On 3/28 via Zoom, join Senior Wildlife Biologist with Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, Ben Wurst, as we explore the intertwined histories of ospreys and Atlantic menhaden — two species that have experienced cycles of abundance and decline along the Atlantic coast. This presentation will highlight the life cycle and ecological importance of Atlantic menhaden, a forage fish often called “the most important fish in the sea,” and the osprey, a fish-eating raptor widely recognized as a key bioindicator species. Together, these species offer valuable insights into the health of coastal ecosystems and the environmental changes shaping our marine and estuarine waters.

ABOUT BEN WURST

As Senior Wildlife Biologist with Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, Ben leads the New Jersey Osprey Project, which is centered around monitoring and managing a sustainable osprey population using volunteers and citizen scientists. He received a B.S. in Environmental Science with emphasis in Wildlife Conservation from Unity College. Ben also works on a variety of other coastal wildlife conservation projects that include habitat enhancement, monitoring of nesting peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and northern diamondback terrapins.