RESEARCH, RESTORATION AND INNOVATION
The Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute (MRRI) serves as the scientific arm of the NJSEA.
With a stated mandate “to protect the delicate balance of nature,” our scientists work to protect and study the Meadowlands’ vital natural resources, with a special interest in preparing the District for the effects of climate change and sea level rise.
The Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute serves as the scientific arm of the NJSEA. This team of scientists works to protect and study the Meadowlands District’s vital natural resources, with a special interest in preparing the District for the effects of climate change and sea level rise. The team collects, analyzes and publishes real time data collected from the Hackensack River and the associated habitats of the Meadowlands Estuary to promote, restore, and preserve the unique wildlife habitats, provide actionable information to scientists and the public, encourage climate awareness, and empower community advocacy.
MRRI collects, analyzes, creates, and publishes real time data from the Hackensack Meadowlands Estuary in order to promote, restore, and preserve the region, provide actionable information to scientists and the public, encourage climate awareness, and empower community advocacy.
What We Do
Research
Produce credible and salient science that protects the air and water, and increases the biodiversity and adaptive capacity of the Meadowlands.
Innovate
Commit to the use of proven best practices while supporting the research and implementation of innovative practices.
Restore
Develop potential restoration ideas and opportunities to assist with the recovery of the Meadowlands’ ecosystem and protect the delicate balance of nature.
What We Do
TRAIN
Train environmental scientists by addressing the environmental problems of the Hackensack Estuary.
Develop
Apply and develop new technologies to address the legacy of environmental problems in the Meadowlands.
Promote
Promote regional gathering and sharing of planning and environmental information.
Photo Of The Day

Resources
MRRI Staff Participate in National and Regional Conferences
At the 2022 American Geophysical Meeting (December 12-16, 2022), Cheryl Yao, Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute (MRRI) Chief Chemist/Laboratory Supervisor, presented MRRI’s research publication, “Effects of Climate Change on Redistribution of Trace Metals in Tidal Wetlands.” This study investigated the redistribution of trace metals from legacy-contaminated tidal wetlands due to extended drought periods and storms.
A decade after Sandy, devastated Meadowlands towns still adding defenses, still vulnerable
https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/bergen/2022/10/27/decade-after-superstorm-sandy-hit-nj-devastated-meadowlands-towns-vulnerable/69563894007/ A decade after Sandy, devastated Meadowlands towns still adding defenses, still vulnerable Megan Burrow NorthJersey.com Joy Ortiz remembers looking out the window of her Little Ferry home a decade ago at some light rain and a few trees down and thinking perhaps the worst of the storm had passed. Then in a matter
MRRI Co-Hosts Algal Bloom Mitigation Workshop
The NJSEA’s Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute (MRRI) and the New Jersey Institute of Technology on Oct. 11 hosted a regional workshop to exchange ideas on the best ways to abate harmful algal blooms. The consortium on Algae Bloom Mitigation and Algal Biotechnology for Sustainable New Jersey featured more than a dozen experts, scientists and