr. Rayan Assaad
rayan.hassane.assaad@njit.edu 

2020-2022

Demographics, survivorship and post-released behavior of sharks captured in the land-based recreational shark fishery using fisheries-dependent data [Omnibus]
Keith Dunton
Monmouth University
kdunton@monmouth.edu

Developing and Implementing an Index to Assess the Resiliency of New Jersey’s Fishing Communities to Climate Change Impacts  [Omnibus]
Lisa Auermuller
Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
auermull@marine.rutgers.edu

Development of Point-of-Use Trace Metal Sensor and In-situ Sediment Extraction [Omnibus]
Philip Sontag
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
philip.sontag@rutgers.edu    

“Local catch-of-the-day”: Connecting NJ seafood harvesters with culturally and economically diverse customers [Omnibus]
Cara Cuite
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
cuite@sebs.rutgers.edu

Mapping eastern black rail habitat to aid coastal conservation and climate resiliency planning [Omnibus]
Julie Lockwood
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
julie.lockwood@rutgers.edu

Physics-Based Assessment of Hurricane-Induced Wave Hazards Under Climate Change: Barrier Islands of New Jersey [Omnibus]
Reza Marsooli
Stevens Institute of Technology
rmarsool@stevens.edu

Project SEA: Science, Education, and Action [Omnibus]
Lauren Madden
The College of New Jersey
madden@tcnj.edu 

Spatial and Temporal Patterns in Shorebird Distribution in Relation to Horseshoe Crab Eggs [Omnibus]
Daphne Munroe
Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
dmunroe@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Impacts of Oyster Aquaculture Gear on Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Recruitment and Recruitment Processes [Aquaculture Supplemental Grant]
Elizabeth Lacey
Stockton University
Elizabeth.Lacey@stockton.edu

Developing capacity for microplastics extraction from an archived New Jersey larval fish time series [Program Development Grant, Omnibus]
Thomas Grothues
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Marine Field Station
grothues@marine.rutgers.edu

Interactive influences of Dermo disease and the Microbiome on Crassostrea virginica disease susceptibility and microbial dynamics [Program Development Grant, Omnibus]
David Bushek
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory
bushek@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Microplastic ingestion by New Jersey breeding seabirds [Program Development Grant, Omnibus]
John Wiedenmann
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
john.wiedenmann@rutgers.edu

Optimizing Atlantic striped bass aquaculture through the integration of duckweed and macroalgae [Program Development Grant, Aquaculture Supplemental]
Gal Hochman
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
gal.hochman@rutgers.edu

2018-2020

Impacts of thin layer sediment deposition on salt marsh ecosystems [Omnibus]
Dr. Kenneth W. Able, Principal Investigator
Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
able@marine.rutgers.edu

Atlantic and Gulf Shellfish Seed Biosecurity Collaborative [Aquaculture NSI]
Dr. David Bushek, Principal Investigator
Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
bushek@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Establishing shellfish hatchery biosecurity certification standards to facilitate interstate transport of shellfish seed [Aquaculture NSI, 2018-2020]
Dr. David Bushek, Principal Investigator
Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
bushek@hsrl.rutgers.edu

River plumes as a control on microplastic entry into the food chain [Omnibus]
Dr. Nicole Fahrenfeld, Principal Investigator
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
nfahrenf@soe.rutgers.edu

Enhancing Bivalve Aquaculture through Species Improvement and Diversification [Aquaculture NSI, 2018-2020]
Dr. Ximing Guo, Principal Investigator
Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
xguo@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Optimizing fishing regulations for New Jersey’s multi-species recreational bottom fishery to improve economic outcomes and angler satisfaction [Omnibus]
Dr. Olaf P. Jensen, Principal Investigator
Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
ojensen@marine.rutgers.edu

Innovative Restoration Aquaculture of Freshwater Mussels in the Tidal Freshwater Zone of the Delaware Estuary Watershed for Water Quality Improvement [Aquaculture NSI]
Dr. Danielle A. Kreeger, Principal Investigator
Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Inc.
Drexel University
dkreeger@delawareestuary.org

Measuring dune, beach, and nearshore response to an extreme event: Atlantic City, New Jersey [Omnibus]
Ms. Kimberly McKenna, Principal Investigator
Coastal Research Center
Stockton University
kimberly.mckenna@stockton.edu

Interactions among horseshoe crabs and intertidal oyster farms in the Delaware Estuary [Omnibus]
Dr. Daphne Munroe, Principal Investigator
Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
dmunroe@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Quantifying the effects of a changing climate on summer flounder recruitment [Omnibus]
Dr. Malin Pinsky, Principal Investigator
Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
malin.pinsky@rutgers.edu

“Green” retrofit of stormwater BMPs for pollution prevention in urban coastal communities of New Jersey [Omnibus]
Dr. Dibyendu Sarkar, Principal Investigator
Department of Civil, Environmental, and Ocean Engineering
Stevens Institute of Technology
dsarkar@stevens.edu

Developing Indices of Vulnerability to Climate Change for Ground Fishing Communities in the Northeast [NOAA/National Marine Fisheries Service]
Dr. Kevin St. Martin, Principal Investigator
Department of Geography
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
kstmarti@geography.rutgers.edu

Engaging Undergraduates in Fisheries Population and Ecosystem Dynamics [National Sea Grant Special Competition]
John R. Wiedenmann, Principal Investigator
Dept. of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
john.wiedenmann@rutgers.edu

Assessing the Susceptibility of Atlantic Sea Scallops and Surf Clams to Ocean Acidification Using Glider-based Coastal Monitoring and Larval Transport Models  [Mid-Atlantic Ocean, Coastal, and Estuarine Acidification Graduate Research Fellowship]
Elizabeth Wright-Fairbanks, Principal Investigator
Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
elizabeth.wrightfairbanks@marine.rutgers.edu

2016-2018

Effects of Climate Change on Estuarine Fish Nurseries: Analysis and Implications from Decades-Long Time-Series
Dr. Kenneth W. Able
Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences
Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
609-296-5260 x230
able@marine.rutgers.edu

Communicating About Flood Risks to Real Estate Market Segments in Coastal New Jersey
Dr. Clinton J. Andrews
Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
848-932-2808
cja1@rutgers.edu

Dr. Robert Kopp
Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
732-200-2705
robert.kopp@rutgers.edu

Understanding Risk Perceptions of Economic Development Officials in Coastal New Jersey Communities [PD Grant, 2016-2018]
Matthew Campo, Senior Research Specialist
Environmental Analysis and Communications Group
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
848-932-2704
matt.campo@ejb.rutgers.edu

Biochar-Coated Mulches for Alleviation of Stormwater N for Healthy New Jersey Coastal Waters [PD Grant, 2016-2018]
Dr. Yang Deng
Department of Earth and Environmental Studies
Montclair State University
973-655-6678
dengy@mail.montclair.edu

Understanding the Origins and Growth Rates of Juvenile Striped Bass in Small Rivers and Coastal Bays

Understanding the Origins and Growth Rates of Juvenile Striped Bass in Small Rivers and Coastal Bays, Part II
Dr. Olaf P. Jensen
Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences
Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
410-812-4842
olaf.p.jensen@gmail.com

Protecting Jersey Shore Residential and Ecological Communities by Changing the Culture of Beach Management
Dr. Jay Kelly
Environmental Sciences
Raritan Valley Community College
908-526-1200 x8531
jkelly@raritanval.edu

Managing for Biodiversity and Blue Carbon in the Face of Sea-Level Rise and Barrier-Island Migration [Mid-Atlantic collaboration]
Dr. Jorge Lorenzo-Trueba
Assistant Professor, Earth and Environmental Studies
Montclair State University
973-655-5320
lorenzotruej@mail.montclair.edu

Identifying the Impacts of Commercial Oyster Aquaculture on Foraging Behavior of Red Knots in Delaware Bay
Dr. Brooke Maslo
Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
848-932-5572
brooke.maslo@rutgers.edu

Surf Clam Nursery and Culture Trials: New Species Development for New Jersey Shellfish Farms
Dr. Daphne Munroe
Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
856-785-0074 x 4325
dmunroe@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Diversifying Shellfish Aquaculture in New Jersey [Aquaculture NSI, 2016-2018, extension]
Dr. Daphne Munroe
Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
856-785-0074 x 4325
dmunroe@hsrl.rutgers.edu

At Risk: Healthy Coastal Ecosystems and Resilient Communities and Economies in an Era of Climate Change: A Balanced Approach to Protecting People, Property and Nature in Historic Greenwich Township, New Jersey
Dr. Colette Santasieri
Policy and Planning Innovation for Civil Infrastructure and Environment
New Jersey Institute of Technology
973-642-4165
santasieri@njit.edu

A Model-Data Synthesis of the Status and Trends of New Jersey’s Coastal Wetlands for Sea Level Rise Planning
Dr. Elizabeth Watson
Patrick Center for Environmental Research
Academy of Natural Sciences
Department of Biodiversity, Earth & Environmental Sciences
Drexel University
215-299-1109
elizabeth.b.watson@drexel.edu

2014-2016

OMNIBUS:

Advancing Eastern Oyster Aquaculture through Marker-assisted Selection
Dr. Ximing Guo, Principal Investigator
Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory
Rutgers- IMCS
856-785-0074 x 4324
xguo@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Facilitating Natural Dune Building
Dr. Nancy L. Jackson, Principal Investigator
Center for Natural Resources Development and Protection
New Jersey Institute of Technology
973-596-8467
nancy.jackson@njit.edu

Development of Historically-Calibrated Sea Level Rise Projections for Risk Management Along the New Jersey Shore
Dr. Robert E. Kopp, Principal Investigator
Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
732-200-2705
robert.kopp@rutgers.edu 

Enhancing the Effectiveness of Decision Support Tools for Coastal Resilience
Dr. Richard G. Lathrop
Center for Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis
Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
848-932-1580
lathrop@crssa.rutgers.edu

Development of Climate Change Adaptation Elements for Municipal Land Use Plans
Dr. Karen W. Lowrie
Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
848-732-2708
klowrie@rutgers.edu

Assessing the Impacts of Connectivity on Coral Reef Metacommunity Dynamics in the Coral Triangle [NMFS-SG Fellowship, 2014-2018, extension]
Lisa C. McManus, Fellow [Co-Project Leader]
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Princeton University
954-232-3474
lisacm@princeton.edu // lisa.c.mcmanus@rutgers.edu

Dr. Simon A. Levin [Project Leader]
Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Princeton University
609-258-6880
slevin@princeton.edu

Genetic Monitoring to Improve Fish Stock Assessments
Dr. Malin Pinsky
Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
848 -932-8242
malin.pinsky@rutgers.edu

Green Technology for Nutrient and Metals Reduction in New Jersey Coastal Waters
Dr. Dibyendu Sarkar
Department of Earth and Environmental Studies
Montclair State University
973-655-7273
sarkard@mail.montclair.edu

An Evaluation of Data-Poor Stock Assessment Methods Using Data-Rich Stock Assessments from RAM Legacy Stock Assessment Database [NMFS-SG Fellowship, 2013-2017, extension]
Christopher M. Free, Principal Investigator
Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
848-932-4026
cfree14@gmail.com

Dr. Olaf P. Jensen [Principal Investigator]
Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences
Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
410-812-4842
olaf.p.jensen@gmail.com

Determining Sustainable Catch Limits for Data-Poor Fisheries in New Jersey
Dr. John Wiedenmann, Principal Investigator
Rutgers – IMCS
631-513-8748
john.wiedenmann@gmail.com

MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL/PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT:

Evaluation of Climate Resilient Stormwater Management Practices for the Mid-Atlantic Region
Dr. Christopher Obropta , Co-Investigator
Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
obropta@njaes.rutgers.edu

Amanda Rockler and Jennifer Dindinger, Principal Investigators
Maryland Sea Grant Extension

Understanding the Impacts of Climate Change on the Distribution, Population Connectivity, and Fisheries for Summer Flounder in the Mid-Atlantic 
Dr. Malin Pinsky, Principal Investigator
Rutgers- IMCS
848-932-8242
malin.pinsky@rutgers.edu

AQUACULTURE NATIONAL STRATEGIC INVESTMENT (NSI):

Minimizing Risks of Vibrio Bacteria in Farm-Raised Oysters Grown in Mid-Atlantic Intertidal Environments
Dr. David Bushek
Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
856-785-0074
bushek@hsrl.rutgers.edu

COASTAL COMMUNITIES CLIMATE ADAPTATION INITIATIVE NSI:

Collaborative Climate Adaptation Planning for Urban Coastal Flooding
Dr. Philip Orton
Stevens Institute of Technology
201-216-8095
philip.orton@stevens.edu

2012-2014

Omnibus Research

The Decline of Winter Flounder: Influences of Changes in Connectivity Between Estuaries and the Inner Continental Shelf
Dr. Kenneth Able
Rutgers University – IMCS
609-296-5260 ext. 230
able@marine.rutgers.edu

Dr. Thomas Grothues
Rutgers University – IMCS
609-296-5260 ext. 262
grothues@marine.rutgers.edu

Evaluating Ecological and Social Impacts of New Jersey Legislation Regulating Fertilizer Nitrogen Loads to Barnegat Bay – Little Egg Harbor Estuary by Using Isotopic Signatures, Seagrass Demographics, Social Response and Communications
Dr. Michael Kennish
Rutgers University – IMCS
609-296-5260 ext. 262
kennish@marine.rutgers.edu

Dr. Benjamin Fertig
Rutgers University – IMCS
301-785-7614
fertig@marine.rutgers.edu

The Influence of Estuary Geomorphology on Accretion of Coastal Wetlands: A Potential for Priority Planning for New Jersey’s Coastal Areas Vulnerable to Sea Level Rise
Dr. David Velinsky
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
215-299-1147
velinsky@ansp.org

Dr. Tracy Quirk
Academy of Natural Sciences
215-299-1109
quirk@ansp.org

Economic Vulnerability to Climate Change on the Jersey Shore: Promoting Adaptation, Resilience and Sustainability in Coastal New Jersey
Dr. Robin Leichenko
Rutgers University
848-445-4056
rleichen@rci.rutgers.edu
Economic Vulnerability to Climate Change in Coastal New Jersey: A Stakeholder-Based Assessment. World Scientific, 2014

Dr. Richard Lathrop
Rutgers University
732-932-1580
lathrop@crssa.rutgers.edu

Development Research

Comparative Analysis of Bivalve Clearance Rates for Restoration Management
Dr. David Bushek
Rutgers University – Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory
856-785-0074 ext. 4327
bushek@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Developing the Sampling Protocols and Competencies Needed to Monitor Effectiveness of a Rain Garden Designed for Nitrogen Removal
Dr. Louise Wootton
Georgian Court University
732-987-2349
woottonl@georgian.edu

Past Research Projects

The list below represents all research projects funded by the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium from 1998 through 2010.  If you’re interested in obtaining more information about a specific project and no link is available, please contact the researcher directly.

2010 – 2012 | 2008 – 2010 | 2006 – 2008 | 2004 – 2006 | 2002 – 2004 | 2000 – 2002 | 1998 – 2000

For information about research projects funded prior to 1998, please contact NJSGC Communications at 732-872-1300 ext. 18.

2010-2012

Omnibus Research

Meteorological modulation of the exchange between Raritan Bay and the Coastal Ocean – R/6010-0013
Dr. Robert Chant
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
732-932-6555 x544
chant@marine.rutgers.edu

Reducing uncertainty in stock-recruitment relationships and fishery reference points using Bayesian meta-analysis – R/6010-0011
Dr. Olaf Jensen
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
732-932-6555
olaf.p.jensen@gmail.com

Assessing plant performance of ‘Cape’ American Beachgrass, Ammophila breviligulata, against local Beachgrass ecotypes – R/6010-0030
Dr. Michael Peek
William Paterson University
973-720-2247
peekm@wpunj.edu

Collection of Sex-Ratio Data for Summer Flounder Landings: Commercial and Recreational – R/6010-0012
Dr. Eric N. Powell
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory
856-785-0074 x4309
eric@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Development Research

Underwater survey and mapping of temperate artificial and natural reef habitats for modeling of productivity and trophic linkage to black sea bass and tautog fisheries
Dr. Peter Straub
Richard Stockton College
609-652-4556
pete.straub@stockton.edu

Assessing Impacts of Catch and Release Practices on Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) Implications for Conservation and Management
John Tiedemann
Monmouth University
732-263-5545
jtiedema@monmouth.edu

2008-2010

Omnibus Research

Habitat dynamics of adult winter flounder: Connectivity between estuaries and inner continental shelves influence management of human impacts associated with dredging – R⁄6840–0002
Dr. Kenneth W. Able
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
609-296-5260 Ext. 230
able@marine.rutgers.edu

Shoreline stabilization and ecosystem enhancement of eroding marsh habitats using intertidal reef communities – R⁄6840–0003
Dr. David Bushek
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
856-785-0074 Ext. 4327
bushek@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Marker-assisted breeding technology for the eastern oyster – R⁄6840–0005
Dr. Ximing Guo
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
856-785-0074
xguo@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Evaluation of wind and wave processes critical in sustaining beach backshore environments – R⁄6840–0004
Dr. Karl Nordstrom
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
732-932-6555
nordstro@marine.rutgers.edu

An unwelcome guest: Is the presence of the invasive swim bladder parasite, Anguillicola crassus, influencing American eel (Anguilla rostrata) recruitment in New Jersey estuaries? – R⁄6848–0001
Dr. Mark Sullivan
The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
609-626-3575
mark.sullivan@stockton.edu

Assessing the impact of the invasive Asiatic sand sedge, Carex kobomugi, on coastal dune communities in New Jersey. – R⁄6847–0001
Dr. Louise Wootton
Georgian Court University
732-987-2349
woottonL@georgian.edu

Development Research

System Dynamic Model Development for Passaic River Watershed Sustainability and Environmental Management Study
Dr. Huan Feng
Montclair State University
973-655-7549
fengh@mail.montclair.edu

Sub-lethal effects of contaminants on ontogeny of larval fishes: effects of changes in morphology and behavior on predation risk
Dr. Ursula A. Howson
Monmouth University
732-571-4432
uhowson@monmouth.edu

2006 – 2008

Omnibus Research

Slipping Away? What can glass eel stages tell us about the decline of the American eel (Anguilla rostrata) in the Middle Atlantic Bight estuaries? (R/6640-002)
Dr. Kenneth Able
Rutgers University
609-296-5260 ext. 230
able@marine.rutgers.edu

Assessing the population genetic structure of eelgrass (Zostera marina L.): implications for management and restoration of a coastal habitat (R/6642-001)
Dr. Paul Bologna
Montclair State University
973-655-4112
bolognap@mail.montclair.edu

Estimation of the Fall Velocity of Suspended Sediment in the Passaic River, NJ (R/6640-003)
Dr. David Fugate
Rutgers University
732-932-6555 ext. 233
fugate@marine.rutgers.edu

Phragmites australisinvasion and consequent effects on Fiddler Crab behavior and bioturbation (R/6646-001)
Dr. Michael Grove
Rowan University
856-256-4500 ext. 3579
grove@rowan.edu

Effects of Bulkheads on Horseshoe Crab Spawning and Egg Availability to Shorebirds (R/6644-001)
Ms. Nancy Jackson
New Jersey Institute of Technology
973-596-8467
jacksonn@njit.edu

Development of an HF Radar Derived Near-shore Wave and Current Product: Application to Rip Current Probability Along the New Jersey Coast (R/6640-001)
Dr. Josh Kohut
Rutgers University
732-932-6555 ext. 542
kohut@marine.rutgers.edu

Development Research

Isolation and Identification of Antimicrobial Compounds from Marine Epiphytic Bacteria (R/D-2005-1)
Dr. John Berger
Montclair State University
973-655-7118
bergerj@mail.montclair.edu

Genetic Stock Assessment of NJ Bay Scallops using Microsatellite Primers (R/D-2005-2)
Dr. James Campanella
Montclair State University
973-655-4097
campanellj@mail.montclair.edu

State Policymaking Institutions and Managing Biodiversity in Delaware Bay (R/D-2005-3)
Dr. Maurie Cohen
New Jersey Institute of Technology
609-596-5281
mcohen@adm.njit.edu

Modeling the Sensitivity of Acoustic Telemetry Gate Escapement to Seven User-defined Variables (R/D-6605-0002)
Dr. Thomas Grothues
Rutgers University
609-296-5260 ext. 262
grothues@marine.rutgers.edu

Root Dynamics and Population Performance in American Beachgrass, Ammophila breviligulata (R/D-2005-6)
Dr. Michael Peek
William Paterson University
973-720-2247
peekm@wpunj.edu

Distribution of Corbicula fluminea in New Jersey (R/D-2005-4)
Dr. Robert Prezant
Montclair State University
973-655-5108
prezantr@mail.montclair.edu

Developing the Proficiency to Monitor PolyBrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE) Contamination Levels in Barnegat Bay (R/D-2005-5)
Dr. Andrew Weber
Georgian Court University
732-987-2367
weber@georgian.edu

Selectivity of Salinity, Municipal Sewage, Herbicides and Heavy Metals Toward the Development of Brown Tide Bloom (R/6605-0001)
Dr. Liping Wei
New Jersey Institute of Technology
973-596-5389
wei@adm.njit.edu

National Strategic Investment Grant (2007)
Validation of disease-resistance markers for marker-assisted selection in the eastern oyster
Dr. Ximing Guo
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
856-785-0074
xguo@hsrl.rutgers.edu

2004 – 2006

Omnibus Research

The Importance of Marginal and Restored Habitats to Horseshoe Crab Recruitment in Delaware Bay, NJ (R/F-2002)
Dr. Mark Botton
Fordham College
212-636-6327
botton@mary.fordham.edu

Determining the Potential for Horseshoe Crab Habitat Restoration Using Beach Nourishment (R/CZM-2004)
Dr. Nancy Jackson
New Jersey Institute of Technology
973-596-8467
nancy.jackson@njit.edu

Cumulative Effects and New Jersey Marine Fisheries (R/SLP-2004)
Dr. Bonnie McCay
Rutgers University
732-932-9153 ext. 314
mccay@aesop.rutgers.edu

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in Coastal Waters of New Jersey and the Mid-Atlantic Region:  Importance of Dissolved Organic Matter in Stimulating Growth (R/ES-2004)
Dr. Sybil Seitzinger
Rutgers University
732-932-6555 ext. 342
sybil@imcs.rutgers.edu

Environmental Effects on Gene Expression in Winter Flounder (R/D-2002-3)
Dr. Peter Straub
Richard Stockton College of NJ
609-652-4556
pete.straub@stockton.edu

Development Research

Genomic Taxonomy for Identifying Aquatic Insects (R/D-2004-1)
Dr. Carolyn Bentivegna
Seton Hall University
973-275-2113
bentivca@shu.edu

Effects of an Invasive Grass on Fiddler Crab Activity and Bioturbation in New Jersey Salt Marshes (R/D-2004-2)
Dr. Michael Grove
Rowan University
856-256-4500 ext. 3579
grove@rowan.edu

Identifying Chironomid Species from the Hackensack Meadowlands using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (R/UG-2004-1)
Dr. Carolyn Bentivegna
Seton Hall University
973-275-2113
bentivca@shu.edu

Analysis of Rip Current Generation Along Stabilized Coastlines (R/D-2003-1)
Dr. Michael Bruno
Stevens Institute of Technology
201-216-5338
m1bruno@stevens-tech.edu

Using GIS to Integrate Pollution Data and Study Pollutant Source Function in the Passaic River System, NJ (R/D-2003-2)
Dr. Huan Feng
Montclair University
973-655-7549
fengh@mail.montclair.edu

Production and Evaluation of All-triploid and Disease-resistant Eastern Oysters for Aquaculture (R/OD-2003-1)
Dr. Ximing Guo
Rutgers University
856-785-0074 ext. 124
xguo@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Sustainable Development of Estuarine Shorelines-Linking Science with Local Decision-making to Manage Horseshoe Crab Populations in Delaware Bay (R/D-2004-3)
Dr. Nancy Jackson
New Jersey Institute of Technology
973-596-8467
jacksonn@njit.edu

The Effect of Commercial Fishing on the Population Structure and Reproductive Potential of the Blue Crab, Callinectes sapidus (R/D-2004-4)
Dr. Paul Jivoff
Rider University
609-895-5421
pjivoff@rider.edu

Spartina alterniflora and Phragmites australis as Habitat for the Ribbed Mussel, Geukensia demissa (Dillwyn) (R/D-2003-3)
Dr. Marion McClary
Fairleigh Dickinson University
201-692-2606
mcclary@fdu.edu

Restoration of Natural Landscapes on Shorefront Properties (R/D-2003-4)
Dr. Karl Nordstrom
Rutgers University
732-932-6555 ext. 502
nordstro@imcs.rutgers.edu

Elements as Tracers in Ear Otoliths and Soft Tissues of Bluefish Provide Information on Origin and Contaminant (R/D-2004-5)
Dr. William Saidel
Rutgers University
856-225-6336
saidel@crab.rutgers.edu

Optimization of Antioxidant Production by Dunaliella salina and Tetraselmis suecica (R/D-2004-6)
Dr. Dennis Shevlin
The College of NJ 609-771-2246
shevlin@tcnj.edu

Microarrays for the Study of Gene Expression in Winter Flounder (R/D-2003-5)
Dr. Peter Straub
Richard Stockton College of NJ
609-652-4556
pete.straub@stockton.edu

Are there Genetic Differences in Pristine versus Eutrophied Portions of Barnegat Bay? (R/UG-2004-2)
Dr. Louise Wootton
Georgian Court University
732-364-2200 ext. 349
woottonl@georgian.edu

Identification and Mapping of Oyster Genes Involved in Host-defense Against Dermo and MSX (R/OD-2003-2)
Dr. Ziniu Yu
Rutgers University
856-785-0074 ext. 140
carlzyu@hsrl.rutgers.edu

2002 – 2004

Omnibus Research

Assessing Sediment Transport and Restoration Potential on Developed Coastal Dunes (R/CZM-2002)
Dr. Karl Nordstrom
Rutgers University
732-932-6555 ext. 502
nordstro@imcs.rutgers.edu

Differential Identification of Fecal Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the Manasquan River Estuary by Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Testing and DNA Fingerprinting Analysis (R/ES-2002-1)
Dr. Michael Palladino
Monmouth University
732-263-5543
mpalladi@monmouth.edu

Uptake of Toxic Metals by Natural Phytoplankton Assemblages in the Mid-Atlantic Bight
(R/ES-2002-2)
Dr. Robert Sherrell
Rutgers University
732-932-6555 ext. 252
sherrell@imcs.rutgers.edu

The Production of Pleurocidin, a Natural Antimicrobial Peptide from Winter Flounder, in Genetically Engineered Microorganisms for Food Application (Phase I) (R/BT-2002)
Dr. Tung-Ching Lee
Rutgers University
732-932-9611 ext. 236
lee@aesop.rutgers.edu

Development Research

Evaluating Biomarkers for Genetic Diversity in Chironomids from Kearny Marsh, NJ (R/UG-2002-1)
Dr. Carolyn Bentivegna
Seton Hall University
973-275-2113
bentivca@shu.edu

Assessment of Climatic and Human Activities on Shoreline Change (R/D-2004)
Dr. Nancy Jackson
New Jersey Institute of Technology
973-596-8467
nancy.jackson@njit.edu

Modeling Autotrophic Denitrification Kinetics (R/UG-2002-2)
Dr. Kauser Jahan
Rowan University
856-256-5323
jahan@rowan.edu

Identifying and Claiming the Coastal Commons in Industrialized and Gentrified Places (R/SCS-2002-1)
Dr. Bonnie McCay
Rutgers University
732-932-9153 ext. 314
mccay@aesop.rutgers.edu
Environmental Knowledge of Commercial Fishermen and its Application to Fisheries Management (R/SCS-2002-2)
Dr. Bryan Oles
Rutgers University
732-932-8797
oles@aesop.rutgers.edu

Continued Studies: Model Development & Chemical Characterization of Bioavailable Nitrogen Loading to Coastal Ecosystems (R/ES-2002-3)
Dr. Sybil Seitzinger
Rutgers University
732-932-6555 ext. 342
sybil@imcs.rutgers.edu

2000 – 2002

Omnibus Research

Essential Fish Habitat on the Inner Continental Shelf (R/F-2001)
Dr. Kenneth Able
Rutgers University
609-296-5260 ext. 230
able@arctic.rutgers.edu

Triploid-tetraploid Technology for Hard Clam Aquaculture (R/BT-2001)
Dr. Ximing Guo
Rutgers University
856-785-0074 ext. 124
xguo@hsrl.rutgers.edu

The Role of Metallothioneins in Marine Trophic Transfer of Metals (R/E-2002)
Dr. Francois Morel
Princeton University
609-258-2416
morel@geo.princeton.edu

Model Development and Chemical Characterization of Bioavailable Nitrogen Loading to Coastal Ecosystems (R/E-2001)
Dr. Sybil Seitzinger
Rutgers University
732-932-6555 ext. 342
sybil@imcs.rutgers.edu

Development Research

Assessing Bay Scallop (Argopecten irradians) Populations Structure and Reproduction: Potential for Stock Enhancement in Barnegat Bay, NJ (R/D-2000)
Dr. Paul Bologna
Fairleigh Dickinson University
973-443-8758
bologna@fdu.edu

Assessment of Eelgrass, Zostera marina, Health and Biomass in Relationship to the Occurrence and Intensity of Brown-tide Events in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey (R/D-2001-1)
Dr. Paul Bologna
Fairleigh Dickinson University

Installation of a Coastal Monitoring Network at Long Branch, NJ (R/D-2001-3)
Dr. Michael Bruno
Stevens Institute of Technology
201-216-5338
m1bruno@stevens-tech.edu

Assessing Shore Protection on Delaware Bay Beaches to Restore Habitat for Horseshoe Crab Spawning and Egg Viability (R/D-2002-1)
Dr. Nancy Jackson
New Jersey Institute of Technology
973-596-8467
nancy.jackson@njit.edu

Effects of Waves and Currents on Horseshoe Crab Egg Density and Availability to Shorebirds on Sandy Estuarine Beaches in New Jersey and Delaware (R/D-2001-2)
Dr. Nancy Jackson
New Jersey Institute of Technology
973-596-8467
nancy.jackson@njit.edu

Control of Range Expansion and Habitat Use of the Invasive Green Crab, Carcinus maenas, by a Native Predator-a Case of Biotic Resistance? (R/D-2002-2)
Dr. Paul Jivoff
Rider University
609-895-5421
pjivoff@rider.edu

Pollution Effects on Gene Expression in Winter Flounder (R/D-2003)
Dr. Peter Straub
Richard Stockton College of NJ
609-652-4556
pete.straub@stockton.edu

Fiddler Crabs as ‘Ecological Engineers’ in Phragmites vs. Spartina Marshes (R/D-2002-4)
Dr. Peddrick Weis
UMDNJ- New Jersey Medical School
973-972-4409
weis@umdnj.edu

Assessment of Spread Rates of Carex kobomugi (R/EXT-2002)
Dr. Louise Wootton
Georgian Court College
732-364-2200 ext. 349
woottonl@georgian.edu

Community Structure and Detrital Dynamics in Zostera marina and Ruppia maritima Beds in Barnegat Bay, Implications for Essential Fish Habitat (R/D-2002-5)
Dr. Louise Wootton
Georgian Court College
732-364-2200 ext. 349
woottonl@georgian.edu

1998 – 2000

Omnibus Research

Molecular Characterization of American Oyster Chromosomes by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (B/T-9801)
Dr. Ximing Guo
Rutgers University
856-785-0074 ext. 124
xguo@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Dynamic Mixing Zone Analysis and Biological Study to Evaluate the Effects of Chlorinated Municipal Wastewater on the Marine Environment (R/M-9802b)
Dr. Richard Hires
Stevens Institute of Technology
201-216-5676
rhires@stevens-tech.edu

Development Research

Breeding, Evaluation and Molecular Analysis of Oyster Strains Selected for Resistance to MSX, Dermo and JOD (ORDP-29) (R/OD-2001)
Dr. Ximing Guo
Rutgers University
856-785-0074 ext. 124
xguo@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Cooperative Regional Oyster Selective Breeding Project (R/OD-9908)
Dr. Ximing Guo
Rutgers University
856-785-0074 ext. 124
xguo@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Effects of Climate Variability on the Prevalence and Intensity of Dermo and MSX in Eastern Oyster Populations (R/OD-9913)
Dr. Eric Powell
Rutgers University
609-785-0075 ext. 109
eric@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Requests for Proposals

The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) is one of 32 state Sea Grant Programs within the National Sea Grant College Program. The National Program is housed within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce. Sea Grant addresses marine issues and coastal sustainability in the context of wise resource use and management. In New Jersey, we are interested in balancing economic growth with resource stewardship to sustain the state’s $80+ billion coastal economy.

NJSGC fulfills its mission to promote the sustainable use of New Jersey’s coastal and marine resources through relevant research and student training, educational excellence, and rapid dissemination of acquired knowledge. NJSGC is a statewide program bringing together the best talent within the region’s member colleges and universities without regard to academic affiliation. Please find important proposal forms and instructions on the NJSGC website.

Biennial Research Competition 2026-2028 RFP
DEADLINES FOR APPLICATIONS:
Letters of Intent: July 25, 2025, by 11:59 pm ET
Full Proposals: August 22, 2025, by 11:59 pm ET

FY2025 Sea Grant Contaminants of Emerging Concern 
Applications must be submitted by May 23, 2025.

NOAA-OAR-SG-2025-30385

(Cancelled) FY2025 Disaster Preparedness For Coastal Communities 

A webinar providing an overview of the competition objectives will be offered this year for interested Sea Grant applicants on Monday, December 16, 2024, at 4:00 pm ET. Register here.

Applications must be submitted to Grants.gov by April 2, 2025.

FY2025 Aquaculture Legal, Regulatory, and Policy Grants 
Full proposal applications are due February 26, 2025.

NOAA-OAR-SG-2025-29312

Request for Proposals – Young Fishermen’s Career Development Projects Competition
Applications must be submitted to Grants.gov by April 23, 2025.

NOAA-OAR-SG-2025-29392

(Closed)
Request for Proposals- New Jersey Offshore Wind Research & Monitoring Initiative
Letter of Intent Due: August 28, 2024, 5pm EST
Proposal Due: For Principle Investigators with an approved Letter of Intent, the proposal deadline has been extended to October 22 by 5PM.

NJ-RMI Request for Proposals

Frequently Asked Questions

(Closed)
Request for Proposals- FY2024 Sea Grant Contaminants of Emerging Concern
Applications must be submitted to Grants.gov by May 2, 2024.

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) NOAA-OAR-SG-2024-25936

(Closed)
Request for Proposals – FY 2024 American Lobster Research Funding Opportunity
Applications must be submitted to Grants.gov by May 7, 2024.

NOAA-OAR-SG-2024-25871

(Closed)
Request for Proposals -Sea Grant FY 2024 National Aquaculture Initiative: Enhancing Production of Coastal, Marine, and Great Lakes Aquaculture Species
Deadline for Letters of Intent: Wednesday, January 17, 2024 by 5:00 pm local time
Deadline for full applications: Wednesday, April 3, 2024 by 11:59 pm ET

NOAA-OAR-SG-2024-24677

(Closed)
Request for Proposals -Fisheries & Offshore Wind Interactions Request for Proposals
The funding competition is accepting letters of intent to submit proposals from eligible researchers for projects located in the Northeast through February 15, 2024, with full proposals due April 1, 2024.

(Closed)
Request for Proposals -2024 Coastal Resilience Program
Letters of Intent must be received by 5 p.m. Central Time on Friday, March 8, 2024.
Full proposals must be received by 5 p.m. Central Time on Friday, June 7, 2024.

RFP Link

(Open)
Request for Proposals -Power at Sea Prize
Submission opens: Nov. 13, 2023
Submission deadline: July 26, 2024
Winner Announcement: August 2024
Submission opens: August 2024
Submission deadline: May 2025
Winner announcement:June 2025

The American-Made Power at Sea Prize

(Closed)
Biennial Research Competition RFP
DEADLINES FOR APPLICATIONS:
Letters of Intent: May 2, 2023, by 11:59 pm ET
Full Proposals: June 20, 2023, by 11:59 pm ET

###

Read the Biennial Research Competition RFP (closed) for reference only

Read the 2020-2021 Program Development RFP (closed) for reference only

Read the 2020-2022 Biennial Research Competition RFP (closed) for reference only

Read the 2020-2021 Undergraduate Summer Research Mini-Grant RFP (closed) for reference only

Read the 2018-2020 Omnibus Research RFP (closed) for reference only

Read the 2016-2018 Regional Resilience Competition RFP (closed) for reference only

Omnibus Research RFP 2014

The following information refers to a previous program and is provided as reference only.
Please check back for new deadline dates.

The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) is one of 34 state Sea Grant Programs within the National Sea Grant College Program. The National Program is housed within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce. Sea Grant addresses marine issues and coastal sustainability in the context of wise resource use and management. In New Jersey, we are interested in balancing economic growth with resource stewardship to sustain the state’s $80+ billion coastal economy.

NJSGC fulfills its mission to promote the sustainable use of New Jersey’s coastal and marine resources through relevant research and student training, educational excellence, and rapid dissemination of acquired knowledge. NJSGC is a statewide program bringing together the best talent within the region’s member colleges and universities without regard to academic affiliation.

For its 2014-16 omnibus funding cycle, NJSGC will continue to encourage fewer but larger multi-investigator, multi-institution, trans-disciplinary awards focused on critical state and regional research needs. It is the intent of this Request for Pre-Proposals to ultimately award up to four (4) two (2)-year grants of $140,000 each including indirect costs. Funding for new projects will begin on February 1, 2014, pending the federal appropriations process; resource allocation decisions are made annually, dependant on the availability of federal funds. Because NJSGC supports scientific excellence integrated into relevant coastal issues or socio-economic impacts, applications of research results through the NJSGC Extension Program are important considerations in funding. Workforce development through the inclusion of graduate or undergraduate students is a required component for funding. Collaboration with industry, state and regional agencies is strongly encouraged.

In addition, NJSGC is participating in a Mid-Atlantic Regional Sea Grant (New York to North Carolina) Request for Proposals (RFP) to address common coastal and marine issues across the region. New Jersey researchers are encouraged to engage their colleagues in the Mid-Atlantic region to develop a regional proposal. NJSGC is contributing up to $140,000 to this effort for a proposal that supports a New Jersey researcher. Proposal should address New Jersey research priorities, include an extension component and support student research. Virginia Sea Grant will administer the RFP process and NJSGC will administer any New Jersey component to a regional award. Pre-proposals are due March 15, 2013, at 5:00pm EDT to Virginia Sea Grant. For more information please contact Dr. Susan Park, Assistant Director for Research at Virginia Sea Grant at 804-684-7436 or spark@vims.edu.

NJSGC’s Strategic Plan for 2014-17 aligns with the National Program’s Strategic Plan and concentrates its research priorities in three (3) Focus Areas:

• Healthy Coastal Ecosystems
• Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Resilient Communities and Economies

NJSGC will review any proposal dealing with issues of major concern to the state and region, but relevance to the Focus Areas listed above is an important consideration in funding. NJSGC is also interested in the impacts of climate change; utilization of Integrated Ocean Observing Systems; and application to urban-industrial estuaries within these Focus Areas. In light of the impacts of Hurricane Sandy to coastal New Jersey, NJSGC also encourages proposals that address the impacts of coastal storms to human and natural systems in relation to the research priorities of this RFP.

RESEARCH PRIORITIES within each focus area:

Healthy Coastal Ecosystems

• Develop and evaluate restoration technologies to integrate biota into structural shoreline treatments (e.g., dunes, living shorelines, and shellfish reefs including non‐edible shellfish) effectively and successfully including impacts on policy (closed vs. open waters), species diversity (habitat), and ecological services.
• Determine and evaluate the effects of coastal and estuarine engineering (e.g., inlet stabilization, bulkheads, dikes and dredging) on the marine and coastal environment.
• Determine relationship between coastal stressors (e.g., water quality, contaminants, harmful algal blooms, hypoxia, invasive species and wetlands loss) and long term human and ecosystem health.
• Assess the impacts of coastal development on water quality and habitats in coastal areas.
• Develop tools and techniques for climate adaptation that address mitigation, restoration, and response planning for natural systems including wetlands migration and adaptation of temperature and salt tolerant plants.
• Quantify and evaluate the impacts of dynamic stormwater events to water quality in New Jersey coastal lakes, coastal bays, adjacent coastal waters and the Delaware Bay.
• Develop and evaluate environmentally-clean beneficial uses of dredged material for environmental enhancement or restoration (e.g., thin-layer placement of dredged material on wetlands to combat sea-level rise).
• Develop and evaluate the effectiveness of nitrogen reduction in our coastal waters through stormwater BMPs (e.g., gravel wetlands and rain gardens) or new development BMPs (e.g., building design, zoning, regulations or policy).

Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture

• Determine bycatch mortality in marine recreational fisheries in particular summer flounder, weakfish, striped bass, and black sea bass.
• Understand stock recruitment relationship or the human impacts (e.g., dredging, coastal development) on the ecology of commercially and recreationally important fish species including weakfish, black sea bass, blue crab, summer flounder, winter flounder, hard clam, horseshoe crab, oysters, and scallops.
• Evaluate data gaps or model parameters in fish stock assessment through laboratory, field studies or archival analysis on population age structure, sex ratio and mortality, especially for “data poor” species such as scup, black sea bass and tautog.
• Evaluate the socioeconomic impact of recreational fishing, commercial fishing or shellfish aquaculture to New Jersey and its coastal communities.
• Evaluate socioeconomic or ecological impacts of multi‐use conflicts on fisheries (e.g., pot fishing on artificial reefs, offshore wind development).
• Determine impacts of climate change or sea level rise on shellfisheries/aquaculture including regulations, disease, water quality and markets.
• Quantify the economic impacts of management decisions and the regulatory process on fisheries or aquaculture in New Jersey.
• Develop and evaluate (e.g., growth, survival and yield) new aquaculture technologies (e.g., genetics, gear), methodologies (e.g., grow out, anti-fouling, harvesting, processing) or products (e.g., biofuels, new species) that are environmentally responsible and that contribute to a viable mariculture industry in New Jersey.
• Understand and evaluate the impacts of reduced genetic variation on the health of declining populations of commercially and recreationally important marine species.

Resilient Communities and Economies

• Develop and evaluate restoration, adaptation, resiliency, vulnerability or communication tools and techniques that address adaptation, mitigation, response planning, or risk/preparedness behavior for human systems in relation to climate change impacts (e.g., inundation, disease, market trends, or regulations).
• Develop predictive and response models to understand the consequences of storm events (e.g., tropical storms and nor’easters), sea level rise, and climate change including use of environmental or pre‐historical markers of sea level rise.
• Identify and develop appropriate methods to preserve, protect and restore New Jersey’s cultural coastal heritage and assets, (e.g., ports, working waterfronts, and fishing communities).
• Quantify the socioeconomic and cost‐benefit implications of coastal zone management rules on recreation and tourism industries.
• Develop green technologies and evaluate the cost‐benefit impact of implementing them on coastal communities (e.g., energy, water, and stormwater, etc.) or coastal watersheds (e.g., nutrient loadings).
• Determine the geomorphic and biologic beach-dune interactions as a basis for beach maintenance and dune restoration efforts.
• Develop and evaluate strategies to ensure adequate natural freshwater flows (both quantity and periodicity) to New Jersey coastal bays and Delaware Bay to support healthy living resources and sustainable human uses.

SUBMISSION PACKAGE – please include and submit as a single pdf document:

Pre-Proposal Cover Page (https://njseagrant.org/research/forms)

Project Narrative – use standard formatting (8.5 x 11 paper, 1” margins, at least 11 pt Times New Roman font) not to exceed two (2) pages. Include:

• Statement of Problem
• Project Goals and Objectives
• Research Plan
• Summary of the Relevance of the Project to New Jersey and/or the Mid-Atlantic Region: Include a rationale that stresses the importance of the project, who the actual or potential users are and how they are involved or will benefit (e.g., environmental, social or economic) from the project.
• What other state, federal, or private organizations will be involved in this Proposal: Include at what level of participation and/or what funding will be available.

Extension Goals, Student Support and Data Management – use standard formatting (8.5 x 11 paper, 1” margins, at least 11 pt Times New Roman font) not to exceed one (1) page. Include:

• Statement of Extension Goals. You are encouraged to meet with and jointly prepare this section with NJSGC Extension personnel and include them in your proposed work. Regardless, funded PIs will have an assigned extension agent as a liaison to promote the integration of communications and outreach to the research.
• Required Student Support – Describe the extent of graduate or undergraduate student support and involvement in proposed research.
• Data Management – New NOAA regulations require a data management plan to make data available within two years of award completion. Describe your data management plan.

Budget Page (Note matching funds requirements below.)

Budget Justification

Curriculum Vitae – not to exceed two pages per investigator

PRE-PROPOSALS DUE BY 25 JANUARY 2013

MATCHING FUNDS AND BUDGET ASPECTS

Matching funds are required for this program. Sea Grant investigators must include a non-federal contribution of at least $1 for every $2 of Federal support requested. Potential matching non-federal support includes:

• Salaries, wages, and benefits of those working on the project
• Expendable supplies equipment and ship time
• Indirect costs or in-kind services provided
• Contributions such as private, local, or state contracts and special project funds

Total budget amount must be distributed equally over the two years (no front loading)

PRE-PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND NOTIFICATION

Pre-Proposals will be reviewed and ranked by the Technical Review Panel (TRP), a committee of scientists from the region but outside of New Jersey and the NJSGC Advisory Board, comprised of stakeholders from New Jersey, each with 50% of the evaluation weight. The criteria of the TRP are:

• Scientific Merit and Innovativeness (40 pts)
• Responsiveness to NJSGC Research Priorities and Extension Goals (25 pts)
• Expected Benefits (20 pts)
• Student Involvement (5 pts)
• Professional Qualifications of the Investigators (5 pts)
• Budget (5 pts)

The criteria of the Stakeholder Advisory Board are:

• Responsiveness to NJSGC Research Priorities (40 pts)
• Degree and mechanism for practical application of Extension Goals (30 pts)
• Expected Benefits (20 pts)
• Student Involvement (10 pts)

New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium strives to fund the best science relevant to New Jersey and the region. Because we encourage multi-institutional and multi-investigator proposals, please see our website.

Applicant will be notified by 8 April 2013. Full proposals will be due on 31 May 2013.

Based on panel evaluations, investigators may be asked to modify objectives, work plans or budgets for their full proposals.

Proposals must be submitted electronically to Diana Burich, Sea Grant Program Associate, dburich@njseagrant.org

PRE-PROPOSALS DUE BY 25 JANUARY 2013

For General Submission Questions: Diana Burich, Sea Grant Program Associate, 732-872-1300, dburich@njseagrant.org

For Questions on Collaborations, Research Priorities, Evaluation Criteria, Extension, Data Management or Regional Research RFP: Dr. Peter Rowe, Director of Research and Extension, 732-872-1300, prowe@njseagrant.org

For Questions on Budget: Mr. Augustine Anfuso, Fiscal Officer, 732-872-1300, aanfuso@njseagrant.org

2018-2023 Strategic Plan

Introduction & Background

It is widely known as the “Garden State,” but with 130 miles of ocean beaches and 1,792 miles of tidal shoreline, New Jersey could just as easily have been the “Coastal State.” Seventeen of New Jersey’s 21 counties border estuarine or ocean waters. NOAA defines all but one of those counties as coastal, and, under Section 6217 of the Federal 1990 Coastal Zone Management Reauthorization Act, all of New Jersey is considered coastal since all of its watersheds drain to the coast.

New Jersey is home to a number of extraordinary demographics. While it is the fourth smallest state area-wise, it is the most densely populated one in the nation. Like many coastal states, New Jersey is highly dependent upon its coastal resources. In addition to its coastal tourism, boating, and recreational fishing industries, New Jersey is home to nine commercial fishing ports and two of the nation’s largest commercial shipping ports. The value of these industries is enormous, with ports commerce supporting a $50 billion industry, coastal tourism at $28 billion, and total sales revenue in commercial (including aquaculture) and recreational fisheries accounting at nearly $10 billion. More than 1.5 million individuals with per capita incomes among the highest in the nation depend on these coastal-dependent industries for their livelihoods. The coast is also a source of recreation for New Jersey’s nearly 9 million residents and the 91 million-plus potential visitors who live within a four-hour drive.

These competing uses have created intense competition for New Jersey’s coastal lands, waters, and resources. The state’s coastal communities face enormous pressure to balance demand for revenue and growth with protection of marine and coastal resources. In addition, because New Jersey’s coastline is heavily developed, human safety, protection of property, and coastal hazard mitigation are areas of ever-increasing concern. Balancing economic growth, development, and redevelopment, with coastal resource quality and human safety is the critical issue for the future of New Jersey’s coastal communities.

Science-based management and effective public policy are essential to ensuring human health and safety and to preserving New Jersey’s ecological services and economically essential uses. Through this plan, NJSGC renews its commitment to advance knowledge and stewardship for New Jersey’s marine and coastal environments and provide New Jersey’s citizens, stakeholders, and policymakers with a trusted source of sound, unbiased, and evidence-based information and technical assistance to help them make well-informed decisions and take appropriate actions affecting the future of the state’s coastal resources and all who depend on them.

This plan aligns with the National Sea Grant College Program’s 2018- 2021 Strategic Plan and is organized in accordance with its four focus areas: Healthy Coastal Ecosystems, Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, Resilient Communities and Economies, and Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development. The plan also affirms New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium’s support of the National Sea Grant College Program’s core values and cross-cutting principles while drawing on the unique strengths and abilities of NJSGC to address critical state needs.

2018-2023 STRATEGIC PLAN New!

2018-2021 STRATEGIC PLAN

2014-2017 STRATEGIC PLAN

New Jersey Regional Ocean Governance Law Symposium Featured in On-Line Journal

(Sandy Hook, NJ) — Papers from a recent Regional Ocean Governance Symposium hosted at Seton Hall University School of Law in April 2013 have been published in  a special on-line issue of the Sea Grant Law and Policy Journal at  http://nsglc.olemiss.edu/sglpj/archive/vol6.1/  The issue features eight articles that emerged from the Symposium that  provide insight about legal and policy issues related to regional ocean planning in the Mid-Atlantic, from New York to Virginia.

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Media Advisory – June 17-21, 2013

Believe it or not many students, teachers, administrators and parents from the Ripley, Ohio school district will get their first glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean as part of a special week-long program coordinated by the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) and research scientists.

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Ocean Fun Days Celebrates Ten Years of Coastal Education Outreach: Family Oriented Event Expecting Record Crowds for 2013

(Sandy Hook, NJ) — Ocean Fun Days will offer two days of free, family-oriented activities with an environmental and educational focus at Island Beach State Park on Saturday June 8th and Sandy Hook on Sunday June 9th.  For the tenth consecutive year, this popular pre-summer event will feature eco-friendly hands-on programs and special activities that help explore and celebrate the wonders of the Jersey Shore.  Drag a seine net, go on a guided beach hike, learn about seaside birds and much more at Ocean Fun Days. Both Ocean Fun Day locations were hard hit by Hurricane Sandy but have been restored and recently reopened to the public.  As a result, event organizers are expecting record crowds this year.

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Legal Symposium Media Advisory

This symposium is designed to provide state and local decision-makers with information about legal and policy analyses that support the implementation of regional ocean planning in the Mid-Atlantic, from New York to Virginia. It will help identify innovative and practical legal and policy solutions to critical challenges. Key issues to be explored include multi-use ocean management, offshore alternative energy, habitats, fisheries, and living marine resources.

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