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
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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
Setting the Sediment Trap
MRRI scientists have kicked off the field season by deploying the first of six sediment traps at Anderson Creek Marsh (Secaucus, NJ). A complex cluster of sensors, designed to monitor the mass of sediment carried in and out of the marshes on the back of the tide, were placed into the tidal creek. At every
MRRI Presents at Delaware Estuary Summit
At the Delaware Estuary Science and Environmental Summit on February 11, 2024, MRRI’s senior environmental scientist Joe Grzyb presented the marsh sediment elevation data from the Meadowlands District. MRRI is part of the New Jersey Tidal Wetland Monitoring Network (NJTWMN) with the oldest sediment elevation monitoring sites in New Jersey dating back 15 years. The
NJSEA hosts Harbor Herons meeting
NJSEA hosted the Harbor Herons annual meeting on January 24, 2025, which was attended by 40 people in person and 40 virtually. The Harbor Herons Work Group is a subcommittee to the NY&NJ Harbor & Estuary Program and is a multi-organization, multidisciplinary, collaborative initiative created to coordinate colonial waterbird conservation projects. The conservation effort has
3D Printing
MRRI Scientists are leveraging 3D printing technology to enhance field-deployed sensing equipment by producing custom parts. This innovative approach allows researchers to design and print lightweight, durable components tailored to specific sensor configurations. By reducing production time and costs, 3D printing enables rapid prototyping and deployment of sensing equipment for monitoring water quality, air pollution,
