Federal Grant to Non-Profit Group Will Benefit New Jersey Coast
Sandy Hook, NJ…The New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium/New Jersey Sea Grant
(NJMSC/NJSG) has been awarded $943,000 from the U.S. Department of Commerce/NOAA National
Sea Grant College Program. The funds will support NJMSC/NJSG’s many programs that promote
greater understanding of New Jersey’s coastal environment including marine research on issues of high
priority to the State.
“We are pleased to bring these federal dollars to New Jersey” said Dr. Peter Rowe, Acting Director of
the New Jersey Sea Grant Program. “They will be used to advance our work that fosters care and
understanding of our marine and coastal environment, and, in doing so, sustain the significant revenue
these environments contribute to the State’s economy”.
NJMSC/NJSG works in cooperation with municipalities, government agencies, schools and
institutions of higher learning throughout New Jersey. Projects within its Extension Program range from
educational signage and marina enhancement activities to stormwater management and coastal hazard
resilience. For example, NJMSC/NJSG’s rip current awareness signs have been posted up and down
the Jersey Shore and a growing number of marinas have become “Clean Marinas” through their work
with NJMSC/NJSG’s Extension Agents.
-The award also will be used to improve science education at all levels. Along with public education
events and training for teachers, NJMSC/NJSG offers college courses, an extremely popular class trip
program on Sandy Hook and in-school, scout and summer camp programs all within the domain of
marine science.
Nearly half of the award will fund research that will directly impact New Jersey’s coast. Through a
highly competitive process, four projects were selected for funding this year. The research will include a
study on American beachgrass varieties for use in dune protection, an analysis of fisheries data to
improve management on target species, an investigation on summer flounder landings to better
manage that fishery, and a study on the exchange of water between Raritan Bay and the ocean. The
results of this project will represent the first comprehensive study of circulation patterns and dispersive
processes in Raritan Bay.
NJMSC/NJSG is an affiliation of colleges, universities and other groups dedicated to advancing
knowledge and stewardship of New Jersey’s marine and coastal environment. The organization
meets its mission through its many research, education and outreach programs. For information about
NJMSC/NJSG and its work, visit njmsc.org