Michael J. Kennish Associate Research Professor Estuarine ecology, marine pollution, anthropogenic impacts on estuarine and coastal marine environments

Email:
Phone: 732-932-8959 x. 240

Education: Ph.D., Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Research Interests:

The main focus of my research is the investigation and assessment of anthropogenic impacts on estuarine and coastal marine environments. As a multidisciplinary scientist, I have worked extensively on a wide range of coastal problems dealing with the effects of watershed development, habitat loss and alteration, nutrient enrichment and eutrophication, hypoxia and anoxia, organic pollution, chemical contaminants, sea-level rise, overfishing, watercraft effects, dredging and dredge material disposal, thermal discharges, and entrainment and impingement of electric generating stations. I am also involved in ecosystem studies, most notably the assessment of impairment and condition of New Jersey’s coastal marine waters. Much of my basic research has entailed investigations of benthic communities and habitats, as well as seafloor characterization.

In addition, I have conducted research on the biology and geology of mid-ocean ridge and hydrothermal vent systems. Aside from these areas of study, I am the research coordinator of the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve, responsible for developing an array of research and monitoring initiatives along the New Jersey shore. All of this work has resulted in the publication of 11 books and more than 150 research articles in peer-reviewed science journals and books.

Biology and geology of mid-ocean ridge systems.

Personal Interests:
I am particularly interested in improving the academic excellence of both the Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences and Rutgers University at large. I am also very interested in improving the conditions of New Jersey’s coastal environments. When I am not involved in academic pursuits, I enjoy strenuous physical fitness activity, especially running and weightlifting.

Research Lab:
JCNERR Science Research Laboratory