Highlands, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced that the James J. Howard Marine Sciences Laboratory at Sandy Hook will receive $480,000 to support research on the effects of environmental change on marine habitats and fisheries surrounding Sandy Hook. Pallone secured the funding in a federal spending bill that President Biden signed into law. Pallone was joined by Dr. Richard W. Spinrad, who serves as the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator. They also toured the facility, which is part of NOAA’s Northeastern Fisheries Science Center.
The funding will be used to hire additional researchers, who will address the impacts of environmental change on marine habitats and fisheries in the area. The funding will also provide lab space for students from nearby underserved communities and help promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the scientific community.
“Scientists at the Howard NOAA lab are doing important research to protect our coastal habitats for years to come and help us understand the effects of a changing environment on wildlife. That’s why I secured federal funding to continue this critical work for our state’s marine habitats,” said Pallone. “With this funding, the lab will be able to expand its research capability and further its efforts to promote diversity and inclusion. I’m grateful to Dr. Spinrad, who joined me today in New Jersey for this announcement, and I want to thank all the scientists at the lab whose cutting-edge research helps our understanding of marine habitats right here in New Jersey.”
“Our nation benefits greatly from our staff at NOAA's Sandy Hook Lab, who conduct highly valuable research in ecology, aquaculture, and the effects of environmental change on marine habitats and resources. This work benefits coastal communities and the broader blue economy,” said Rick Spinrad, Ph.D., NOAA Administrator. “I thank Congressman Pallone for his steadfast support of NOAA's Sandy Hook Lab and its important research on ocean acidification and climate change impacts on economically important fish and shellfish off New Jersey.”
Original source can be found here.
