1. Terrapin Conservation Project
2. Innovative Use of Dredged Materials and Disposal Sites to Reduce Diamondback Terrapin Mortality & Enhance Nesting Habitat
3. Delaware Bay Horseshoe Crab Conservation Project
4. Least Tern Breeding Ecology
5. Ecological Survey of Gull Island
6. Colonial Waterbird Breeding Ecology
7. Beach Biology Project
8. Delaware Bay Horseshoe Crab Spawning Survey
9. Delaware Bay Shorebird Project Internship
   

The Terrapin Conservation Project was established at The Wetlands Institute in 1989. The project assesses the impact of human activities on diamondback terrapins and ways to reduce those impacts. Using terrapins reared in our “turtle farm” we evaluate the impacts of our head-starting program on the local terrapin population. We also determine the distribution, movements and abundance of terrapins using several different approaches (mark, release, recapture and telemetry). Finally, we conduct basic and applied studies on terrapin life history, reproduction and ecology. For more details about the program, please see our website at http://www.terrapinconservation.org.

2) Innovative Use of Dredged Materials and Disposal Sites to Reduce Diamondback Terrapin Mortality & Enhance Nesting Habitat

The Wetlands Institute, in partnership with the Richard Stockton College Coastal Research Center and Ocean Coastal Consultants Inc., has developed a research project with support from the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s “I Boat New Jersey“ grant program. The primary objective of the project is to identify locations that are suitable for restoration and enhancement of diamondback terrapin nesting habitat with an emphasis on beneficial use of dredged material. Priority areas for terrapin habitat restoration and mortality reduction will be identified using spatial analysis techniques (GIS and remote-sensing) and field visits. For more details about the program, please see our fact sheet. I Boat Terrapin Study Fact-Sheet

3) Delaware Bay Horseshoe Crab Conservation Project

Research will focus on understanding the hatchling and juvenile life-stages of the horseshoe crabs along the mudflats of the NJ shores of the Delaware Bay. Very little is known about these two age structures so the major goal for this summer will be to establish baseline data for behavior and habitat use of juvenile horseshoe crabs. The overall objective of the project is to observe the possible effects of human disturbance from commercial oyster aquaculture on the juvenile population.

4) Least Tern Breeding Ecology

Least terns are colonial beach nesting birds that are listed in New Jersey as state-endangered. Along the New Jersey coast, beaches are heavily used by people for recreation during the least tern nesting season. Disturbance from human activities and predators frequently interrupt incubation, exposing eggs to potential predators and/or potentially detrimental temperature fluctuations. Temperature data loggers (Ibuttons) will be used to monitor incubation in relation to nest abandonment and disturbance. The project will also focus on position in the colony (e.g. edge vs. center) and the spatial distribution of nests within the colony (e.g. clustered vs. scattered).

5) Ecological Survey of Gull Island

Gull Island is located adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway in an area of salt marsh just north of the Wetlands Institute. The survey will seek to answer the following questions: 1) What is the diversity and abundance of both plants and animals on the island? 2) What species of conservation interest (e.g. diamondback terrapins and colonial nesting birds) are using the island as nesting habitat? 3) If the island is utilized as nesting habitat, what are the types/rates of predation? 4) What are the impacts of boat traffic and other human disturbances?

6) Colonial Waterbird Breeding Ecology
This project will examine the effectiveness of conducting weekly ground surveys on nesting colonial waterbirds in comparison to aerial surveys conducted by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. Point counts and nest monitoring will determine the breeding success of two heron rookeries located on Gull and Sturgeon Island. Continuous monitoring efforts throughout the nesting season may be beneficial to understanding predator activities, inter- and intra- specific competition, and the overall breeding ecology of egrets and herons.

7) Beach Biology Project

The Beach Biology Project studies the intertidal zone of beaches throughout Cape May County, with an emphasis on the beaches of Seven Mile Island. Research focuses on burrowing invertebrate life and profiling of beach physical characteristics. Techniques include use of sieve sampling, surveying, profiling, and sand sampling. Comparisons among beaches are based on species diversity and abundance along with sand grain size and sand migration patterns. Beach biologists also study life history, abundance, and distribution of ghost crabs along the southern New Jersey coast. Our investigators are currently comparing local raked versus unraked beaches and beaches affected by beach nourishment programs, such as Stone Harbor and Cape May Points.

8) Delaware Bay Horseshoe Crab Spawning Survey

Horseshoe crabs are often described as "living fossils" and fill important niches both in their native environments and in human pharmacology. Owing to localized horseshoe crab population declines and increased fishing pressure on the crabs for bait, annual Horseshoe Crab Spawning Surveys were initiated in 1990. Surveys take place annually on Delaware Bay beaches during new and full moons in May and June. Volunteers from the Wetlands Institute are responsible for two local beaches along the Cape May Peninsula. Note: all Student Researchers will participate in this project.

9) Delaware Bay Shorebird Project Internship

Additional opportunities exist for students to participate in the Delaware Bay Shorebird Project Internship (DBSPI), which begins Wednesday May 6, 2009. This program focuses on the migratory shorebird/horseshoe crab phenomenon in Delaware Bay. All interns will participate in the NJ Horseshoe Crab Egg Survey, work protecting critical habitat as beach stewards, and participate in other projects along with an international team of biologists. Interns also have the opportunity to earn college credit through the Richard Stockton College of NJ by participating in this program. Students may participate in both the CCRP and DBSPI programs. For application materials or for additional information about the Delaware Bay Shorebird Project Internship please contact Dr. Dan Hernandez (daniel.hernandez@stockton.edu).