RESEARCH, RESTORATION AND INNOVATION
The Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute (MRRI) serves as the scientific arm of the NJSEA.
Our scientists “to protect the delicate balance of nature,” 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.
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Current
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Research & Publications
Spatial
Data
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
Spatial modelling to support restoration efforts amid accelerating sea level rise
On June 10th, Rutgers University’s NJ Climate Change Resource Center hosted the 2026 NJ Climate Change Research Symposium in Piscataway, NJ. The day-long event provided scientists with an opportunity to share the latest research in natural and social science, economics, engineering, and policy, all aimed at better understanding the challenges New Jersey faces as sea
New Sensors Installed at Kingsland Impoundment Tide Gate
MRRI staff installed new pressure transducers to monitor water levels on both the landside and riverside of the manually operated tide gate at the Kingsland Impoundment in Lyndhurst. These new sensors will inform assessments of the tide gate’s performance and send alerts when trails should be closed due to high water levels. These sensors add to the
MRRI GIS Seeks to Acquire US-Made Drone Platform
Over the past few months the US drone industry has undergone major changes, the most notable of which is the prohibition of the use & procurement of Chinese drone technologies by federal government entities & non-federal organizations working with or for the federal government. As a result, MRRI has been conducting research into acquiring a
Three BCA Seniors Complete 2026 Senior Experience Internship with MRRI
On June 3, 2026, three seniors from Bergen County Academies, Fiona Beauchamp, Alex Kovalenko, and John Kalla, successfully shared their internship experiences at school and concluded their 2026 Senior Experience Internship with the Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute (MRRI). Throughout the school year, the interns worked with MRRI’s professional staff every Wednesday, gaining hands-on experience in environmental