(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.
New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium held its annual Jersey Shore Photo Contest once again this year—and the response was incredible! We received an outstanding number of submissions, both in quantity and quality, showcasing the natural beauty and charm of our beloved state, highlighting breathtaking scenes from familiar spots like Raritan Bay, Cape May, Island Beach State Park, Sandy Hook, and more.
Twelve winning photos were selected and will be featured in NJSGC’s 2026 Desktop Calendar
The calendar will be available on njseagrant.org in the coming months—but in the meantime, check out the winning photos below (in no particular order).
Congratulations to all of this year’s talented winners! Your work helps share the magic of the Jersey Shore.
Lunch Time, Lita Kishbaugh
Avalon Fishing Pier Sunrise, Robert Roth
Snowy Sunset at Cape May Lighthouse, Audrey Geddes
It’s once again time to cast your vote for New Jersey’s favorite beach! The fate of our beaches is in your hands. Choose your 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.
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.
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. Send them this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/favoritebeach2024
Connect with New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for more updates. Thank you for your continued support!
It’s finally time to cast your vote for New Jersey’s favorite beach! The fate of our beaches is in your hands. Choose your 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.
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.
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. Send them this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/favoritebeach2023
Connect with New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for more updates. Thank you for your continued support!
Shellfish farming is an important and ever growing sector in New Jersey’s coastal economy. Given the continuing entry of new shellfish farmers and planned expansion of existing farms in the State, further growth is inevitable and would result in significant ecological and economic benefits while providing high quality sustainable seafood to meet increasing consumer demand.
The new Apprenticeship in Shellfish Aquaculture Program (ASAP) is an initiative offered through a partnership between New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium and Rutgers University that offers high school students an opportunity to learn about aquaculture while getting their “feet wet” in the field through virtual and experiential training. The purpose of this pilot project is to introduce middle and high school students and their communities to aquaculture as a career opportunity and an emerging and important food production system. By providing a pathway to enter careers in this growing sector, ASAP provides students with an understanding of the field of shellfish aquaculture and helps them build necessary skills so that they are employment-ready and primed for a successful career start.
Diana Burich with ASAP students at Cape May Salt Oyster Farm.
Project development began in summer 2021, when collaborators engaged NJ educators interested in increasing aquaculture literacy in their schools with industry professionals in a 3-day workshop to develop curriculum content, discuss instructional approaches and to identify necessary employment skills. Teachers then recruited students for ASAP in spring 2022, which employs a three-fold approach: virtual workshops, in-person “boot camp” and 20-hour farm work experience.
Beginning in May, seven high school students participated in four hour-long virtual workshops where they learned about local and global applications of aquaculture and had the opportunity to interact with researchers, professionals and shellfish growers. During the week of June 27, ASAP students participated in the second program component: a 1-week summer training “boot camp” that offered in-class lessons and field experiences at Rutgers University’s Cape Shore Laboratory and Aquaculture Innovation Center in Cape May County.
Students learning about oyster ecology & biology from Michael Acquafredda, PhD post-doc from NOAA NEFSC
According to Diana Burich, Director of Education and co-creator of the program, “As the aquaculture industry in New Jersey grows, there is a real need to help shellfish farmers find competent employees. ASAP is an opportunity for students who already have an interest in shellfish aquaculture to be immersed in learning about this food source, how products are grown and marketed, and what it really takes to make that happen. The students were full of enthusiasm and enjoyed the activities, and the entire group, collaborators and students alike, were understanding of the importance of this project. Whether students plan to pursue aquaculture in college or head directly out into the workforce, NJSGC has a responsibility as a resource in helping to bring these two sectors together and provide relevant opportunities for growth.”
Oyster dissection, pea crab & using dye to show how oysters transfer particulates across gills
Oyster dissection, pea crab & using dye to show how oysters transfer particulates across gills
Facilitated by Burich and collaborators Jenny Shinn of Rutgers University’s Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory and Lisa Calvo of Sweet Amalia Oyster Farm, students learned about the biology and ecology of oysters and hard clams, two economically-important species grown in NJ. Students toured Cape May Salt oyster farm, built farm gear, and helped maintain “crops” to keep them fouling- and disease-free. Staff and interns at the Aquaculture Innovation Center and Cape Shore Lab led students through hatchery and husbandry operations, where students learned about life stages and the importance of algae in the production of larval spat.. Experts like Michael Acquafredda, PhD, National Research Council’s postdoctoral research associate from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NOAA NEFSC) and Douglas Zemeckis, PhD, Rutgers University’s Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources County Agent, met with students and talked about current research and shellfish farms as agricultural and commercial businesses . Students even learned to shuck oysters, identify flavor profiles and cook Oysters Rockefeller.
NJSGC’s Coastal and Marine Science Education and Community Engagement intern, Catherine Rodriguez with Jihyana Price, NOAA IN-FISH intern.
Students are currently in the final phase of the program: 20-hour farm experience where they will gain experience in aquaculture-related work thanks to collaborating industry partners such as Sweet Amalia Oyster Farm in Cape May Courthouse and Forty North Oyster Farm in Barnegat. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a Shellfish Aquaculture Apprenticeship Certificate of Accomplishment, a stipend for their participation and a greater appreciation for New Jersey’s shellfish farmers and the aquaculture industry overall collaboration with industry and academic project partners
The sun is out, the shades are on, and the smell of sunscreen and BBQs is in the air…which can mean only one thing: It’s finally time to cast your vote for New Jersey’s favorite beach!
The fate of our beaches is in your hands. Choose your 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. Click here to vote: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/favoritebeach2022!
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 2022? Asbury Park has definitely proved a fierce competitor over the past couple years… You decide! Read more from our friend, Nicole Murray from 94.3 “The Point.” She’s not biased about her favorite beach, whatsoever!
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.
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, LinkedIn, and Twitter for more updates. Thank you for your continued support!
Love what New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium does? We are currently hiring for 2 positions at our Sandy Hook office:
Field Instructor: The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC), a non-profit organization on Sandy Hook, is hiring part-time field instructors for their K-12 Education Program and Scout Program. NJSGC provides students and scouts with dynamic ocean science programs that may include but not be limited to outdoor experiential learning activities such as seining, interactive games, scientific demonstrations and laboratory experiments. Join a great group of people that love the beach, the outdoors and sharing their knowledge with students to promote a love of environmental science. Gain hands-on educational experience and work in one of the most unique natural “classroom” environments in New Jersey, Gateway National Recreation Area-Sandy Hook Unit. Click here to view job description.
Communications Intern: New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) is currently seeking a summer intern to work within the communications department and assist staff with all relevant tasks including (but not limited to): social media campaigns, video production, event coverage/promotion, and programmatic outreach. This position is ideal for undergraduates (preferably third or fourth year) interested in pursuing a career in the digital communications field, with a unique emphasis on marine, coastal, and STEM initiatives. The intern will report directly to NJSGC’s Communications Specialist and work throughout the busy 2022 summer season (June-August) at the Jersey Shore. Click here to view the full job description.
Job openings and fellowship opportunities across the Sea Grant Network are listed on the National Sea Grant website. Click here to see all current openings.
The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Proper documentation of identity and your ability to work in the United States is required at the time of employment.
Eileen Murphy, Janice DeFalco, and Suzanne Chiavari of American Water Works Association New Jersey present grant award to Diana Burich, Director of Education, and Kanesha Jones, NJSGC Board of Trustee Member and Central Jersey Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc.
The $2,000 grant will support NJSGC’s education initiatives throughout the State of New Jersey. Funds will be directed towards further development of an interactive underwater robotics program with underserved minority students in Asbury Park and Neptune, giving children the opportunity to experience hands-on STEM education right in their own neighborhoods. This grant will also provide student transportation to participate in a pilot aquaculture apprenticeship program in the Delaware Bay-shore area. This program will introduce high school students to aquaculture as an important food source and an emerging industry in New Jersey.
“We are grateful to NJAWWA for recognizing the relevance of NJSGC’s programs to their mission of providing safe, clean water for all citizens and creating a better world through better water. Through their support, NJSGC will continue to better prepare the next generation of decision makers to thoughtfully care for our watersheds and ocean environments.”
– Diana Burich, NJSGC Director of Education
Diana Burich, Director of Education, gives NJAWWA members a glimpse of the natural environments explored during NJSGC’s education programs on Sandy Hook.
Please click here to learn more about NJSGC’s Educational Programs.
AWWA New Jersey Section ~ A Better World Through Better Water
The New Jersey Section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA NJ) is dedicated to providing solutions to effectively manage water, the world’s most important resource. AWWA NJ is proactive and passionate about water! We work to advance technology, science, proper management and government policies relative to the stewardship of water. AWWA NJ is the recognized resource for information and guidance for local and state government, water utilities, and the general public.
AWWA NJ is made up of more than 1,300 members united in a mission to provide safe drinking water to the people of New Jersey. Our members include most of New Jersey’s public and investor-owned water utilities along with engineering and environmental professionals and allied industry businesses.
As part of the American Water Works Association, the New Jersey Section joins over 50,000 water professionals and vendors worldwide in a dynamic organization dedicated to a better world through better water.
New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium is excited to welcome Samantha Kreisler aboard as their new Communications Specialist. Samantha comes to NJSGC with a strong background in marine policy and conservation, extensive experience communicating science and a history of working towards fostering environmental stewardship with various stakeholders.
With inspiration and guidance from her father, a New York Harbor boat captain, she grew up on the water learning the importance of preserving our marine environment and its resources. Graduating from the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science with a BA in Marine Policy and a MS in Marine Science Ecosystems and Society, Samantha pursued her interest in marine science and combined it with her passion for environmental conservation to embark on a career of finding real-world solutions to environmental challenges. This led her to positions at NY/NJ Baykeeper and Clean Water Action, where she honed her ability to communicate science through storytelling to the public.
In her most recent position as the Outreach Coordinator atHackensack Riverkeeper, Samantha managed communications efforts of this grassroots non-profit organization, from creating content for their website and newsletter to social media campaigns and digital marketing. Samantha also oversaw volunteer programs such as community and corporate river clean-ups and coordinated major events like fishing derbies and HRK’s annual gala.
Samantha was introduced to NJSGC in 2019 by a friend and was quickly hired as a seasonal field instructor. Her content knowledge, background experience and enthusiasm made her a great candidate for the position. According to Diana Burich, Director of Education, “Samantha was a fabulous field instructor who engaged visiting school groups with her energy and passion, always interacting with a bright smile as she taught children about the importance of NJ’s marine and coastal environments and why it is necessary to care for them. We’re ecstatic to have her back at NJSGC in greater capacity!”
As communications specialist, Samantha is responsible for writing and distributing content including the NJSGC newsletter COASTodian, email blasts, managing social media accounts, and documenting NJSGC’s presence and research impacts throughout the State of New Jersey and Mid-Atlantic region. Within NJSGC, Samantha will be an integral part of its strategic planning, fund-raising efforts, and research communications. As part of the Sea Grant Communications Network, Samantha will work with other state Sea Grant programs and the National Sea Grant office to represent New Jersey’s voice and to improve Sea Grant communications as a whole.
“Samantha’s expertise, depth of experience, enthusiastic commitment and fresh perspectives will be a positive influence on our organization. Her background in marine science and familiarity with science communications made her the perfect choice for the position. We are looking forward to having her back onboard,” said Pete Rowe, PhD, Acting Executive Director, New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium.
In her spare time, Samantha is a sitting board member of Save Coastal Wildlife, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about the wildlife along the Jersey Shore. When she’s not in the office, she can be found kayaking, scuba diving, and walking (or swimming) along the Jersey Shore with her rescue pup, Lady.
