MARACOOS in New Jersey
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.
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.
