The Jersey Shore is waking up as boardwalks fill with the scent of fries and funnel cake, lifeguard stands line the beach, and bikes roll through coastal towns. After a winter that brought only limited storm impacts to much of the coastline, New Jersey’s beaches are entering the 2026 season in strong shape, with beach nourishment and dune protection projects continuing to strengthen vulnerable areas. While forecasters predict a near-to-slightly below-average Atlantic hurricane season, coastal experts continue to stress the importance of staying informed and prepared throughout the summer months. Remember to swim safely; keep an eye out for rip currents and always follow lifeguard instructions. For now, though, the Shore is ready, and millions of residents and visitors are gearing up for another season of memories along New Jersey’s coast.
(From right to left) Nick Angarone (New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection), Dr. Jon K. Miller (New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium & Stevens Institute of Technology), Dr. Peter M. Rowe (New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium), Dr. Josh Kohut (Rutgers University), Dr. Reza Marsooli (Stevens Institute of Technology), and Dr. Philip Orton (Stevens Institute of Technology).
Stick to the contest theme: Natural Elements of New Jersey Beaches. We welcome both traditional and innovative approaches to this subject, but please no family portraits.
Photo files must be .JPG or .PNG format and a minimum of 300 DPI saved at a quality setting of “10” or higher and 8 ½” for the longest side.
Images must be horizontal (landscape).
Entries will be accepted until 9 pm (EST) on June 21st.
Submit only your own original work.
Photos should be appropriate for a general audience. Explicit content is expressly prohibited.
Post-processing and digital manipulation are not allowed, but minor adjustments to contrast, filtration, etc., are acceptable.
All entries become the property of NJSGC and may be used by the organization for other educational or marketing materials (the twelve finalists will receive an additional waiver for signature before publication of the calendar).
Do not include any logos or text on the photo.
By submitting your photo to this contest, you grant NJSGC permission to publicly display, reproduce, and use the photographs in all manner and media for any and all purposes, including related promotional purposes, in perpetuity. You also warrant that the photo is your original work and does not violate the copyright or any other personal or property right of any third party, and that you may be required to and can obtain any and all releases and permissions necessary for its use in the production of our calendar, including releases for any recognizable faces, unless they are incidental to a larger scene (e.g., a group of sunbathers on the beach).
Sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through the National Sea Grant College Program, this prestigious, paid one-year fellowship offers a unique opportunity for graduate and post-graduate students interested in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and the national policy decisions that impact them.
Selected fellows are placed in legislative or executive branch offices in the Washington, D.C. area, where they gain hands-on experience in federal policy, contribute scientific expertise to decision-making, and build professional skills in communication, leadership, and science policy. Alumni of the program have gone on to successful careers across government, academia, nonprofit organizations, and private industry.
Application Deadline: June 3, 2026 (5:00 PM ET)
To support prospective applicants, New Jersey Sea Grant will host a virtual Q&A session onApril 20 from 1:00–3:00 PM ET. This session will provide an overview of the application process, requirements, and tips for success. In the meantime, please refer to the attached materials for additional guidance.
If you are interested in attending the Q&A session, please email Digital Communications Associate Yazemin Yilmaz (yyilmaz@njseagrant.org) and CC Executive Director Dr. Peter Rowe (prowe@njseagrant.org) to reserve your spot.
For general questions about the application process, please contact Dr. Peter Rowe directly.
We encourage you to share this opportunity with eligible students and colleagues who may be interested in advancing their careers in marine policy.
Completed applications must be submitted by June 3, 2026 (5:00 PM ET) via email to Dr. Peter Rowe (prowe@njseagrant.org) and Kathy Elderhorst, Program Associate (kelderhorst@njseagrant.org).
In October, LauraGeronimo traveled in Florida. Her recent StoryMap, titled “Exploring Florida’s Resilience Networks,” provides an insightful look into how communities from the Keys to Tampa Bay are enhancing marine and coastal resilience.
The beginning of Laura’s StoryMap.
The StoryMap explores innovative initiatives such as living shorelines, mangrove restoration, and community-driven partnerships aimed at reducing the impacts of environmental change. Through interactive mapping and engaging visuals, Laura demonstrates how science, policy, and local action strengthen coastal ecosystems and communities.
Laura at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
This project represents the Knauss Fellowship: bridging science and policy to tackle urgent environmental challenges while fostering meaningful connections. Explore the full StoryMap here.
Heading to the Jersey Shore Boat Sale & Expo this weekend? Don’t miss New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium’s hands-on, kid-friendly adventure at the Kids Cove!
Perfect for young explorers (and curious parents too). Come learn, play, and discover the wonders of NJ’s marine environment! Join the “I Spy” Marine Scavenger Hunt — search for coastal critters, learn cool facts about NJ’s shoreline, and win fun boating and fishing prizes! See you Saturday September 27 & Sunday September 28! More info here.
Lisa Calvo, former NJSGC Aquaculture Program Coordinator and Shellfish Specialist, whose three-decade career as a marine biologist specializing in shellfish ecology evolved into a full-time passion for oyster farming. Today, she owns Sweet Amalia Oyster Farm (named after her daughter) and co-founded the Sweet Amalia Market & Kitchen, a must-visit culinary destination located in the Jersey Shore. In 2022, Esquire Magazine named it among the top 40 restaurants in the country. And in 2024, Sweet Amalia Market & Kitchen made the NY Times Restaurant List as one of the 50 best restaurants in the country.
Recently featured on CBS Saturday Morning’s “The Dish” segment, Lisa showcases how her science-based roots and entrepreneurial spirit have created a tide-to-table success story. As the Aquaculture Program Coordinator, Lisa and Diana (NJSGC Director of Education) developed the Apprenticeship in Shellfish Aquaculture Program (ASAP). Their goal: to introduce high school students to the shellfish industry. Despite retiring from NJSGC, Lisa remains involved with NJSGC through the ASAP program by incorporating her farm. High school students involved in the Apprenticeship in Shellfish Aquaculture Program have a chance to learn from the best.
We’re proud to spotlight a scientist-turned-farmer-turned-culinary entrepreneur whose work blends sustainability, curiosity, and community engagement.
New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium held its annual Jersey Shore Photo Contest once again this year—and the response was incredible! We received an outstanding number of submissions, both in quantity and quality, showcasing the natural beauty and charm of our beloved state, highlighting breathtaking scenes from familiar spots like Raritan Bay, Cape May, Island Beach State Park, Sandy Hook, and more.
Twelve winning photos were selected and will be featured in NJSGC’s 2026 Desktop Calendar
The calendar will be available on njseagrant.org in the coming months—but in the meantime, check out the winning photos below (in no particular order).
Congratulations to all of this year’s talented winners! Your work helps share the magic of the Jersey Shore.
Lunch Time, Lita Kishbaugh
Avalon Fishing Pier Sunrise, Robert Roth
Snowy Sunset at Cape May Lighthouse, Audrey Geddes
The votes are in! New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium is excited to announce the winners of this year’s Favorite Beaches Contest. Thank you to everyone who voted and showed love for their favorite shore spots. Here are your county-by-county winners, along with the overall champions:
On Thursday, July 17, New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium held its annual Favorite Beaches Contest Ceremony in beautiful Ocean City, New Jersey. Ocean City proudly accepted its awards for Overall Favorite Beach and Cape May County Winner.
A special thank you to the City of Ocean City for graciously hosting the event at their iconic Music Pier!
