NERRS Science Collaborative

The NERRS Science Collaborative annually funds collaborative research that address critical coastal / estuarine issues that the Reserves have identified. Collaborative research is a multidisciplinary approach which involves end-users and decision makers alongside the researchers so that the science meets management and policy needs. Principal investigators, from external research institutions partner with one or more reserves. The project must address a management need identified by the reserves.

Learn more about the NERRS Science Collaborative HERE

NSC Projects through the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve (HRNERR)

The Reserve has been involved with several projects over the last decade. The most recent projects are:

Developing DNA Methods to Monitor Invasive Species and Biodiversity in Estuaries

Principal investigator: Allison Watts, University of New Hampshire:

Learn more HERE, and view the Estuary DNA website HERE.

Catalyzing a deeper understanding of the effects of storm surge barriers on the Hudson River estuary

Principal investigator: Philip Orton, Stevens Institute of Technology

The project team conducted modeling and analyses of the physical influences of surge barriers on an enclosed estuary  and hosted a series of workshops with  scientists and key end-users such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to synthesize and share information.  Gated storm surge barriers are being studied by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for coastal storm risk management for the New York City metropolitan area.

They found that even when  barriers are open, the infrastructure will reduce water flow and tidal exchange, which in turn can affect water quality and ecological processes.  The team also laid out a three-year plan for conducting a comprehensive assessment of barrier benefits and impacts, including focused research on the tidal wetland response to climate change and storm surge barriers.This one -year project,  in collaboration with HRNERR, concluded in spring 2020.  Additional work has been funded by NYSERDA. 

All project materials including workshop reports and presentation slides are available on the project webpage: HERE

Philip Orton and PhD student Ziyu Chen will present a final webinar

on  related research results on June 30, 2020  2-3 pm, 

check back for details. 

Assessing and enhancing the value of coastal marshes for protecting coastal communities from storm surge and flooding in a changing climate

Principal investigator: Peter Sheng, University of Florida

Read more on the HRNERR website HERE. Read more on the NSC page HERE .

Aerial view of the Village and Marsh at Piermont.

Dams and Sediment on the Hudson (DaSH) Quantifying effects of dam removal on sediment transport and wetland sustainability in the Hudson River estuary

Principal investigator: David Ralston, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Read more on the HRNERR website HERE. Read more on the NSC page HERE 

Assessing Ecological and Physical Performance of Sustainable Shoreline Structures

Principal investigator: Stuart Findlay, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

Read more on the HRNERR website HERE. Read more on the NSC page HERE .

Shoreline monitoring at Haverstraw Bay Park.