Reeling in Community Scientists for Fisheries Monitoring of Offshore Wind Development

In this seminar we dove into the ocean realm as offshore wind development continues off the New Jersey coast, many are concerned about potential impacts on the marine ecosystem. Environmental DNA (eDNA) provides a non-extractive method of monitoring fish community composition that can be done by community scientists and professionals alike. We described a fisheries monitoring program run by Monmouth University and funded by the NJ Research and Monitoring Initiative (RMI) that includes a role for community scientists. Community science is important as it fosters open communication and increased understanding for both stakeholders and researchers. Other partners in this project include Emma Najarian, Keith J. Dunton, Sam Chew Chin and Shannon O’Leary. Recorded on April 24, 2024.