The first Marine Science seminar of the year was hosted earlier in October. The seminar was hosted by the Marine Science program and it was on the future of marshes. Erin Reilly who is from the Barnegat Bay Partnership was the presenter.

This seminar focused on problems facing marshes, particularly the Tuckerton and Cattus Island marshes. Reilly also explained the methods by which employees of the Barnegat Bay Partnership would collect data, like using quadrats and transects. After collection of this data, elevation maps were created and outlined the marshes according the elevation. The classification of elevation were referred to as zones. Zone 1 had the lowest elevation, and zone 5 had the highest elevation. The low elevation zones could be considered possible candidates for a new process called thin layer deposition.

Thin layer deposition is when dredge is put on top of marsh in places where the marsh is suffering, either through sinking or erosion. Based on the elevation maps and quartiles completed, the Tuckerton and Cattus Island marshes could be candidates for thin layer deposition, but more data is needed. If these marshes are deemed appropriate for this procedure, additional funding is needed, because thin layer deposition is a costly and labor intensive process.

The information learned from going to this seminar was incredibly valuable. It is interesting to learn about marshes whether you are a marine science student or not. Marshes are incredibly important assets, especially in New Jersey, and more information needs to spread about them.

On Wednesday November 18^th the Marine Science program hosted its second seminar of the semester. David Golden from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife gave a presentation of the potentially beneficial reuse of dredged materials. Golden compared traditional dredging which leads to a net loss of sediment to a new dredge process which could add ecological and economic benefits by restoring marshes. Eroding marshes deposit sediments in channels, which then need to be dredged. Traditionally, the dredge material would be put in an area secluded from the marsh and the marsh restoration would not be addressed. The new process would combine the restorative needs of the marsh and the dredging needs.

Two sites have already experienced the new marsh restoration processes Golden described. Stone Harbor did not react well to thin layer deposition because it was mostly sand at this site, but dredged sand was able to accumulate and make a habitat for the birds who nest there. The second project was more successful with thin layer deposition. The site was in Avalon, and contained mostly fine materials like silt and clay. Another project is in the works at Fortescue. This project will have various types of restoration happening, all requiring a specific type of dredge to be used. Marsh restoration, dune restoration, and beach replenishment will all be attempted at Fortescue.

The seminar was extremely informative to attend. Presentations like this are very helpful to students because it gives students opportunities to learn of various projects going on related to their majors.