I started with BBP as a Lab and Field Tech I the end of February and have been able to support a wide range of projects including outreach efforts, the Jersey Friendly Yards Program, Diadromous Fishes Monitoring of river herrings and American eel, and I am one of the Tech leads on the seagrass restoration study into early fall. While my background is in Environmental Science and Policy- I obtained my undergrad at the University of New Hampshire and Masters in Energy and Environmental Management from The University of Connecticut.

The Barnegat Bay estuary serves many roles as an ecosystem, nursery and shoreline buffer. Having grown up spending my summers by the bay has driven my passion for conserving marine life and resource protection. I have over a year experience as a Northeast Fisheries Observer working aboard commercial fishing vessels monitoring bycatch and protected species. Having my homeport out of Barnegat Light I was able to see the importance of the Barnegat Bay fishery from the eyes of the fishermen who rely on this resource for their livelihood. Caring about the resource as a whole and seeing the anthropogenic impacts such as elevated water temperatures, nutrient pollution and shoreline build up has made me invested in effective science and outreach that can inform the public to make a difference.

I have been invested in supporting educational programming and research projects related to marine and environmental issues in my previous work and strive to continue to do so in my current position and future career goals. My favorite part of outreach is engaging with those interested in our research and volunteer or outreach opportunities. Being able to speak to the research conducted with river herrings and American eels is an important aspect of representing Barnegat Bay Partnership so I am able to inform others from hands on experience.

The current seagrass study I am working on is something I am very passionate about as seagrass beds make up 75% of the Barnegat Bay estuary.  Eelgrass (Zostera marina) is the dominant seagrass found in southern regions, while widgeon grass (Ruppia maritima) is prominent in the central and northern portions with a noted shift in composition change from eelgrass to widgeon. Declines in eelgrass cover has occurred over the past decades due to the increase of eutrophication from algal blooms and this composition change has affected ecosystem services. In this study we are taking randomized above and below ground biomass core samples at historic seagrass sites to note the change in seagrass and percent cover. Being able to participate in this study and dive in Barnegat Bay for these samples is something I’ve always aspired to be a part of.

My experience with Barnegat Bay Partnership and working with stakeholders invested in these issues has shaped my path through hands-on field and outreach experience.
*this post was written by Paige Radcliffe