Rutgers Partners With State and Tech Firm To Restart Jersey Shore Ocean Observatory
They’re bringing the Long-Term Ecosystem Observatory back to life. The research site sits three miles off the coast from the Rutgers Marine Field Station in Tuckerton.
The Rutgers University Marine Field Station in Tuckerton, New Jersey, serves as a coastal research hub where scientists study ocean, estuarine, and coastal processes that impact New Jersey and the Mid-Atlantic region.
Image Courtesy Rutgers UniversityRutgers University and Stockton University joined forces with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and Ocean Power Technologies Inc. They're bringing the Long-Term Ecosystem Observatory back to life. The research site sits three miles off the coast from the Rutgers Marine Field Station in Tuckerton.
A PowerBuoy research platform will hit the water in early 2026. That's phase one. This buoy collects real-time information on ocean conditions. It also acts as a connection hub for scientific and educational instruments.
"The PowerBuoy is set to usher in a new era of marine and coastal research in New Jersey," said Josh Kohut, marine scientist and dean of research for the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and director of research for the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, according to Rutgers Today. "It will be a critical element in the rebirth of LEO and in strengthening our ability to observe, understand, and respond to changes along our coast."
LEO-15 started back in 1996. It was one of the first programs worldwide to link cabled seafloor systems with autonomous underwater vehicles.
Scientists used the observatory to track storms, sediment movement, phytoplankton, fisheries, and coastal changes. Real-time information flowed from the site for years. The location has stayed important for ocean observation work at the school.
The renewed site will aid coastal research and create more learning chances for students. Startups and entrepreneurs working on ocean economy solutions will get infrastructure support too.
Stockton University's Marine Field Station plays a big part in this effort. The station brings expertise, boats, and hands-on learning experiences for students.
This facility sits on the Mullica River, about seven miles from Little Egg Inlet. Scientists and teachers use it to study near-shore and estuarine environments.
Academic research, state economic development programs, and marine technology come together in this partnership. Officials think the state will see economic and innovation gains from the work.
