John Pelli has worked at Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s Shellfish Research Lab since 2019. He works closely with Georgia shellfish growers exploring the pros and cons of new gear and explaining best management practices. He is also responsible for growing the algae being used to feed the shellfish grown in the lab’s hatchery. Prior to working in the unit, he was the owner and operator of Savannah Clam Company for 15 years.

Pelli was born and raised in Savannah and lives on Sandbridge Creek with his wife, Cherie, and daughter, Madeleine, and their six boats.