Rutgers Awarded Funds for Coastal Research

Washington, D.C. - The Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve at Rutgers University was awarded $587,190 to help conduct research and to increase understanding of coastal ecosystems, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. announced on Tuesday.

“The monitoring and preservation of our estuaries and coastal resources is vital to the protection of our coastal infrastructure and economy," said Pallone. "As we see firsthand from the wrath of Hurricane Irene, it wasn't the wind it's the water that is causing the most damage. Tidal flooding continues to inflict serious harm. The more we learn about the behavior of ocean waters and inland waterways the better."

The funds come from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration. The Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences at Rutgers University will provide $231,020 in matching funds, bringing the total to $818,210.

The program studies the impact of stormwater on coastal ecosystems, eutrophication of coastal systems, effects of sea level rise on coastal communities and ecosystems. It also maintains the water quality element of the System Wide Monitoring Program, supports the Coastal Training Program at full operational status and conducts public education programs.

Specific programs will include efforts to restore ecosystem health to Barnegat Bay, development of innovative technology to stem coastal erosion and build new resource habitat, advancement of strategies to reduce impacts of stormwater on coastal systems, use of robots and advanced technology to track fish and promote science-based fishery management, and collaborative programs with coastal communities to prepare for storm and flood events.

Programs also will be aimed at enriching science education for the K-12 and general public communities with real-time information and field experiences.