This summer, Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant is offering a range of programs at the UGA Aquarium designed to connect people of all ages with Georgia’s coastal and marine environments.
The season will kick off with World Ocean Day on June 6, a free event at the aquarium with ocean-themed activities and hands-on science. Guests can explore an interactive sand table to see how dunes and beaches change over time, create friendship bracelets inspired by NASA sea-level data, and connect with community partners working to improve the health of our coast. The celebration highlights how small actions can make a big impact on ocean health.
Throughout June and July, marine educators will lead a full lineup of weekly programs included with aquarium admission. Visitors can enjoy Turtle Tuesdays, meet fascinating marine animals during Creature Features and Friday Feedings, or create their own marine life-themed art during Coastal Crafting.
Additional programs on the schedule offer deeper dives into topics such as shark tracking, squid anatomy, recreational crabbing and behind-the-scenes aquarium tours.
For those eager to get on the water, boat-based experiences are available. During Estuary Explorations, participants cruise coastal rivers and sounds in search of wildlife such as dolphins and bald eagles. From Farm to Reef includes a tour of the Shellfish Research Lab along with a visit to nearby oyster farms. The Sea Dawg Trawl gives guests the chance to sample marine life, learn about marine debris, and create reusable “trash bags” from recycled shrimp nets.
“Our programs connect people with coastal wildlife and environments while helping them understand how to enjoy the coast responsibly,” said Shannon Matzke, public program coordinator. “There’s something for everyone to enjoy this summer.”
Many programs are fee-based and require registration. For full details about each program, including pricing and age requirements, visit Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s event calendar at gacoast.uga.edu/events. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot today!
