Latest news with #StocktonUniversity
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Anglers catch fish for science and to save a species vital to every state on the Atlantic coast
HIGHLANDS, N.J. (WFXR) — 'There she is, there she is, Fish on, fish on,' shouted Chuck Manny as a huge striped bass began to peel line off of a reel off the coast of northern New Jersey. Manny is an angler, one of the top striped bass sportfishermen around, but in this case, his fish-catching efforts are all in the name of science. Every striped bass Manny and the people on his boat catch, is tagged and tracked for research. Manny is one of thousands of charter captains and anglers who tag fish through a research program run by Gray Fish Tag Research. 'We tag and we research fish migrations,' said Roxanne Wilmer of Gray Fish Tag Research. 'We work with charter captains all around the world, so we have about 10-thousand charter captains we work with. What they do as they're releasing fish, they're tagging them with our tags.' Gray uses two types of tags. One is a 'spaghetti' tag; a thin green tube with a tag number on one side and a phone number and web address for Gray on the other. Anglers who catch a fish with those tags are asked to call the number or visit the website to report it. That way researchers can track the movement of where the fish was caught the first time and then every time after. Knowing those migrations is vital to understanding fish behavior. It is not uncommon to find a fish tagged in Virginia or Maryland several months later off the coast of New York or Massachusetts. The other type of tag is a satellite tag. It stays on the fish for six months collecting data on movement, depth, and water temperature. After six months, it detaches on its own and floats to the surface where the data is uploaded to a satellite. That data is collected by Gray. Thought to stay primarily coastal, those satellite tags have found striped bass range farther out into the Atlantic Ocean than previously thought. On this day, the species of interest were Atlantic striped bass or stripers as they are commonly known. Striped bass are a keystone species. Found in the waters of every U.S. state from Florida to Maine, they are a vital part of the commercial and sportfishing economies of those states, accounting for billions of dollars in economic impact. As of late, striper numbers are down due to poor spawns and other factors. That makes knowing as much about them as possible maybe more important than ever before. The data collected by Gray is made available for free to fisheries managers and researchers. 'So that we can get a better idea of their behavior and migration, but not just because it's static but because it changes as well,' said Stockton University researcher and professor Dr. Adam Aguiar. 'These fish are an important natural resource, not just to anglers, but to everybody, and they're an important aspect of the food chain, too.' Aguiar was one of a number of people on Manny's boat that day. In addition to researching stripers, he loves to catch them. Catching them is the only way to get tags into them. In this case, Manny was trolling live eels, a bait stripers find delectable. It was not long before Manny started boating stripers, sometimes three and four at a time in a scene that looked like organized chaos with anglers running for rods bowed double as huge striped bass peeled line off of reels. 'Mayhem's good,' laughed Manny. And it is in this case because these fish are being caught and released for science mayhem is good, and that is something Manny feels good about because it helps to preserve this iconic species he loves. 'The only thing that I know is that I don't know and that's why it's so important to do all this research on these fish,' said Manny. 'They have tails, they go where they want to go. They go where the bait goes; the temperature, whatever it is. All those satellite tags just prove that none of us really know and that's why you need to do more research.' Once a fish is caught, things move quickly. The striper is measured and weighed, tagged, and then released back into the water. The tags are inserted into a back muscle. It does not hurt or affect the fish. While Atlantic striped bass can be found from the Canadian Maritimes to Florida at various times of the year, the vast majority are spawned and reared in three places: The Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, and the Hudson River. In the spring, schools of large striped bass are often found off of New Jersey and New York. Because of their migratory nature, they have a wide-ranging effect on the sport and commercial fisheries of the entire east coast. That is why a Virginia charter captain was on this trip, doing his part to help preserve a species that he will target next winter when he runs charters out of Cape Charles, Virginia. 'The fish that we're tagging today are the same fish that we're catching in the Chesapeake Bay in December and January,' said Captain Johnny Mathena of Patriot Fishing Charters. 'They are a migratory fish. We are tagging them so we can follow their migration patterns.' Knowing as much about striped bass can help fisheries managers reverse the downward trend in their numbers to prevent what happened in the 1980s when the species nearly collapsed and a fishing moratorium had to be instituted for several years until they rebounded in the 1990s. 'If you don't have data, then you don't know what's going on with the fishery,' said Wilmer. 'We have actual hands-on data. We get countless recoveries every week. If you don't have that information, then how do you know what the fish are actually doing?' This is part of a continuing occasional series on efforts to preserve Atlantic striped bass, which are Virginia's state saltwater fish and vital to the economies of every Atlantic coast state. On the day of this story, Gray Fish Tag Research held its annual Striper Quest, a one day tournament effort to catch and tag as many striped bass as possible. More than 200 fish were tagged for research on that day. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
a day ago
- Sport
- CBS News
New Jersey's Stockton University prepares to host soccer players ahead of FIFA Club World Cup
This New Jersey university is preparing to host a Brazilian soccer team ahead of FIFA Club World Cup This New Jersey university is preparing to host a Brazilian soccer team ahead of FIFA Club World Cup This New Jersey university is preparing to host a Brazilian soccer team ahead of FIFA Club World Cup Some of the best soccer players in the world will soon arrive in New Jersey. Lincoln Financial Field will host matches for the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup in Philadelphia, but Stockton University has also been selected as a training site. Focusing on straight lines and overlapping passes, the grounds team at the school in Galloway Township is mowing the soccer field with precision. Crews are working around the clock after FIFA announced CR Flamengo from Brazil will be the team spending roughly two weeks training in South Jersey. "CR Flamengo is one of the most popular teams in the world with over 57 million followers," said Jeff Haines, the associate director of athletics and recreation at Stockton. "The university realizes how big of a deal this is, not just from a local soccer standpoint, but a global standpoint that puts Stockton on the map." Fresh lines were painted on the soccer field on Tuesday, and FIFA shipped new goals ahead of the practice sessions. The university's athletic director, Tony Berich, said representatives from Brazil visited the campus in December, and one of the selling points was the Bermuda grass inside G. Larry James Stadium. "I don't know if we would have this opportunity if we didn't have this field, I don't think we would have even been considered," Berich said. Stockton's field was grown at Tuckahoe Turf Farms in Hammonton, the same farm working with FIFA and Lincoln Financial Field, so it will be a smooth transition for CR Flamengo. Tuckahoe Turf Farms CBS News Philadelphia All of the practices on Stockton's campus will be closed to the public. The university installed temporary fencing around the stadium to keep the players and the field more secure. "We do have experience in hosting big events and soccer teams, this is another big exciting event that we're really looking forward to," Haines said. In 1994, Stockton hosted Saudi Arabia's team ahead of the World Cup. "We were also fortunate enough to host Nigeria in 1996 for their Olympic training camp as well. Nigeria went on to win the gold medal," Haines said. Now, Stockton is preparing for CR Flamengo's arrival on June 12, and the team will train in Galloway Township through June 23. Officials say the field and facilities will be ready. "This is the one chance that we have to be associated with … a worldwide event like this," Berich said.
Chicago Tribune
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Las Vegas luring millennials, Gen-Z visitors with pool parties, craft cocktails, influencer experiences
Their grandparents lined up for buffets, and their parents came for Celine Dion. But millennials and Gen-Z are coming to Las Vegas for something else entirely. Nearly half of the city's visitors last year were millennials or Gen-Z, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority's 2024 visitor profile report. Despite the perception that they are still 'only kids,' all but the youngest millennials are in their 30s and 40s, while most of Gen-Z is of legal voting age. And although their spending and gambling habits differ from previous generations, millennials and Gen-Z are a very valuable cohort for Las Vegas casinos. 'In an environment of increasing competition, it is vital that (casino) operators focus on delivering quality, distinctive experiences that not just meet but often exceed patron expectations,' said Sarah Grady, assistant director of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism at the Stockton University (New Jersey) School of Business. That realization is prompting casinos across Las Vegas to carefully consider how they attract and retain consumers who may be less interested in jackpots and more driven by experiences. Evidence of that shift can be seen in nearly every Las Vegas casino. Massive nightclubs, energetic pool parties featuring world-renowned DJs, celebrity chef restaurants, bars and lounges with craft cocktails designed to be photographed, and slot machines that look more like video games than gambling devices have become commonplace. Jonathan Jossel, chief executive officer of the Plaza hotel-casino in downtown Las Vegas, said non-gaming amenities are 'really important' to operators in 2025. 'It's really events that differentiate us from other places,' Jossel said, listing some non-gaming offerings at the property, such as pickleball, rodeo and free fireworks. 'These events make a big difference in making us more relevant online, and that (attention) is from the younger demographic.' Cliff Atkinson, president of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, said millennials and Gen-Z visitors are seeking 'well-rounded experiences,' that include a little bit of everything the city has to offer. 'While gaming remains a key attraction, these generations are also drawn to the city's diverse wellness and culinary offerings,' he said. 'For millennials and Gen Z, we've seen that their perfect vacation blends the excitement of gaming with relaxing poolside moments, top-notch entertainment and delectable cuisine.' While that might not sound all that different from what previous generations sought in their Vegas vacations, the data suggests otherwise. According to the LVCVA report, millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) spent an average of $768 gambling, $637 on food and drinks, $63 on shows or entertainment and $47 on sightseeing. Gen-Z (born between 1997 and 2012) spent, on average, $575 in the casino, $541 eating and drinking, $94 at concerts or shows and $62 sightseeing. Comparatively, Gen-X (current ages between 45 and 60) spent, on average, more on gambling ($873) and less on shows/entertainment ($56) and sightseeing ($35) than either of the other two generations. Gen-X's spending on food and beverages ($617) was less than millennials but more than Gen-Z, according to the LVCVA report for last year's visitors. Gen-X also spent less per night for hotel stays ($167) than either millennials ($192) or Gen-Z ($171), likely due to receiving more comped rooms tied to higher gambling spend. Changing consumer behaviors also plays a part in how Las Vegas casinos are attempting to appeal to the two younger generations. For starters, overall attitudes toward gambling as a socially acceptable activity continue to favor casino operators. Bally's Chicago gets green light from Illinois Gaming Board to resume constructionAccording to recent research by the American Gaming Association, roughly 9 in 10 Americans believe casino gambling to be acceptable for themselves or others. Fifty-nine percent (the highest ever) found gambling personally acceptable. More than 55 percent of U.S. adults participated in some form of gambling (including lottery) in 2023. As of August, 49 percent (122 million people) visited a casino for gambling or other entertainment purposes within the past 12 months, the highest level of casino visitation on record. 'There has also been an increase in the number of individuals that believe that the value of casino entertainment is 'excellent/good compared to alternatives' and that casinos are innovative,' Grady said, citing the AGA's research. 'These findings, added to the fact that the average age of casino visitors has dropped from 47.5 in 2014 to 41.9 in 2024, could suggest that younger generations have a generally positive impression of gaming and an interest in participating.' Millennial and Gen-Z gamblers are also drawn to digital options. Online casino gaming, or iGaming, is available in six states and online poker is offered in Nevada. Online sports betting, which is now legal in 34 states and the District of Columbia, is the fastest-growing segment of regulated gaming in the United States. Grady said some casino operators are parlaying that interest into tangible returns. 'While perhaps not a major revenue earner for the industry, sports betting taps into younger generations' familiarity with sporting contests and engages them in a casino experience that does not rely on knowledge of more traditional casino products,' she said. 'Once they've had the chance to experience the casino environment through sports betting or other gaming products, they have an opportunity to explore everything else casinos have to offer.' Not every casino is chasing millennials and Gen-Z the same way. Some, such as Jossel, believe patience and waiting for consumers to age into traditional habits might be just as effective as constant reinvention. 'Everyone gets older, and their tastes evolve. Just because you're doing something in your 20s, 30s or 40s doesn't mean you're going to be doing that in your 50s, 60s and 70s,' he said, leaning on prior discussions with patrons who played bingo today but did not when they were younger and visited casinos in Las Vegas. 'So, this idea of everyone saying we need to adjust our marketing plan to target the young people never really resonated with me.' Jossel admits the newer slot machines, which more closely resemble a computer game than a Vegas-style one-armed bandit, have forced him to look at the situation differently. He said younger gamblers are spending more time, and more money, on these sleek-looking machines with fancy graphics and interactive components. 'Games have bets that range from 40 cents up to $40 or $50, and I see these young people playing $20 a spin, no problem. In the old days, you just never saw that. You just never, ever saw people betting those big numbers,' he said. 'And I got to believe that's the new product, the new games, but also the impact of the influencers on social media.' Even if behaviors are shifting, traditional casino games are still relevant to younger audiences, said Atkinson. 'The rise of gaming influencers on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok has sparked a renewed interest in traditional games among younger generations. These influencers are engaging their audiences on social media, enticing them to visit casinos for an authentic gaming experience,' he said. 'While online gaming and sports betting remain popular, there's still a strong desire for the tangible gaming experiences that Las Vegas offers.' In other words, while their grandparents were piling buffet food on their plates, and their parents sang along to Celine's classics, this new generation is coming to Las Vegas for craft cocktails, video-game-inspired slots and influencer-driven experiences. All of which Vegas has plenty to offer.
Miami Herald
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
How Las Vegas casinos are working to attract millennials, Generation Z
Their grandparents lined up for buffets, and their parents came for Celine Dion. But millennials and Gen-Z are coming to Las Vegas for something else entirely. Nearly half of the city's visitors last year were either millennials or Gen-Z, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority's 2024 visitor profile report. Despite the perception that they are still "only kids," all but the youngest millennials are in their 30s and 40s, while most of Gen-Z is of legal voting age. And although their spending and gambling habits differ from previous generations, millennials and Gen-Z are a very valuable cohort for Las Vegas casinos. "In an environment of increasing competition, it is vital that (casino) operators focus on delivering quality, distinctive experiences that not just meet but often exceed patron expectations," said Sarah Grady, assistant director of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism at the Stockton University (New Jersey) School of Business. That realization is prompting casinos across Las Vegas to carefully consider how they attract and retain consumers who may be less interested in jackpots and more driven by experiences. Evidence of that shift can be seen in nearly every Las Vegas casino. Massive nightclubs, energetic pool parties featuring world-renowned DJs, celebrity chef restaurants, bars and lounges with crafted cocktails designed to be photographed, and slot machines that look more like video games than gambling devices have become commonplace. 'Well-rounded experiences' sought Jonathan Jossel, chief executive officer of the Plaza hotel-casino in downtown Las Vegas, said non-gaming amenities are "really important" to operators in 2025. "It's really events that differentiate us from other places," Jossel said, listing some non-gaming offerings at the property, such as pickleball, rodeo and free fireworks. "These events make a big difference in making us more relevant online, and that (attention) is from the younger demographic." Cliff Atkinson, president of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, said millennials and Gen-Z visitors are seeking "well-rounded experiences," that include a little bit of everything the city has to offer. "While gaming remains a key attraction, these generations are also drawn to the city's diverse wellness and culinary offerings," he said. "For millennials and Gen Z, we've seen that their perfect vacation blends the excitement of gaming with relaxing poolside moments, top-notch entertainment and delectable cuisine." Spending less on gambling While that might not sound all that different from what previous generations sought in their Vegas vacations, the data suggests otherwise. According to the LVCVA report, millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) spent an average of $768 gambling, $637 on food and drinks, $63 on shows or entertainment and $47 sightseeing. Gen-Z (born between 1997 and 2012) spent, on average, $575 in the casino, $541 eating and drinking, $94 at concerts or shows and $62 sightseeing. Comparatively, Gen-X (current ages between 45 and 60) spent, on average, more on gambling ($873) and less on shows/entertainment ($56) and sightseeing ($35) than either of the other two generations. Gen-X's spending on food and beverages ($617) was less than millennials but more than Gen-Z, according to the LVCVA report for last year's visitors. Gen-X also spent less per night for hotel stays ($167) than either millennials ($192) or Gen-Z ($171), likely due to receiving more comped rooms tied to higher gambling spend. Changing consumer behaviors also plays a part in how Las Vegas casinos are attempting to appeal to the two younger generations. For starters, overall attitudes towards gambling as a socially acceptable activity continue to favor casino operators. According to recent research by the American Gaming Association, roughly 9 in 10 Americans believe casino gambling to be acceptable for themselves or others. Fifty-nine percent (the highest ever) found gambling personally acceptable. More than 55 percent of U.S. adults participated in some form of gambling (including lottery) in 2023. As of August, 49 percent (122 million people) visited a casino for gambling or other entertainment purposes within the past 12 months, the highest level of casino visitation on record. "There has also been an increase in the number of individuals that believe that the value of casino entertainment is 'excellent/good compared to alternatives' and that casinos are innovative," Grady said, citing the AGA's research. "These findings, added to the fact that the average age of casino visitors has dropped from 47.5 in 2014 to 41.9 in 2024, could suggest that younger generations have a generally positive impression of gaming and an interest in participating." Reaching younger gamblers Millennial and Gen-Z gamblers are also drawn to digital options. Online casino gaming, or iGaming, is available in six states and online poker is offered in Nevada. Online sports betting, which is now legal in 34 states and the District of Columbia, is the fastest-growing segment of regulated gaming in the United States. Grady said some casino operators are parlaying that interest into tangible returns. "While perhaps not a major revenue earner for the industry, sports betting taps into younger generations' familiarity with sporting contests and engages them in a casino experience that does not rely on knowledge of more traditional casino products," she said. "Once they've had the chance to experience the casino environment through sports betting or other gaming products, they have an opportunity to explore everything else casinos have to offer." Not every casino is chasing millennials and Gen-Z the same way. Some, such as Jossel, believe patience and waiting for consumers to age into traditional habits might be just as effective as constant reinvention. "Everyone gets older, and their tastes evolve. Just because you're doing something in your 20s, 30s or 40s doesn't mean you're going to be doing that in your 50s, 60s and 70s," he said, leaning on prior discussions with patrons who played bingo today but did not when they were younger and visited casinos in Las Vegas. "So, this idea of everyone saying we need to adjust our marketing plan to target the young people never really resonated with me." Jossel admits the newer slot machines, which more closely resemble a computer game than a Vegas-style one-armed bandit, have forced him to look at the situation differently. He said younger gamblers are spending more time, and more money, on these sleek-looking machines with fancy graphics and interactive components. "Games have bets that range from 40 cents up to $40 or $50, and I see these young people playing $20 a spin, no problem. In the old days, you just never saw that. You just never, ever saw people betting those big numbers," he said. "And I got to believe that's the new product, the new games, but also the impact of the influencers on social media." Even if behaviors are shifting, traditional casino games are still relevant to younger audiences, said Atkinson. "The rise of gaming influencers on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok has sparked a renewed interest in traditional games among younger generations. These influencers are engaging their audiences on social media, enticing them to visit casinos for an authentic gaming experience," he said. "While online gaming and sports betting remain popular, there's still a strong desire for the tangible gaming experiences that Las Vegas offers." In other words, while their grandparents were piling buffet food on their plates, and their parents sang along to Celine's classics, this new generation is coming to Las Vegas for craft cocktails, video-game-inspired slots and influencer-driven experiences. All of which Vegas has plenty to offer. ___ Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What's Donald Trump's approval rating among New Jersey voters? Here are the numbers
Eight weeks into his second term, President Donald Trump's approval rating is not so green in the Garden State. According to the Stockton Polling Institute, 52% of poll takers rated Trump's job performance as poor, 26% think he is doing an excellent job, 11% said good and 8% gave an average rating. The poll, released by the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University, was conducted among 702 New Jersey registered voters between March 18 and March 22, 2025, the report said. 'The economy was the top priority for voters going into the November election, and Trump made it central to his campaign, so this pessimism eight weeks in is a big vulnerability for this administration,' said Hughes Center Head of Research Alyssa Maurice. The poll results determined 54% of New Jersey voters think the country is headed in the wrong direction, while 37% said things are on the right track. Overall, New Jersey voters are dissatisfied with both political parties. Among Republicans, 83% somewhat approve of the way their party's representatives are handling their jobs in Congress, and only 12% disapprove. Among Democrats, just over one-third (34%) approve of their party's job performance in Congress, while a majority (63%) disapprove. Here are the findings: 62% think it is getting worse 30% think it is getting better For this question, 94% of Democrats, 59% of Independents, and 21% of Republicans are among those who have a negative outlook. 55% either strongly or somewhat disapprove, while 44% approve at least somewhat of President Donald Trump 53% disapprove and 39% approve of Vice President JD Vance 59% disapprove and 37% approve of Elon Musk 56% think practices related to diversity, equity and inclusion are a good thing 57% think the United States' alliances with other countries around the world are mutually beneficial 70% oppose the idea of the United States taking over new territories like Greenland and Canada 51% support the recent efforts to reduce federal spending 51% want to increase spending on Medicare 51% want to increase spending on Social Security 69% agree to increase veterans benefits and services 56% say increase spending on education 48% want to decrease spending for foreign aid Nearly 1 in 5 New Jersey voters (19%) have been impacted personally by recent spending cuts, while 70% said they have not been affected. 25%: Economy 13%: Authoritarianism, preserving democracy 9%: Inflation or cost of living 9%: Immigration This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Stockton University poll: President Trump's approval rating in NJ
