David Robinson, New Jersey State Climatologist

David Robinson – New Jersey State Climatologist

Dave Robinson – New Jersey State Climatologist

Levels of fecal bacteria, which could be coming from animals and humans, have spiked in recent years in the Navesink River… Chris Obropta, a professor at Rutgers and expert on urban water quality issues, has been advising towns to take matters into their own hands. New Jersey is a home rule state, meaning that town council’s can pass ordinances requiring builders to take steps to cut back on impervious surfaces, the non-porous surfaces that cannot absorb water such as parking lots or roofs. “As people redevelop or fix developments, you can ask them to do just a little bit more, do their share,” he said, during a meeting in Rumson hosted by Clean Ocean Action last month. Obropta performs assessments for towns in New Jersey so they can see how much they are infringing on the natural water cycle.

From tourism dollars to property values, Barnegat Bay has a huge economic influence on the Jersey Shore. As the population around the bay continues to grow, concerns remain about its health… Oxygen in the water is essential for fish – the report rated the amount of oxygen in Barnegat Bay as “good.” Rutgers Professor Michael Kennish questioned the accuracy of the report on this point, saying more data was necessary.

Climate change and its effects looms as one of the great global challenges of our time. Or not so much, depending on whom you may be talking to. While the scientific community largely agrees not only on the existence of global warming but man’s effect …