On Wednesday November 18th 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.