Citizen Science Program Kicks Off
The NJCWST’s newest program held recent activities which engage local communities to protect New Jersey’s water resources
Posted in: Events
New Jersey waterways are now seeing significant increases in harmful algal blooms (HAB) that produce various toxins, which can be dangerous for humans, pets, livestock, and wildlife. HAB can severely impact water quality, aquatic ecosystem health, and the safe recreational and drinking uses of freshwater resources. Last fall, MSU was awarded $400,000 by NOAA to develop and implement a Program entitled the “Traveling HAB Lab” that empowers students and communities to protect water resources in New Jersey.
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As a part of the program, five community groups from New Jersey were selected to participate in a Citizen Science program. Each group includes 5-8 citizen scientists of various ages and occupations. They will be working on water quality and harmful algal bloom monitoring starting this coming summer. To prepare them for the upcoming tasks, a series of training events have been scheduled. On Thursday, 4/20, a program launch took place on campus. Associate Vice President Murdock and CSAM Dean Billings welcomed the community groups on campus at the welcome event. And starting on Monday, 4/24, a series of workshops took place either virtually or on campus.