Top Ten Beaches Survey Heats Up

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SANDY HOOK – Voting in the 2012 New Jersey Top Ten Beaches survey and the single question issues poll incorporated into the project this year has been steady and strong according to the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) which launched the project five years ago.
“We actually got more votes for the Top Ten Beaches survey in the first few weeks of voting this year than total votes for the 2011 survey and there’s still a month of voting left,” said Kim Kosko, Director of Communications for NJSGC.  “Equally gratifying is the great response we’ve gotten to the coastal issues poll.  We’re really excited about the potential uses for the information we collect as a catalyst for new project ideas for NJSGC,” Kosko added.
The single-question poll asks web site visitors to select from a list of twenty issues the one they feel will have the biggest impact on New Jersey’s Coastal future.  To thank participants this year, NJSGC has worked closely with key tourism representatives from coastal counties to coordinate a Jersey Coast Prize Packages giveaway. Web site visitors can opt to enter a drawing for one of four prize packages that feature county-wide attractions and activities that can be enjoyed while down and around the shore.  The four prize packages will include merchandise, gift certificates and coupons for restaurants and iconic shore eateries, hotel or bed & breakfast establishments, amusement piers, theme park, festival or aquarium passes, and more.
“We’re using this project to remind residents and visitors every summer about the importance of New Jersey’s coastal resources and their critical connection to New Jersey’s economy,” Kosko said.  “What’s particularly rewarding about the New Jersey Top Ten Beaches survey and its offshoot projects is that it offers people a chance to feel more connected to the state’s beaches and how loving the shore can translate to caring for it.”
Voting began at njtoptenbeaches.org on February 21st and will continue through April 30th.  The results of the mini-poll as well as the winners on the Jersey Coast Prize Packages will be announced at NJSGC’s annual State of the Shore showcase media event on May 24thth when the top vote getters in the Top Ten Beaches survey will be revealed.
The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium is an affiliation of colleges, universities and other groups dedicated to advancing knowledge and stewardship of New Jersey’s marine and coastal environment.  NJSGC meets its mission through its innovative research, education and outreach programs. For more information about NJSGC, visit njseagrant.org