Rutgers scientists point to improved environmental conditions as possible reason The Atlantic surf clam, an economically valuable species that is the main ingredient in clam chowder and fried clam strips, has returned to Virginia waters in a big way, reversing a die-off that started more than two decades ago. In a comprehensive study of surf clams collected from an area about 45 miles due east from the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, Rutgers scientists found the population to be thriving and growing. A likely reason could be that environmental conditions improved, and another possibility is that the clams adapted, the scientists said. The report, published in the science journal Estuaries and Coasts, details the characteristics of a population of healthy-size surf clams of different ages living just under the surface of the sandy ocean bottom. And it’s all a bit of a surprise. “It’s unexpected and it’s good news,” said Daphne Munroe, an associate professor in the Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences in the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, and an author of the study. “They disappeared some time ago – we thought they were gone. But we found there were more clams there than we thought we were going to see. And they are flourishing.” Full article at Rutgers Today

Alex López was one of three faculty speakers for OTEAR’s “Inclusive Practices Spotlight: Strategies from Rutgers’ Instructors” workshop this Friday, highlighting the value of student-led learning and sharing implementation strategies used in the MS of Operational Oceanography degree program. Faculty across Rutgers are incorporating various strategies to create inclusive learning environments for their students. This session spotlighted just a few of those instructors to explain what and how they have implemented.

Rutgers made bistatic High-Frequency radar (HFR) surface current measurements operational within their observatory last month.  Bistatic measurements offer several benefits for oceanographic and coastal applications: Increased coverage: Bistatic systems can cover larger areas compared to monostatic systems, as they use separate transmit and receive antennas, allowing for a wider coverage range. Improved resolution: Bistatic configurations can provide higher spatial resolution, which is useful for studying small-scale oceanographic features such as eddies, fronts, and coastal currents. Reduced clutter: Bistatic systems can help reduce clutter from unwanted reflections, such as those from the sea surface or nearby structures, resulting in cleaner current measurements. Enhanced accuracy: By using multiple receivers, bistatic systems can improve the accuracy of current measurements, particularly in regions with complex bathymetry or near coastal areas. Overall, bistatic HFR surface current measurements can provide a more comprehensive and detailed picture of ocean surface currents, benefiting a wide range of oceanographic and coastal research applications.

Friday afternoon, the MOO students prepared and deployed a Sofar Spotter buoy in the boat basin of the Rutgers University Marine Field Station with the help of Roland Hagan. The Spotter was awarded to Prof. Travis Miles as part of the Bristlemouth Pioneer Program. The solar-powered Spotter buoy makes direct observations of wave spectra, wind, and atmospheric pressure; near-real time data from this Spotter buoy can be seen at this link. The MOO students thank everyone involved in realizing this opportunity and look forward to the data! Photo credit: Sophie Scopazzi

Masters of Operational Oceanography students deployed RU23 out of Tuckerton yesterday. Scott is pictured here, but Trivik, Nick and Capt Chip were on board as well in the foul weather. Nice Job crew! The MOOO (Masters of Operational Oceanography) crew was at it again today working with Captain Chip on a glider, CTD, side scan sonar, Sofar Spotter Buoy and Seaber AUV. Busy day for Trivik, Nick, Sophie and Sal.  

Ecological & Oceanographic Survey of the Outer Shelf of the Mid Atlantic Bight: A Rutgers underwater Slocum glider will be deployed in and around the Leading Light Wind lease area off the NJ coast. This glider will have a Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute DMON sensor on board that will listen for and identify whales (Fin, Humpback, Sei, Right) in the area with a goal of learning more about their migration patterns on the outer continental shelf  in late winter 2024.  Lead Scientist: Josh Kohut

Atlantic Cod & North American Right Whale Monitoring at Revolution Wind: A Rutgers underwater Slocum glider will be deployed in the Revolution Wind lease area just southwest of Martha’s Vineyard, equipped with a Jasco OceanObserver instrument. The OceanObserver will detect cod spawning locations and identify whales in the areas where Orsted is preparing for construction of offshore wind turbines. Lead Scientists: Grace Saba & Josh Kohut