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.
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
Fiddler Crabs in the Meadowlands
https://meri.njmeadowlands.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/P9060688.mov The video shows Fiddler crabs hurrying for cover across the mudflat, which resembles a migration. This usually takes place when a boat comes near to the place where they are foraging or sunbathing. A well known evolutionary treat, the sexually dimorphic claws of the Fiddler crabs are on full display in the recording. The
MRRI’s Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Talent
Friday, August 11, 2023, our GIS specialist Christopher Blackley received a master’s in Geographic Information Systems from Penn State University. Chris’s knowledge of geospatial system analysis and design is critical in helping the Meadowlands District government officials, engineers, and scientists communicate geographically. His capstone project at Penn State was: Raptor Migration and Phenological Adjustments within
The impact of evaporation on marshland sediment salinity
Aleshanee Mooney from MRRI assisted scientists from the Center for Natural Resources from NJIT during a routine salinity sensor maintenance at River Bend. Long-term measurement of the changes in salinity using digital salinity sensors and data loggers at River Bend. This research is funded by the National Science Foundation. The Principal Investigator is Dr. Michel