Monmouth scientists are conducting a first-of-its-kind study that uses marine environmental DNA (eDNA) extracted from the ocean to determine whether the development of offshore wind infrastructure has an impact on fish populations and demographics.

The team of universities and New Jersey Sea Grant will work to identify research needs and fill knowledge gaps that enable the state and communities to make more informed decisions on coastal resilience actions and respond to climate threats. 

Take a peek below at two hands-on projects by Marine and Environmental Biology and Policy (MEBP) Program students and faculty. The UCI supported students working on these projects with grants through its Heidi Lynn Sculthorpe Scholars Program.
Above, MEBP senior Emma Gould discusses her work with faculty mentor Professor Pedram Daneshgar to develop strategies for restoring coastal forests following salt flooding events.
Assistant Professor of Wildlife Ecology Sean Sterrett and his students analyzed the population and spatial ecology of eastern box turtles at Weltz Park in Ocean Township.

Professor Melissa Ziobro’s students will unveil a poster exhibit that pairs excerpts from oral history interviews with archival photos in order to document and interpret the storm’s impact on Monmouth County. (Also see related event listing below.)

The 2022 ROI Influencers: Higher Education issue recognized two UCI-supported Monmouth University programs in its list of 15 unique classes, programs and degrees offered statewide.

Site is dedicated to raising the visibility of the ocean in advance of the U.N.’s fall COP27 climate conference and features live events and virtual booths by the UCI and many other exhibitors.

Congratulations to UCI 2012 Champion of the Ocean Jessie Ausubel on being named the 2022 recipient of the Nierenberg Prize for Science in the Public Interest. Ausubel, the director of the Program for the Human Environment at the Rockefeller University, has been a longtime collaborator through the Monmouth-Rockefeller Marine Science & Policy Initiative.
Remembering James Florio

The UCI is saddened to learn of the passing of former New Jersey Gov. and Congressman James Florio on Sept. 25. The UCI presented its Champion of the Ocean Award to Florio (seen left with UCI Director Tony MacDonald) in 2018 in recognition of his dedication to the environment and ocean during a distinguished life of public service that extended well after his time in office. Among his achievements, Florio authored the Superfund Program and was instrumental in passage of the Medical Waste Tracking Act as a member of Congress, and strengthened penalties for industrial water polluters and permanently ended the practice of ocean dumping of sewage sludge while governor.
Upcoming Events
October 2 | 6 a.m.
Airs on 94.3 The Point/105.7 The Hawk

Tune in to hear UCI Director Tony MacDonald talk Jersey Shore beach and coastal issues in show's first hour, followed by comedian Paul Reiser.
Tony MacDonald
October 14 & 15
Hudson River Park Pier 84, New York City
Hosted by Hudson River Park Trust

Step aboard the R/V Heidi Lynn Sculthorpe to experience what it’s like to conduct research at sea and meet students and faculty from Monmouth’s MEBP Program and UCI.
October 28 | 12 p.m.

Virtual panel moderated by Monmouth University Professor Melissa Ziobro to explore ways disaster is being documented for the historical record.
SAVE THE DATE
November 9 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Monmouth U. Great Hall Auditorium
Coastal Lakes Observing Network (CLONet) Fall Meeting

Find out what this year's sampling data reveals about the health of Monmouth County's coastal lakes. E-mail econlon@monmouth.edu for info.

Visit our online store to buy a sweatshirt with the UCI's New Jersey marine life icon. Your purchase will support the kinds of innovative student and faculty research initiatives covered in this newsletter.
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