The 2020 results are in for NJSGC’s “Favorite Beaches” poll and “Jersey Shore” photo contest! (Edward O’Hara, “Early Morning Welcome,” Beach Haven). NJSGC’s 18th annual State of the Shore report for 2020 is now available online. The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium advances knowledge and stewardship of New Jersey’s marine and coastal environment through research, education, and extension. Providing for research that results in sound scientific data used to promote wise decision-making about New Jersey’s coastal and marine resources is at the heart of NJSGC’s mission. The Education Program at the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium holds a wide variety of programs directed towards advancing greater understanding and stewardship of our state’s marine and coastal resources. The primary goal of Extension is to provide useful information to people employed or interested in fields related to marine resources from fishermen, coastal engineers, maritime industry personnel, resource managers, and decision makers to the general public. The Communications Department provides comprehensive services to the Consortium and its project partners by using all possible means and mediums including, print, computer/web-based technology, video, radio, and broadcast television.

News & Events

The ‘COASTodian’ Newsletter – Summer 2020 Edition New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium’s ‘COASTodian’ newsletter (Summer 2020) is now available online. The staff at NJSGC would like to thank everyone for their continued support and dedication in our ongoing mission to promote the wise use of the Garden State’s marine and coastal resources through research, education, and outreach. Several of our popular programs and events are going “virtual” this year, and we’re excited to participate in this new journey of remote learning. Learn more about our efforts here.

NJSGC Debuts “BEach SAFEly” Campaign with New York Sea Grant This summer, New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) and New York Sea Grant (NYSG) want you to enjoy the BEach SAFEly! COVID-19 brings more considerations beyond the usual “beach safety and ocean hazards” messaging. Starting this month and continuing into September, our Sea Grant programs will debut a new social media graphic each week to remind beachgoers to stay safe while still having fun at the Jersey Shore and beyond! For more information, please visit the NYSG “BEach SAFEly” homepage. Week 1: Stay Social, Be Distant! | (PDF download) This summer, the beaches are open and you should enjoy them! Just remember that you still need to practice social distancing – embrace your personal space. Stay at least 6 feet apart from other beachgoers that you didn’t come with; this is about the average length of a surfboard, two boogie boards, a bit more than an beach towel length, or three beach chairs – you could even measure based on your beach umbrella pole! When you’re walking around the beach, to and from the parking lot or other facilities, or if you can’t stay more than 6 feet apart from others, remember to wear your mask. Frequently wash or sanitize your hands – and if you feel sick, stay home. ### Come back every Thursday for our next #BEachSAFEly graphic reveal! Read More: “BEach SAFEly” Campaign – NJSGC’s Rapid Response to COVID-19.

NJSGC Announces “Favorite Beaches” for 2020 Things are a bit different at the Jersey Shore this year, and New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium would like to refer everyone to the CDC’s “Guiding Principles to Keep in Mind at the Beach” when visiting the Garden State coastline. NJSGC’s long-standing “Favorite Beaches” survey also ran a bit differently this year. The current situation surrounding COVID-19 greatly impacted the poll’s outcome, with limited planning, participation, and publicity. As a surprising result, the winners list is more diversified and widespread as compared to previous years. Even without the possibility of hosting a public ceremony alongside the ocean, NJSGC is thrilled to announce the top “favorite beaches” throughout Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties for 2020! Please stay tuned for the launch of NJSGC’s “BEach SAFEly” campaign in partnership with New York Sea Grant. COVID-19 brings more considerations beyond our usual Rip Current Awareness messaging, so every week starting in early July, we will be launching a new graphic to remind beachgoers to have fun while remaining safe, healthy, and alert. Atlantic County: Brigantine Atlantic City Margate Cape May County: Cape May The Wildwoods Ocean City Monmouth County: Asbury Park Bradley Beach Belmar / Manasquan / Sandy Hook – Gateway National Recreation Area (three-way tie) Ocean County: Point Pleasant Beach Lavallette Island Beach State Park Top overall: Brigantine Cape May Atlantic City ### Thousands of voters also participated in NJSGC’s revamped “Jersey Shore” photo contest (four contestants were featured in the list above). The competition was intense, with over 100 breathtaking snapshots submitted, but we’re happy to announce the Top 12 photographs which will be featured in NJSGC’s popular desktop calendar for 2021. Check out the winners here.

Fish and Wildlife Marine Recreational Fishing Regulation Cards for 2020 Now Available Online NJSGC’s Fish and Wildlife marine recreational fishing regulation cards are now available for 2020. The free, downloadable cards are provided by New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Please click here to download a copy. The cards provide information on the correct minimum size, possession limits, and season of catch. The cards are convenient to bring on any fishing outing, complete with built-in ruler to measure your catch and make sure they are above the minimum size. We recommend laminating after printing. Fish are measured from tip of snout to tip of tail, with the exception of black sea bass and sharks. No species of fish with a minimum size limits listed on the card can be filleted or cleaned at sea. The cards also serve as a reminder to register to fish. It is free and can be done at SaltwaterRegistry.nj.gov. For more information on what catch is safe to eat, visit FishSmartEatSmartNJ.org. Please visit our website or NJFishandWildlife.com for more resources. Also feel free to contact NJSGC’s Assistant Director of Extension and Marine Recreation Agent: Fisheries and Boating Mike Danko for additional information.