John Wnek of New Jersey: Working to Nix the Nettles in Barnegat Bay

John Wnek of New Jersey has been a pivotal figure in supporting the efforts of a coalition to reduce the growing threat of bay nettles (Chrysaora chesapeakei), a growing threat in Barnegat Bay. As a supervisor at the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science (MATES), he has worked closely with Montclair State University (MSU), Berkeley Township Underwater Search and Rescue (BTUSAR), and Save Barnegat Bay (SBB) and other environmental organizations to curb the impact of these invasive species. Following a groundbreaking 42-month study supported by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, BTUSAR has announced a significant expansion of its “Stop the Sting” operation, a project that promises to reduce the population of bay nettles in Barnegat Bay. John Wnek of New Jersey and the MATES Nettle Team has been dedicated to supporting this initiative.

The Origins of the “Stop the Sting” Operation

The “Stop the Sting” operation, championed by BTUSAR, was initially launched to explore a method of scrubbing bulkheads in lagoon communities. This effort aimed to disrupt the reproduction cycle of bay nettles, which have become a serious concern for local ecosystems and communities. Over the course of the study, this scrubbing method was refined and proven effective in reducing the number of ephyrae, a key stage in the bay nettle life cycle. The results of the study, although not fully published yet, have encouraged environmentalists like John Wnek of New Jersey to expand the operation’s reach.

John Wnek of New Jersey has been at the forefront of educating the public about the dangers of bay nettles and the importance of abatement efforts. The expanded operation, which is expected to reach more areas of Barnegat Bay, will continue to rely on the refined scrubbing method to protect swimmers and other recreational users of the bay from painful stings thanks to the efforts of BTUSAR.

Scientific Backing and Community Support

Paul Bologna, a marine scientist and “jellyfish expert” at Montclair State University, played a crucial role in collecting and analyzing the study’s data, concluding that significant reductions in bay nettle populations were observed in areas where scrubbing took place. Bologna’s findings were further supported by Anthony Tamberelli, whose Montclair thesis recommended the expansion of abatement efforts.

BTUSAR has already mapped out areas in Berkeley, Brick, and Toms River where scrubbing has been effective. This mapping has been made available to the public via a mobile app that was designed to increase community awareness and participation. As the operation expands, the app will be updated to include more locations and provide real-time information on when and where scrubbing needs to occur.

Expanding the Effort: More Than Just Scrubbing

With the expansion of the “Stop the Sting” operation, BTUSAR, Montclair State University, and John Wnek of New Jersey, aim to not only broaden the areas covered by the scrubbing method but also increase public engagement. Save Barnegat Bay’s Executive Director, Britta Forsberg, suggested that community advisories be issued during key periods when bay nettles are reproducing, and when scrubbing is most effective. These advisories, coupled with the enhanced mobile app, will allow residents and visitors to Barnegat Bay to play a more active role in protecting the bay’s ecosystems.

One of the most innovative aspects of this expansion is the involvement of citizen scientists, specifically yacht club members and marina users. By inviting these individuals to participate in educational outreach, John Wnek of New Jersey hopes to spread awareness about how communities can avoid creating ideal conditions for bay nettle incubation. This approach not only empowers locals but also fosters a deeper understanding of the delicate balance that must be maintained in coastal ecosystems.

The Role of Education in Environmental Stewardship

John Wnek of New Jersey has long been a champion of environmental education, particularly in his role as a supervisor at MATES. Through this project, students have had the opportunity to work directly with BTUSAR, MSU and SBB, gaining hands-on experience in marine science and conservation. This experience has not only benefited the students but also the broader community, as these young scientists help to advance the mission of reducing bay nettle populations.

Wnek has emphasized the importance of providing students and community members with the knowledge they need to protect their local environments. He believes that the lessons learned through the “Stop the Sting” operation can be applied to other environmental challenges, both in New Jersey and beyond. By fostering a sense of stewardship in the next generation, John Wnek of New Jersey hopes to create a lasting impact on the health and sustainability of Barnegat Bay.

A Growing Threat: Bay Nettles in Barnegat Bay

The expansion of the “Stop the Sting” operation comes at a critical time, as bay nettles continue to pose a significant threat to Barnegat Bay’s ecosystem. These “jellyfish” have the potential to disrupt local marine life and make the bay’s waters unsafe for recreational use. Local environmental groups with passionate advocates like John Wnek of New Jersey, along with other scientists, have been sounding the alarm on this issue for years, trying to improve water quality by lowering nutrient inputs into the highly impacted Barnegat Bay. By lowering nutrient levels, the water quality will improve and provide better habitat for other species.

As the bay nettle population grows, so does the urgency of addressing the problem. The “Stop the Sting” initiative, with its proven scrubbing method and expanded reach, offers a promising solution. With the continued dedication of John Wnek of New Jersey and the support of organizations like BTUSAR, Save Barnegat Bay and Montclair State University, there is hope that this growing threat can be mitigated before it causes irreparable harm to the bay’s ecosystem.

Looking Ahead: The Future of “Stop the Sting”

As BTUSAR moves forward with its plans to expand the “Stop the Sting” operation, John Wnek of New Jersey remains optimistic about the future. He believes that with the right combination of scientific research, community involvement, and educational outreach, the bay nettle problem can be effectively managed. The expanded operation will not only cover more ground but will also involve more people, from local residents to visiting boaters, all working together to protect Barnegat Bay.

In the coming months, as the full report on the 42-month study is released, John Wnek of New Jersey will continue to ensure that the recommendations are implemented. By staying focused on the goal of reducing bay nettle populations, Wnek and his team hope to create a safer and more sustainable future for Barnegat Bay. The Bay is on the path to becoming a safer, more vibrant ecosystem, free from the dangers posed by bay nettles. Barnegat Bay is on a path to becoming a safer, more vibrant ecosystem, free from the dangers posed by bay nettles.