NJSMC/NJSG News

Rip Current Awareness

NJMSC/NJ Sea Grant has revamped and revved up its campaign to promote rip current safety statewide. A recently revised (2009) downloadable rip current awareness brochure and other resource materials are now available. >more

National Conference to Focus on Invasive Species in Coastal Environments

Asiatic sand sedge (Carex kobomugi)

Along the Atlantic Coast of the United States, coastal dune and maritime forest habitats have been significantly altered or degraded by human activities. Since many of the plant species found in these habitats are found nowhere else, reduction of these areas is making these species increasingly rare. Exotic and invasive species pose a major threat to ecological function in these dwindling habitats. Professionals dealing with these ecosystems rarely have the opportunity to meet, exchange information, and share expertise.

The Invasive Species in Coastal Dunes and Maritime Forests National Conference, sponsored by Georgian Court University, NJMSC/NJSG and the Cape May Plant Materials Center, will bring together interested academics, managers, and environmental professionals and practitioners to share information about effective management strategies and work together to generate recommendations for policies and strategies to effectively combat the spread of these invasive species.

The conference will be held on July 16-17, 2009 at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, New Jersey. For a conference schedule, printable flyer, registration form and other conference details, visit georgian.edu/dunes.

Grants Available to Marinas for Implementing Best Management Practices, and Installing Vessel Wash Wastewater Systems and Stormwater Control Measures

As part of its Marina Industry Enhancement (MIE) initiative, the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium/New Jersey Sea Grant (NJMSC/NJSG) has launched a competitive grant program that provides funding for marinas to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) and/or install Vessel Wash Wastewater Systems and Stormwater Control Measures. Funding is provided by the I BOAT NJ Program and NJMSC/NJSG. MIE partners include NJMSC/NJSG, New Jersey Department of Transportation, Marine Trades Association of New Jersey, New Jersey Clean Marina Program and Rutgers Cooperative Extension Program.

Grants will be made available to existing Clean Marinas and those marinas committed to working towards the Clean Marina designation. There are three grant categories:

1. BMPs up to $4,000;
2. Vessel Wash Wastewater Systems up to $10,000; and
3. Stormwater Control Measures (funding has been allocated for approximately two projects and the award amounts will be dependent on the scope of the project)

The grant application is available electronically on the MIE website. Applicants must provide a 10% match, can request funds in all three categories, and applications submitted electronically are preferred and will be given priority. Review and approval of grant applications will begin on the following dates in 2009: April 30, June 30, September 30 and December 31. Contact Cindi Valkos, Grant Administrator, at 732-872-1300 ext. 13 or cvalkos@njmsc.org for more information.

New Jersey Boater's Ramp Guide

The New Jersey Boater's Ramp Guide project was completed by New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. NJMSC is grateful to the I BOAT NJ Program for funding this assessment and guide. Fill out the attached order form to receive a copy of the Guide.