UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant

09/23/2026

Day one of the 2026 State of the Georgia Coast Conference brought together partners, researchers, and community leaders around our theme of "Partnerships and Problem Solving for Georgia’s Coast".

We opened the afternoon alongside City of Richmond Mayor, Kristi Cox, and Vice President for UGA Public Service and Outreach, Stacy Jones, followed by a plenary session examining the state of Georgia's coast across community, economic, and environmental sectors.

Our incredible keynote speaker, Dionne Hoskins-Brown, Director of NOAA Sponsored Programs at Savannah State University, highlighted her work bridging marine science, technology, and cultural preservation as Chair of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission. The day concluded with an insightful panel on implementing coastal resilience strategies and an evening poster presentation and networking reception. On to day two!

09/22/2026

We’re looking forward to discussing the future of the Georgia coast this week at our State of the Georgia Coast Conference!

We’ll be joined by fellow coastal residents, community leaders, and industry professionals alongside experts in marine science, policy, and resource management.

Coastal Georgia growth takes center stage at sold-out conference in Richmond Hill

09/17/2026

Go behind the scenes at the UGA Aquarium during Skidaway Marine Science Day on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 10 a. m. to 3 p.m.!

This free, campus-wide event will be full of family-friendly activities for all ages. We can’t wait to see you there!

https://bit.ly/4apgUlJ

09/15/2026

Become a sponsor for the 10th annual Oyster Roast for a Reason! 🦪

Showcase your brand while supporting sustainable oyster farming and Georgia's coast. Learn more at https://bit.ly/oyster-sponsor-26 or reach out to Kathryn McHugh at [email protected]

Looking for tickets? We got you: https://gacoast.uga.edu/oysterroast

09/14/2026

September is National Preparedness Month. Are you ready for a natural hazard?

Download our Resident’s Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards in Georgia for guidance on evacuation planning, property protection & flood safety:
https://bit.ly/45TggtX

09/11/2026

We've awarded research traineeships to four graduate students from the University of Georgia and Georgia Southern University to tackle pressing coastal environmental challenges.

Their year-long projects will investigate topics ranging from mangrove expansion and marsh restoration to pollution, parasitism, and warming water impacts on striped bass.

Read the full story below to learn how these student researchers are helping inform future conservation and management along the Georgia coast.

Students from the University of Georgia and Georgia Southern University have been selected to conduct year-long independent research projects focused on coastal issues as part of Marine Extension and Georgia...Read story

09/10/2026

Join Coastal Ecology Specialist Kimberly Andrews to learn how to confidently distinguish Georgia’s venomous snakes from non-venomous species. Spend time interacting with live snakes from our teaching collection, debunking common myths, and discovering practical tips for your home! 🐍

Register for our upcoming Brunswick and Skidaway programs at https://bit.ly/4d6q7AF

09/09/2026

We’re a month away from this year’s Skidaway Marine Science Day! This free, can’t-miss event for all ages, will be on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 10 a. m. to 3 p.m.

The campus-wide open house will feature hands-on activities, free admission to the UGA Aquarium and behind-the-scenes peeks. Join UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Skidaway Institute of Oceanography and NOAA Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary in celebrating Georgia’s unique coastal environment.

Learn more at https://gacoast.uga.edu/skidaway-marine-science-day/

09/08/2026

We were thrilled to host rising high school seniors this summer at our Marine Education Center and Aquarium, where they explored our coastal ecosystems on the R/V Sea Dawg, peered through lab microscopes, and saw firsthand how university research supports Georgia's coastal communities and economies.

Check out the full story below to see how the Georgia Ready Summer Institute is inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers.

UGA program pushes high school students to think boldly, embrace discovery and explore how new ideas can create real-world impact.

09/06/2026

Today is World Shorebirds Day, a time to appreciate and protect the incredible birds that rely on the Georgia coast. Our coast has over 300,000 shorebirds throughout the year!

Our beaches, sand bars, mud flats, and salt marshes provide crucial habitat for these species, whether they are using our coast as a vital stopover during migration, for local nesting, or to stay for the winter. Because human disturbance is one of the greatest threats these birds face, the role of responsible ecotourism is more important than ever.

Our CARE certified guides play a direct role in shorebird conservation. Through the program, coastal operators learn how to navigate sensitive habitats without disrupting critical nesting, feeding, and resting areas. They also learn how to educate their guests on bird biology and identification, transforming a standard boat or kayak tour into an active lesson in conservation.

If you run a water-based tourism business and want to ensure your operations support our local wildlife, consider joining our network. Applications for the next CARE cohort are open! Learn more at gacoast.uga.edu/care

The CARE program is a collaborative partnership between Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant and Manomet Conservation Sciences .