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Ben Fertig, Ph.D.
Restoration Manager
Ben is a marine and environmental scientist who joined the SRA team in April 2023. As Restoration Manager, Ben is responsible for expertly administering all restoration projects undertaken by SRA from the upland to the shoreline to in the water. This includes everything from preliminary site assessments, drafting requests for proposals, and ensuring that projects are appropriately designed, permitted, constructed, monitored and maintained. You can find Ben staffing SRA events, engaging volunteers and presenting at SRA meetings.
Ben’s background is in marine, estuarine, and environmental science. He holds a Ph.D. from University of Maryland (2010), has used oysters to detect nitrogen pollution throughout Chesapeake Bay and Maryland’s Coastal Bays, helped monitor the success of oyster restoration on historic reefs, has taught ecology and evolution, and led hundreds of volunteers in watershed restoration efforts. Though originally from New England, Ben has made the Chesapeake his home since 2003 and developed a deep love and respect for its waters. Outside of work, Ben is a dedicated parent to his three children and their furry feline friend. Ben enjoys exploring the outdoors and has a passion for gardening with native plants, which aligns with his commitment to environmental sustainability.