For immediate release
June 30, 2006
Renowned International Expert on Waves and Coastal Engineering a Keynote Speaker at ASBPA Coastal Conference
LONG BRANCH, NJ – Dr. Jurjen Battjes, professor of civil engineering at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, will be a keynote speaker at the Fall Conference of the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) to be held in Long Branch, NJ. The ASBPA conference will feature international and national experts on various aspects of coastal management and ocean issues.
Dr. Battjes is an expert on offshore and coastal engineering, wave action and levee systems who has lectured around the world. He recently advised engineering associations studying the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.
His speech at the ASBPA conference will be entitled “Drainage, Reclamation and Flood Control in the Netherlands: A Comparison with New Orleans.” Dr. Battjes is a hydraulic engineer with more than 30 years of experience in modeling, fluid mechanics, offshore and coastal engineering, and free-surface flows and waves. He served as chair of the International Peer Review of the determination of extreme conditions of surge and waves for the design and assessment of high-water defense in the Netherlands.
He has received the American Society of Civil Engineers’ International Coastal Engineering Award and the Society for Underwater Technology Oceanography Award, and is a member of the Royal Dutch Academy of Sciences and Royal Dutch Institution of Engineers.
The ASBPA is the nation’s leading advocacy organization for coastal states on shore and ocean issues. It was founded in New Jersey in 1926 and the Fall Conference is being held in Long Branch to commemorate the organization’s 80th anniversary. The conference will be held from Oct. 9-11 at the Ocean Place Resort and Spa.
Dr. Harold J. Raveché, president of Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, and Vice Adm. Paul G. Gaffney II, president of Monmouth University, West Long Branch, will serve as honorary co-chairs for the conference.
“What I really like is that there will be something for everyone at the conference – ocean scientists, practicing engineers and regulators, elected officials, and people who want to learn about the coastal environment,” said Dr. Michael Bruno, director of the Davidson Laboratory and professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Ocean Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken and co-chair of the conference..
“The conference also will give us an opportunity to demonstrate the work we are doing both in New Jersey and throughout the county to prevent beach erosion and protect our coastal environment.” said Noreen Bodman, president of the Jersey Shore Partnership and co-chair of the conference.
Founded in 1926, the ASBPA represents the scientific, technical and political interests along the coast in an effort to shape national research and policy concerning shore and beach management and restoration. The organization strives to engage a factual debate on coastal issues and economics that will foster sound, far-sighted and economical development and preservation of our shores and beaches; thereby aiding in placing their benefits within the reach of the largest possible number of people in accordance with the ideals of a democratic nation. For additional information on the ASBPA and the Fall Conference visit the association’s web site at www.asbpa.org .
Contact:
Kate Gooderham, APR, Executive Director (239) 489-2616
Harry Simmons, President (910) 200-7867
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