Stevens Institute and Monmouth University presidents to co-chair ASBPA fall conference

Dr. Harold J. Raveché, president of Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ, and Admiral Paul G. Gaffney II, president of Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ, will serve as co-chairs for the ASBPA’s annual fall conference.

The international forum on ocean and coastal issues will be held Oct. 9-11 at the Ocean Place Resort and Spa in Long Branch, NJ; the event will also mark the 80th anniversary of ASBPA’s formation, which also occurred in New Jersey. The conference will feature national and international scientists and scholars in the fields of oceanography, the coastal environment, beach preservation and other issues of importance to shore communities and the millions of people who live near (or benefit from) the coastal environment.

Stevens Institute has accomplished groundbreaking work concerning the interaction of environmental systems and in research involving maritime systems, including port and harbor security. The institute has been actively involved in researching and evaluating methods of shore protection and structures that will prolong beach replenishment and has led the way in ocean and coastal research.

Stevens has provided technical assistance to shore municipalities to study problems of shore protection and to find alternatives to protect beaches and property from storm damage. The institute works with New Jersey Sea Grant on educational and outreach programs on shore issues. It also is a leader in the integrated coastal observing and monitoring system that provides hourly information on the coast, shoreline erosion and beach action.

“Ocean and coastal engineering are part of a long tradition at Stevens Institute of Technology, and I am very pleased to be co-chairing this year’s ASBPA conference,” said Raveché. “Stevens’ Center for Maritime Systems and Center for Environmental Systems represent an interdisciplinary approach to tackling major challenges faced by coastal states like New Jersey. Our Urban Ocean Observatory and New York Harbor Observing and Prediction System have been established to permit an integrated assessment of ocean, weather, environmental, and vessel traffic conditions throughout the New York Harbor and Hudson River estuary regions, with data and analysis provided in real-time via the Internet, to facilitate efforts to preserve and protect the region’s coasts and waterways.”

Monmouth University recently created the Urban Coast Institute, headed by Tony MacDonald, to study the interaction between the coastal environment and urban and suburban communities. President Gaffney served on the U.S. Ocean Policy Commission, the first comprehensive review of ocean issues and policies conducted in several decades. His career in the Navy focused on oceanography, research administration and education.

“I am extremely pleased to have the opportunity to serve as co-chair of the ASBPA annual meeting,” Gaffney said. “No state in the nation has a greater stake in beaches and shoreline than New Jersey. Coastlines protect lives and protect property, support healthy living marine resources, and provide recreational and tourism opportunity for millions of people. New Jersey's beaches are a national treasure which have been, and with support of organizations like ASBPA will continue to be, a destination for families for generations to come."

Tony MacDonald, director of the Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute, who will participate in the annual conference, added: “The frequency and intensity of coastal storms is predicted to increase in coming years, while the demands for increased recreational opportunities and coastal development continue unabated, placing pressure on coastal resources and communities. The Urban Coast Institute at Monmouth University serves as a forum to build bridges among scientists, public policy makers and the public to help resolve the resulting conflicts that arise along the coast. The ASBPA annual meeting will bring together international, national and local experts to identify best practices for beach management that support both healthy coastal ecosystems and a vibrant economy."