December Newsletter

Community Scientists Set the Bar(code) for Future Fish Surveys in Monmouth County Waters

The swirling gene pool that is Monmouth County’s ocean and estuarine waters was home to at least 68 species of fish this fall, according to an eDNA analysis conducted by the UCI in partnership with community volunteers.

Study Provides Insights on the Nature of Climate Science Denial Arguments

If the vast majority of scientists believe that climate change is happening and human activities are the main driver, why do so many Americans doubt it? Professor Peter Jacques recently completed a 12-year analysis of over 100 books rejecting climate science in an attempt to understand the roots and reasoning of the arguments.

UCI Receives NJDEP Grant to Expand

Naval Weapons Station Earle Oyster Reef

The funding will enable UCI and student researchers to add 600 oyster castles to the reef to enhance resilience, reduce shoreline erosion, and create habitats that support a diverse range of marine species.

Watch: Monmouth’s Siena Zisa Interviews Chilean Marine Biologist for COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion

Zisa, a joint research assistant with the UCI and Global Ocean Forum, spoke with Professor Carlos F. Gaymer of the Universidad Católica del Norte as part of the Pavilion's Youth-led Interview Series.

Watch: 'How Tuesday' Fishing Data Webinar

The UCI's Jay Odell and Karl Vilacoba recently provided an online tour of the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal's reorganized collection of over 1,000 maps showing commercial fishing areas and activities.

Upcoming Events

Jan. 27 | 11 a.m.

Northeast Regional Marine Fish Habitat Assessment Data Webinar

Session will examine recently published MARCO Portal maps illustrating seasonal abundance for several coastal fish species.

March 4-6

2026 New Jersey Sustainability and Innovation Matter Conference

Atlantic City

Annual event focuses on sustainability, recycling, litter abatement, materials management, education and outreach strategies, and more.

March 9-11

2026 New Jersey Coastal and Climate Resilience Conference

Galloway, NJ

With a theme of “Navigating Changing Tides,” the NJDEP/NJCRC conference will gather hundreds of coastal and climate resilience professionals to learn and collaborate.

Feb. 3 - April 7

Rutgers Cooperative Extension Introductory Fisheries Science for Stakeholders (IFISSH)

10-class online course offers insights on the science, management, and responsible stewardship of fishery resources.

MISSION: The Urban Coast Institute's mission is to serve Monmouth University and the public as a forum for research, education and collaboration in the development and implementation of science-based policies and programs that support stewardship of healthy, productive and resilient coastal ecosystems and communities.

monmouth.edu/uci | uci@monmouth.edu | (732) 263-5662