Current New Jersey Sea Grant Research Projects

Omnibus Projects

Click on the project title for a description of the research:

Assessing the population genetic structure of eelgrass (Zostera marina L.): implications for management and restoration of a coastal habitat (R/6642-001)
Dr. Paul Bologna
Montclair State University
973-655-4112
bolognap@mail.montclair.edu

Development of an HF Radar Derived Near-shore Wave and Current Product: Application to Rip Current Probability Along the New Jersey Coast (R/6640-001)
Dr. Josh Kohut
Rutgers University
732-932-6555 ext. 542
kohut@marine.rutgers.edu

Effects of Bulkheads on Horseshow Crab Spawning and Egg Availability to Shorebirds (R/6644-001)
Ms. Nancy Jackson
New Jersey Institute of Technology
973-596-8467
jacksonn@njit.edu

Estimation of the Fall Velocity of Suspended Sediment in the Passaic River, NJ (R/6640-003)
Dr. David Fugate
Rutgers University
732-932-6555 ext. 233
fugate@marine.rutgers.edu

Phragmites australis Invasion and Consequent Effects on Fiddler Crab Behavior and Bioturbation (R/6646-001)
Dr. Michael Grove
Rowan University
856-256-4500 ext. 3579
grove@rowan.edu

Slipping Away? What can glass eel stages tell us about the decline of the American eel (Anguilla rostrata) in the Middle Atlantic Bight estuaries? (R/6640-002)
Dr. Kenneth Able
Rutgers University
609-296-5260 ext. 230
able@marine.rutgers.edu

Development Projects

If you’re interested in obtaining more information about a specific project, please contact the researcher directly. 

Developing the Proficiency to Monitor PolyBrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE) Contamination Levels in Barnegat Bay (R/D-2005-5)
Dr. Andrew Weber
Georgian Court University
732-987-2367
weber@georgian.edu

Distribution of Corbicula fluminea in New Jersey (R/D-2005-4)
Dr. Robert Prezant
Montclair State University
973-655-5108
prezantr@mail.montclair.edu

Genetic Stock Assessment of NJ Bay Scallops using Microsatellite Primers (R/D-2005-2)
Dr. James Campanella
Montclair State University
973-655-4097
campanellj@mail.montclair.edu

Isolation and Identification of Antimicrobial Compounds from Marine Epiphytic Bacteria (R/D-2005-1)
Dr. John Berger
Montclair State University
973-655-7118
bergerj@mail.montclair.edu

Modeling the Sensitivity of Acoustic Telemetry Gate Escapement to Seven User-defined Variables (R/D-6605-0002)
Dr. Thomas Grothues
Rutgers University
609-296-5260 ext. 262
grothues@marine.rutgers.edu

Root Dynamics and Population Performance in American Beachgrass, Ammophila breviligulata (R/D-2005-6)
Dr. Michael Peek
William Paterson University
973-720-2247
peekm@wpunj.edu

Selectivity of Salinity, Municipal Sewage, Herbicides and Heavy Metals Toward the Development of Brown Tide Bloom (R/6605-0001)
Dr. Liping Wei
New Jersey Institute of Technology
973-596-5389
wei@adm.njit.edu

State Policymaking Institutions and Managing Biodiversity in Delaware Bay (R/D-2005-3)
Dr. Maurie Cohen
New Jersey Institute of Technology
609-596-5281
mcohen@adm.njit.edu

Past New Jersey Sea Grant Research Projects

The list below represents all research projects funded by the New Jersey Sea Grant Program between 1991 and 2005.  If you’re interested in obtaining more information about a specific project, please contact the researcher directly. 

For information about research projects funded prior to 1991, please contact New Jersey Sea Grant Communications at 732-872-1300 ext. 18.

Absorption of Vitamins by Fish (R/F-58)
Dr. Ronaldo Ferraris
UMDNJ

Acceleration of Dermo Resistance in MSX Resistant Lines (R/F-95003)
Standish Allen
Rutgers University

Analysis of Rip Current Generation Along Stabilized Coastlines (R/D-2003-1)
Dr. Michael Bruno
Stevens Institute of Technology
201-216-5338
m1bruno@stevens-tech.edu

Are there Genetic Differences in Pristine versus Eutrophied Portions of Barnegat Bay? (R/UG-2004-2)
Dr. Louise Wootton
Georgian Court University
732-364-2200 ext. 349
woottonl@georgian.edu

Assessing Bay Scallop (Argopecten irradians) Populations Structure and Reproduction: Potential for Stock Enhancement in Barnegat Bay, NJ (R/D-2000)
Dr. Paul Bologna
Fairleigh Dickinson University
973-443-8758
bologna@fdu.edu

Assessing Sediment Transport and Restoration Potential on Developed Coastal Dunes (R/CZM-2002)
Dr. Karl Nordstrom
Rutgers University
732-932-6555 ext. 502
nordstro@imcs.rutgers.edu

Assessing Shore Protection on Delaware Bay Beaches to Restore Habitat for Horseshoe Crab Spawning and Egg Viability (R/D-2002-1)
Dr. Nancy Jackson
New Jersey Institute of Technology
973-596-8467
nancy.jackson@njit.edu

Assessment of Climatic and Human Activities on Shoreline Change (R/D-2004)
Dr. Nancy Jackson
New Jersey Institute of Technology
973-596-8467
nancy.jackson@njit.edu

Assessment of Eelgrass, Zostera marina, Health and Biomass in Relationship to the Occurrence and Intensity of Brown-tide Events in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey (R/D-2001-1)
Dr. Paul Bologna
Fairleigh Dickinson University

Assessment of Spread Rates of Carex kobomugi (R/EXT-2002)
Dr. Louise Wootton
Georgian Court College
732-364-2200 ext. 349
woottonl@georgian.edu

Breeding and Evaluation of Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) Strains Selected for Resistance to MSX, Dermo and JOD (R/OD-9915)
Dr. Ximing Guo
Rutgers University
856-785-0074 ext. 124
xguo@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Breeding, Evaluation and Molecular Analysis of Oyster Strains Selected for Resistance to MSX, Dermo and JOD (ORDP-29) (R/OD-2001)
Dr. Ximing Guo
Rutgers University
856-785-0074 ext. 124
xguo@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Changes in Peat Structure Following Tidal Marsh Restoration: Implications for Nutrient Exchange (MERP-2001-2)
Dr. James Saiers
Yale University
203-432-5121
james.saiers@yale.edu

Community Structure and Detrital Dynamics in Zostera marina and Ruppia maritima Beds in Barnegat Bay, Implications for Essential Fish Habitat (R/D-2002-5)
Dr. Louise Wootton
Georgian Court College
732-364-2200 ext. 349
woottonl@georgian.edu

Comparison of the Effects of Nutrient and Sediment Loadings on Seagrass Health at La Parguera, Puerto Rico and Barnegat Bay, New Jersey (R/MP-2000)
Dr. Heidi Hertler
Academy of Natural Sciences

Continued Studies: Model Development & Chemical Characterization of Bioavailable Nitrogen Loading to Coastal Ecosystems (R/ES-2002-3)
Dr. Sybil Seitzinger
Rutgers University
732-932-6555 ext. 342
sybil@imcs.rutgers.edu

Control of Range Expansion and Habitat Use of the Invasive Green Crab, Carcinus maenas, by a Native Predator-a Case of Biotic Resistance? (R/D-2002-2)
Dr. Paul Jivoff
Rider University
609-895-5421
pjivoff@rider.edu

Cooperative Regional Oyster Selective Breeding Project (R/OD-9908)
Dr. Ximing Guo
Rutgers University
856-785-0074 ext. 124
xguo@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Cumulative Effects and New Jersey Marine Fisheries (R/SLP-2004)
Dr. Bonnie McCay
Rutgers University
732-932-9153 ext. 314
mccay@aesop.rutgers.edu

Detection of Haplosporidium nelsoni (MSX) Using a Ribosomal DNA Probe (R/F-43)
Dr. Dunne Fong
Rutgers University

Determining the Potential for Horseshoe Crab Habitat Restoration Using Beach Nourishment (R/CZM-2004)
Dr. Nancy Jackson
New Jersey Institute of Technology
973-596-8467
nancy.jackson@njit.edu

Development of a Type II Sanitation Device for Recreational Boats (R/T-2001)
Dr. Timothy Jacobsen
Cumberland County College
856-691-8600 ext. 322
timjacobsen@cccnj.net

Development of Hyper-Thermophilic Enzymes from Thermotoga (R/D-2001)
Dr. Douglas Eveleigh
Rutgers University

Differential Identification of Fecal Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the Manasquan River Estuary by Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Testing and DNA Fingerprinting Analysis (R/ES-2002-1)
Dr. Michael Palladino
Monmouth University
732-263-5543
mpalladi@monmouth.edu

Dynamic Mixing Zone Analysis and Biological Study to Evaluate the Effects of Chlorinated Municipal Wastewater on the Marine Environment (R/M-9802b)
Dr. Richard Hires
Stevens Institute of Technology
201-216-5676
rhires@stevens-tech.edu

Effects of an Invasive Grass on Fiddler Crab Activity and Bioturbation in New Jersey Salt Marshes (R/D-2004-2)
Dr. Michael Grove
Rowan University
856-256-4500 ext. 3579
grove@rowan.edu

Effects of Climate Variability on the Prevalence and Intensity of Dermo and MSX in Eastern Oyster Populations (R/OD-9913)
Dr. Eric Powell
Rutgers University
609-785-0075 ext. 109
eric@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Effects of Waves and Currents on Horseshoe Crab Egg Density and Availability to Shorebirds on Sandy Estuarine Beaches in New Jersey and Delaware (R/D-2001-2)
Dr. Nancy Jackson
New Jersey Institute of Technology
973-596-8467
nancy.jackson@njit.edu

Elements as Tracers in Ear Otoliths and Soft Tissues of Bluefish Provide Information on Origin and Contaminant (R/D-2004-5)
Dr. William Saidel
Rutgers University
856-225-6336
saidel@crab.rutgers.edu

Enhance Growth and Disease-resistance of the Eastern Oyster by Interstrain Hybridization and Triploidy (R/OD-2005-2)
Dr. Yongping Wang
Rutgers University
856-785-0074
wang@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Enhancing Hard Clam Aquaculture Through Manipulation of Larval Culturing (R/F-95004)
Michael Russell
Villanova University

Environmental Effects on Gene Expression in Winter Flounder (R/D-2002-3)
Dr. Peter Straub
Richard Stockton College of NJ
609-652-4556
pete.straub@stockton.edu

Environmental Knowledge of Commercial Fishermen and its Application to Fisheries Management (R/SCS-2002-2)
Dr. Bryan Oles
Rutgers University
732-932-8797
oles@aesop.rutgers.edu

Essential Fish Habitat on the Inner Continental Shelf (R/F-2001)
Dr. Kenneth Able
Rutgers University
609-296-5260 ext. 230
able@arctic.rutgers.edu

Evaluating Biomarkers for Genetic Diversity in Chironomids from Kearny Marsh, NJ (R/UG-2002-1)
Dr. Carolyn Bentivegna
Seton Hall University
973-275-2113
bentivca@shu.edu

Evaluation of Detritus from Different Wetland Grasses Using Aquatic Midge Fly Larvae, Chironomus riparius (R/UG-2001)
Dr. Carolyn Bentivegna
Seton Hall University
973-275-2113
bentivca@shu.edu

Evaluation of the Toxicity of Manganese to Macroinvertebrates (R/UG-2001-1)
Dr. Carolyn Bentivegna
Seton Hall University
973-275-2113
bentivca@shu.edu

Fiddler Crabs as 'Ecological Engineers' in Phragmites vs. Spartina Marshes (R/D-2002-4)
Dr. Peddrick Weis
UMDNJ- New Jersey Medical School
973-972-4409
weis@umdnj.edu

Functional Genomics Based Indicators of Fish Habitat Quality (R/BT-2004)
Dr. Peter Straub
Richard Stockton College of NJ
609-652-4556
pete.straub@stockton.edu

Genomic Taxonomy for Identifying Aquatic Insects (R/D-2004-1)
Dr. Carolyn Bentivegna
Seton Hall University
973-275-2113
bentivca@shu.edu

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in Coastal Waters of New Jersey and the Mid-Atlantic Region:  Importance of Dissolved Organic Matter in Stimulating Growth (R/ES-2004)
Dr. Sybil Seitzinger
Rutgers University
732-932-6555 ext. 342
sybil@imcs.rutgers.edu

Identification and Mapping of Oyster Genes Involved in Host-defense Against Dermo and MSX (R/OD-2003-2)
Dr. Ziniu Yu
Rutgers University
856-785-0074 ext. 140
carlzyu@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Identifying and Claiming the Coastal Commons in Industrialized and Gentrified Places (R/SCS-2002-1)
Dr. Bonnie McCay
Rutgers University
732-932-9153 ext. 314
mccay@aesop.rutgers.edu

Identifying Chironomid Species from the Hackensack Meadowlands using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (R/UG-2004-1)
Dr. Carolyn Bentivegna
Seton Hall University
973-275-2113
bentivca@shu.edu

Improvement of Shelf-life and Quality of Live Clams Using Controlled Atmospheric Techniques (R/N-32)
Dr. Tung-Ching Lee
Rutgers University
732-932-9611 ext. 236
lee@aesop.rutgers.edu

Installation of a Coastal Monitoring Network at Long Branch, NJ (R/D-2001-3)
Dr. Michael Bruno
Stevens Institute of Technology
201-216-5338
m1bruno@stevens-tech.edu

Macroalgal Aquaculture: A Sea Water Crop with Multiple Potential Uses in Biotechnology, Animal Husbandry, Ecotoxicology and Bioremediation (R/N-95010)
Benjamin Moll
Pennsylvania State University

Mapping Dermo-resistance Genes for Marker-assisted Selection in Eastern Oyster (R/OD-2005-1)
Dr. Ximing Guo
Rutgers University
856-785-0074
xguo@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Microarrays for the Study of Gene Expression in Winter Flounder (R/D-2003-5)
Dr. Peter Straub
Richard Stockton College of NJ
609-652-4556
pete.straub@stockton.edu

Microbial Transfer of Detrital Carbon to Higher Trophic Levels in Marsh Food Webs (MERP-2000/2001-5)
Dr. Paul del Giorgio
University of Maryland
410-221-8420
delgior@hpl.umces.edu

Model Development and Chemical Characterization of Bioavailable Nitrogen Loading to Coastal Ecosystems (R/E-2001)
Dr. Sybil Seitzinger
Rutgers University
732-932-6555 ext. 342
sybil@imcs.rutgers.edu

Modeling Autotrophic Denitrification Kinetics (R/UG-2002-2)
Dr. Kauser Jahan
Rowan University
856-256-5323
jahan@rowan.edu

Molecular Characterization of American Oyster Chromosomes by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (B/T-9801)
Dr. Ximing Guo
Rutgers University
856-785-0074 ext. 124
xguo@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Opportunities for Nature Based Tourism on Natural, Restored and Intensively Used Beaches and Dunes in New Jersey (R/D-2002)
Dr. Karl Nordstrom
Rutgers University
732-932-6555 ext. 502
nordstro@imcs.rutgers.edu
Optimization of Antioxidant Production by Dunaliella salina and Tetraselmis suecica (R/D-2004-6)
Dr. Dennis Shevlin
The College of NJ
609-771-2246
shevlin@tcnj.edu

Ploidy Manipulation in Shellfish Using Tetraploids: Triploid Progeny (R/N-95012)
Standish Allen
Rutgers University

Pollution Effects on Gene Expression in Winter Flounder (R/D-2003)
Dr. Peter Straub
Richard Stockton College of NJ
609-652-4556
pete.straub@stockton.edu

Polysaccarides of Enteromorpha clathrata (B/T-95004D)
Dr. Benjamin Moll
Pennsylvania State University

Production and Evaluation of All-triploid and Disease-resistant Eastern Oysters for Aquaculture (R/OD-2003-1)
Dr. Ximing Guo
Rutgers University
856-785-0074 ext. 124
xguo@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Production of Pleurocidin, A Natural Antimicrobial Peptide from the Winter Flounder in Genetically Engineered Microorganisms for Food Applications (Phase II) (R/BT-2002-1)
Dr. Tung-Ching Lee
Rutgers University
732-932-9611 ext. 236
lee@aesop.rutgers.edu

Relative Effects of Photochemical Transformations of Phragmites-derived and Spartina-derived Dissolved Organic Matter on Secondary Production in Delaware Bay Salt Marshes (MERP-2001-1)
Dr. Karen Bushaw-Newton
Patrick Center for Environmental Research
215-405-5081
bushaw@acnatsci.org

Relative Effects of Predation and Nitrogen Enrichment on Salt Marsh Community Structure (MERP-2001)
Dr. Mark Bertness
Brown University
401-863-2280
Mark_Bertness@Brown.edu

Restoration of Natural Landscapes on Shorefront Properties (R/D-2003-4)
Dr. Karl Nordstrom
Rutgers University
732-932-6555 ext. 502
nordstro@imcs.rutgers.edu

Spartina alterniflora and Phragmites australis as Habitat for the Ribbed Mussel, Geukensia demissa (Dillwyn) (R/D-2003-3)
Dr. Marion McClary
Fairleigh Dickinson University
201-692-2606
mcclary@fdu.edu
Structure, Dynamics and Functional Relationships (Linkages) Between Phytoplankton, Epiphytic Microalgae, and Foodwebs in a Salt Marsh Estuarine System (MERP-2001-4)
Dr. Richard Zingmark
University of South Carolina
803-777-4873
zingmark@sc.edu

Sustainable Development of Estuarine Shorelines-Linking Science with Local Decision-making to Manage Horseshoe Crab Populations in Delaware Bay (R/D-2004-3)
Dr. Nancy Jackson
New Jersey Institute of Technology
973-596-8467
jacksonn@njit.edu

The Effect of Commercial Fishing on the Population Structure and Reproductive Potential of the Blue Crab, Callinectes sapidus (R/D-2004-4)
Dr. Paul Jivoff
Rider University
609-895-5421
pjivoff@rider.edu

The Effect of Phragmites on Terrestrial Arthropod Food Webs in Spartina Salt Marshes in the Delaware Bay (MERP-2001-3)
Dr. Claudio Gratton
University of Maryland
301-405-4728
gratton@wam.umd.edu

The Effects of Sound on the Control of Predation by Decapod Crustaceans on Cultured Clams (R/F-60)
Dr. Angela Christini
Ramapo College

The Importance of Marginal and Restored Habitats to Horseshoe Crab Recruitment in Delaware Bay, NJ (R/F-2002)
Dr. Mark Botton
Fordham College
212-636-6327
botton@mary.fordham.edu

The Potential Role of the Microbial Food Web in Enhancing Bivalve Production (R/F-44)
Dr. Timothy Jacobsen
Rutgers University

The Production of Pleurocidin, a Natural Antimicrobial Peptide from Winter Flounder, in Genetically Engineered Microorganisms for Food Application (Phase I) (R/BT-2002)
Dr. Tung-Ching Lee
Rutgers University
732-932-9611 ext. 236
lee@aesop.rutgers.edu

The Role of Metallothioneins in Marine Trophic Transfer of Metals (R/E-2002)
Dr. Francois Morel
Princeton University
609-258-2416
morel@geo.princeton.edu

The Triploid-tetraploid Technology for Eastern Oyster Aquaculture (R/TAQ-9969)
Dr. Ximing Guo
Rutgers University
856-785-0074 ext. 124
xguo@hsrl.rutgers.edu

The Use of a Marine Resource to Develop a Pulsed Delivery System for Administration of Bioactive Compounds (B/T-95007D)
Dr. Margaret Wheatley
Drexel University

Triploid-tetraploid Technology for Hard Clam Aquaculture (R/BT-2001)
Dr. Ximing Guo
Rutgers University
856-785-0074 ext. 124
xguo@hsrl.rutgers.edu

Uptake of Toxic Metals by Natural PhytoplanktonAssemblages in the Mid-Atlantic Bight (R/ES-2002-2)
Dr. Robert Sherrell
Rutgers University
732-932-6555 ext. 252
sherrell@imcs.rutgers.edu

Using GIS to Integrate Pollution Data and Study Pollutant Source Function in the Passaic River System, NJ (R/D-2003-2)
Dr. Huan Feng
Montclair University
973-655-7549
fengh@mail.montclair.edu

Visual Model of Dune Response (R/UG-2000)
Dr. Norbert Psuty
Rutgers University

Online Guide to Estuarine Research

E-ReFs is the web-based Estuarine Science Reference Series. The site provides reference lists of summary papers, classic papers, and recent contributions prepared by experts to help direct students, teachers and new researchers to the quintessential literature on important estuarine and coastal ocean science topics.