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.
Current
Projects
Current
Events
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
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
New Air Quality Monitoring System in the Meadowlands
A new air quality monitoring system (Aeroqual AQS-1) was installed at the NJSEA Lyndhurst campus on May 28th, 2026. This new system combines laser-based PM2.5 analysis (Particulate Matter 2.5 µm) with gas sensors for O3, NO2, and H2S in a single, compact unit. It provides near-reference, real-time measurements, remote data access, cloud integration, and automated
MRRI Welcomes New Research Vessel To Specialized Fleet
The Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute has expanded its field research capabilities with the acquisition of a new 1240 Lowe research vessel equipped with a 6.5 horsepower Beaver Dam long tail mud motor. The new vessel was fully assembled by MRRI staff and is designed specifically for navigating shallow waters, mudflats, and difficult-to-access wetland environments throughout
MRRI Scientist Presents at NJWEA 111th John J. Lagrosa Annual Conference
Ying “Cheryl” Yao, Chief Chemist and Laboratory Supervisor at the Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute (MRRI), presented recent research at the New Jersey Water Environment Association (NJWEA) 111th John J. Lagrosa Annual Conference on May 12, 2026. Her presentation, titled “Airborne Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Microplastics: Distribution and Partitioning in Northern New Jersey,” highlighted the