An image of a tidal marsh at sunset with text reading:<br /> Mid-Atlantic Ocean Conservation Summit<br /> October 1-3, 2024<br /> Monmouth University<br /> West Long Branch, New Jersey

The Mid-Atlantic Ocean Conservation Symposium

The Mid-Atlantic Ocean Conservation Symposium convened from Oct. 1-3, 2024, at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey. Organized by MARCO’s Ocean Conservation Work Group, this free public event brought together regional experts and stakeholders to share knowledge and inspire actionable strategies for marine conservation. The focus centered on the state of ocean conservation in the Mid-Atlantic, providing a platform for dialogue through presentations, interactive discussions, and field tours. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the challenges facing Mid-Atlantic ocean ecosystems and committed to advancing conservation efforts through collaborative initiatives.

The three-day event featured presentations and discussions on key topics, including the health of Mid-Atlantic ecosystems and the impacts of climate change on ocean environments. Regional experts presented key indicators of marine health, explored sustainable ocean use, and highlighted ongoing research efforts and conservation priorities for critical species. A session dedicated to conservation management strategies and policy covered effective management practices, including area-based and ecosystem-based approaches. Participants also learned about cutting-edge technologies, such as underwater gliders and environmental DNA analysis, which are transforming the monitoring of marine ecosystems. 

The symposium culminated in a World Café Workshop, where participants shared diverse perspectives on what is needed for ocean conservation in the region, and to provide considerations for the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Planning Committee’s future work plans. Five tables focused on specific objectives, including leveraging scientific data for management and identifying workforce needs in ocean conservation.

Videos and Resources: Recordings of panel talks and presentations are available below for those interested in exploring the discussions further.

Symposium Objectives

  1. Provide a platform for the scientific community to share the latest research findings, methodologies, and best practices related to marine conservation in the Mid-Atlantic region, thereby facilitating informed decision-making.
  2. Create opportunities for cross-sectoral collaboration and partnership building among diverse stakeholders, including state agencies, federal agencies, Tribes, academic institutions, NGOs, and industry representatives.
  3. Inspire participants to develop actionable strategies and initiatives that contribute to the conservation and stewardship of marine wildlife and habitats in the Mid-Atlantic region.

 

DAY 1 SESSIONS

 

Opening Remarks

 

Tony MacDonald, Director, Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute

Avalon Bristow, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO)

 

Mid-Atlantic Ocean Health

 

Recent Variability in Circulation and Water Masses in the Middle Atlantic Bight- Surprises and Impacts – Dr. Glen Gawarkiewicz, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute

State of the Ecosystem: Mid-Atlantic – Sarah Gaichas, NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center

NY Bight Ocean Indicators – Dylan Sinnickson, Thorne Lab at Stony Brook University & Casey Personius, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Moderator: Nick Napoli, MARCO Senior Advisor and NROC Director

 

Mid-Atlantic Habitat and Species: What’s at Stake

 

Offshore Wind and Wildlife in the RWSC Science Plan – Christian Laspada, Regional Wildlife Science Collaborative for Offshore Wind

North Atlantic Right Whale Research in the Mid-Atlantic and Beyond – Brigid McKenna, Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Shark Conservation Status & Priorities – Merry Camhi, Wildlife Conservation Society/New York Aquarium

Hope Spot: NY-NJ Estuary – Judith Weis, Rutgers University

 

Fisheries and Mitigating Potential Impacts from Offshore Wind Energy Development

 

Moderator: Kris Ohleth, Director, Special Initiative on Offshore Wind

Panelists:

  • Jane Rosenblatt Birkhofer, Deputy Commissioner of NJ Department of Environmental Protection
  • Ursula Howson, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

 

Sustainable Ocean Use

 

Working With the Scallop Industry to Develop Management Recommendations Addressing Changing Ocean Conditions in the Mid-Atlantic – Dr. Susan Inglis, Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation (CFRF)

Evaluating the Perceptions of Saltwater Anglers in New Jersey: Bridging the Gap Between Recreational Anglers and Researchers – Dr. Dana Christensen, Stockton University

Curbing Ocean Plastic Pollution at the Source – John Weber, Oceana

Moderator: Alan Lee, Captain/Owner, Mushin Sportfishing, LLC

DAY 2 SESSIONS

 

Welcome & Opening Remarks

 

Tony MacDonald, Director, Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute

Katrina Angarone, Chief Strategy Officer, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)

 

Conservation Management Strategies and Policies

 

Recent US Actions to Understand and Conserve Ocean Biodiversity – Lauren Wenzel, NOAA National Marine Protected Areas

Toward Mapping in Ocean Conservation Outcomes – Mimi Diorio, NOAA National Marine Protected Areas

Conservation Areas Designated by the U.S. Regional Fishery Management Councils – Michelle Bachman, New England Fishery Management Council

State Planning for Ocean Conservation – William Isenberg, Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program

Moderator: Laura McKay, Retired Virginia CZM Program Manager

 

Active Conservation Projects in the Mid-Atlantic

 

An Overview of Large Whale Strandings/Necropsy Investigations – Robert DiGiovanni, Founder/Chief Scientist for Atlantic Marine Conservation Society

Planning for the Future while Honoring the Past: Pamunkey Natural Resources Department – Joseph Capella, Pamunkey Indian Tribe

Delaware Shorebird Project – Kat Christie, DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife

Moderator: Jay Odell, Fisheries and Ocean Conservation Fellow, Monmouth University

 

Innovative Approaches to Monitoring Ecosystem Health

 

Eco-Gliders’ As Novel Platforms for Ocean Health and Ecosystem Monitoring and Research – Grace Saba, Rutgers University Center for Ocean Observing Leadership (RUCOOL)

Man-made Marine Debris Indicator – Christine Knauss, MD Sea Grant UMCES

Identifying Relationships Between Visual Sightings and eDNA of Humpback Whales – Brooke van de Sande, Student Researcher at Monmouth University & Naturalist at Jersey Shore Whale Watching Tours

Moderator: Mike Crowley, Technical Director for the Rutgers University Center for Ocean Observing Leadership (RUCOOL) & the Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS)

 

The Future of Ocean Conservation – Career Panel Discussion

 

Moderated by Tony MacDonald with speakers:

  • Robert DiGiovanni, Chief Scientist, Atlantic Marine Conservation Society
  • Laura McKay, Retired Virginia CZM Program Manager
  • Joseph Barnes, MARCO Marine Debris Fellow
  • Alexandria Horan, Environmental Specialist, New Jersey department of Environmental Protection
  • Isabella Betancourt Salcedo, Ocean and Great Lakes Technical Specialist, New York State Department of State

 

Student Lightning Talks

 

Applications Of Microchemical Schlerochronology in Deep-Sea Ecosystems – Adrian Castillo, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Investigating Species-Specific Trends Throughout New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s 30+ Year Historical Trawl Dataset – Jake Kuenzli, Rutgers University

First Record of The Sea Anemone Actinia Equina Linnaeus (Cnidaria: Anthozoa) on the Mid-Atlantic Coast Of The United States – Diederik Boonman Morales, Monmouth University

Moderator: Karl Vilacoba, Communications Director, Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute