MARACOOS in New Jersey
New Jersey Coast
From Cape May to Sandy Hook, the New Jersey coast is known for its summer tourism—over 120 million visitors flock to the state yearly. Tourism accounts for over 85 percent of the marine economies of New Jersey coastal counties and
employs nearly 50,000 people. Visitors to the New Jersey shore depend on MARACOOS coastal observing for safety during hazardous weather and poor water quality events. Data generated by MARACOOS partners improve the safety of residents
and visitors in New Jersey coastal areas by shortening U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue times, and predicting and monitoring severe storms.
Explore more New Jersey waters:
Long Island Sound
New York Bight
Hurricane Forecasting and Preparedness
MARACOOS has long-standing partnerships with Rutgers University, where both our Technical Director and HF radar lead hold appointments. Working with Rutgers, MARACOOS deploys hurricane gliders that have contributed to improved hurricane models. Gliders used during Hurricanes Irene and Sandy continue to shape how we predict and prepare for extreme storms.
Improving Search and Rescue
Together with Rutgers, we maintain high-frequency (HF) radar stations that collect critical surface current data, improving maritime operations and search and rescue efforts. Our HF radar network reduces U.S. Coast Guard search areas by two-thirds, enabling quicker, more effective rescue missions, saving lives and reducing costs.
Enhancing Flood and Wave Forecasting
A new project with Monmouth University and Stevens Institute of Technology focuses on hydrodynamic and wave modeling in Barnegat Bay and surrounding estuaries. These efforts aim to improve flood and wave forecasts for vulnerable communities like Atlantic City, Toms River, and Wildwood.
Featured New Jersey Coast Data Tools
If you have a tool to add, please email info@maracoos.org
New Jersey DEP Cooperative Coastal Monitoring Program
The Department of Environmental Protection administers the New Jersey Cooperative Coastal Monitoring Program. From mid-May to mid-September, local health departments monitor recreational beach water quality. On this web site, you will
find current beach status, water quality sample results, reports of beach advisories and beach closings, information on other events that affect beaches and daily updates from our coastal surveillance flights.
Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal
Browse over 4,000 maps showing fishing grounds, marine life habitats and much more. Managed by MARCO.
New Jersey Flood Advisory System
Based at Stevens University this tool is a collaboration between academic institutions and the federal government to help people be more aware of local flooding.
