February 2025 Water Quality Updates

 

Left to Right: Jane Rosenblatt Birkhofer, NJDEP Deputy Commissioner,
Swarna Muthukrishnan, Kaylee DiPasquale and David Zimmer,
Executive Director NJ Infrastructure Bank

Poo-llution Presentation to SEAL Students

Kaylee DiPasquale, COA's Community Science Program Coordinator, provided an insightful presentation on pollutants affecting our waterways to COA SEAL students. The students learned the various types of chemical and biological pollutants, common sources, and the harmful effects on local water systems. Kaylee also introduced COA’s impactful community science programs, including Rally for the Waterways, Beach Sweeps, and Road Salt Monitoring, inspiring students to take an active role in protecting water quality. Through advocacy, education, and policy engagement, students gained actionable ideas for addressing water quality challenges in their own towns. From participating in hands-on science initiatives to raising awareness, the session highlighted meaningful ways they can help create a cleaner, healthier environment for all.

Rally for the Two Rivers Receives 
Governor’s Award 

In December, COA's Rally for the Two Rivers program received the 2024 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award in the Watershed Management and Water Resources category. These awards are presented during a ceremony hosted by The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and are "awarded annually to individuals and organizations that demonstrate commitment and leadership on a variety of environmental issues, including environmental justice, climate change due to pollution, sustainability, and education" (NJDEP).

Science and Water Quality Update Fall 2024

 

Reaching Milestones for Rally for Two Rivers

In July, COA’s Rally for Two Rivers program celebrated a full year of weekly ambient bacteria monitoring of the Navesink River watershed since the program’s initial relaunch. This October, we completed one year of biweekly water quality monitoring of the Shrewsbury River.

All data collected from RTR’s community science monitoring helps move toward the achievement of the Rally goal to “find, fix, and eliminate” sources of pathogen pollution, including human sources, in the Two Rivers watershed.

This October, COA held our most recent community scientist training at the Shrewsbury Sailing and Yacht Club in Oceanport. Attendees learned about the history of the program and how to collect proper water samples to be analyzed for pathogen pollution indicator bacteria.

Community members interested in getting involved in RTR weekly and biweekly sampling can email programs@cleanoceanaction.org for more information about upcoming trainings.

Rallying in Red Bank

In July and August, COA’s water quality team engaged the Red Bank community by hosting a community science training at The Atrium and a school supplies drive for Lunch Break, a local non-profit. At the Atrium, residents and community members were instructed in water quality testing procedures and methods for the RTR program.

For the program’s efforts with Lunch Break, the COA community donated 212 items, ranging from backpacks to binders, notebooks, folders, and pencil pouch essentials. The items were provided to students in Red Bank at Lunch Break’s annual picnic and softball classic to support the education of our future leaders of tomorrow!

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Dipping into Deal Lake

COA’s water quality team kicked off this October by conducting Phase III sampling and bacteria monitoring focused on narrowing down upstream sources of pathogen pollution in Deal Lake. The project continues COA’s efforts, in collaboration with the Deal Lake Commission, to trace sources of pathogen pollution in Deal Lake since 2017.

The Phase III investigation is an expansion of the earlier Phase I canine ship-and-sniff tests and Phase II laboratory investigations that had been completed by COA to identify sources of pathogen pollution, including likely human sources from stormwater runoff in the watershed.

Under this Phase III study, select upstream locations were identified for targeted monitoring of fecal indicator bacteria. In October, water samples from these sites were collected in ambient conditions with the help of DLC community scientists trained by COA. The collected samples were analyzed for fecal indicator bacteria in COA’s in-house lab. These results were shared with DLC for evaluation and discussion of next steps, which could include wet weather monitoring.

Looking to catch up with COA’s water quality team? Follow the Rally for the Waterways on social media, or reach out to staff.

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Water Quality Intern Update

At the end of August, we said farewell to Lara Thaner, our water quality intern who joined us this summer in the office, lab, field, and community to assist with our Rally for Two Rivers (RTR) program. Lara supported the RTR program through collecting samples, prepping community science supplies, and lending a hand at our summer events such as Ecofest, community science trainings, and our June public meeting.

After completing her summer internship, Lara shared that one of her favorite parts of the summer was being able to interact directly with community members to share the work of RTR. At the conclusion of her internship, Lara shared a quote that stood out and inspired us all:
“What good is data if you can’t explain it in an understandable way and get it to the people that need it?”

We couldn’t agree more! We wish Lara the best of luck as she finishes up her senior year at the University of Rhode Island, where she is currently double majoring in Environmental Science and Management and Geology.

Inspiring the Next Wave of Ocean Advocates Fall 2024

Education Volunteers Made a Splash at the Surf Open

At this year’s COA Surf Open, an enthusiastic team of education volunteers brought a wave of excitement, leading ocean-inspired activities that made the day extra memorable for attendees. Volunteers led children through interactive, ocean-inspired stations featuring shell necklace-making, reading circles, shell painting, relay races, and face painting.

Each activity provided a hands-on way for children to engage with the coast and enjoy the day at the beach. Clean Ocean Action is grateful for the energy of these incredible volunteers. Thank you for sharing your time and passion—you made the Surf Open an unforgettable experience for small and tall!

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SEAL Students Set Sail for Change

The Student Environmental Advocates and Leaders (SEAL) Program launched this year with energizing orientation sessions for both new and returning students. Kicking off at Clean Ocean Action’s headquarters, students set sail on their leadership journey with beachside icebreakers and a program overview.

SEAL students are empowered to become advocates for environmental change, learning valuable skills in leadership, ocean advocacy, and stewardship. The students’ excitement and enthusiasm created a hopeful energy.

Following orientation, SEAL students engaged with the League of Women Voters on civic engagement, toured the NJ State House, and had a discussion with Scot Mackey, a licensed lobbyist. These experiences provide them with the knowledge and tools to drive change in their communities.

This is just the beginning for this passionate group. Stay tuned as they turn their excitement into action and create meaningful waves of change in their communities, together!

Staff Update: Welcome to the Crew, Kayla Weidner!

Kayla Weidner joined the Clean Ocean Action team in November as the Marketing and Events Director.
With a knack for out-of-the-box thinking, compelling storytelling, and design prowess, Kayla brings a fresh perspective to sharing COA’s message. A marketing professional with over a decade of experience, Kayla is driven by meaningful missions and has a lifelong connection to the ocean. As a scuba diving instructor and boat captain, she has spent years sharing her passion for marine life and the underwater world. “The ocean has been a lifelong source of curiosity, wisdom, and joy—a place that has both humbled and inspired me. 

From the depths of countless dives to the freedom of charting its open waters, each experience strengthens my commitment to protect it. I’m grateful to be a part of inspiring our community to support Clean Ocean Action’s mission to defend this beautiful force for generations to come.” Kayla will work to boost engagement, inspire action, and infuse fresh energy into COA’s communication, events and programs. You can reach Kayla at communications@ cleanoceanaction.org or 732-872-0111.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Kayla!