Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant is investing $743,437 in five new research projects that address environmental and economic challenges and advance coastal science in Georgia.
Projects range from looking at the impacts of seaweed diversification on aquaculture production, to quantifying the compound risks of coastal inundation and contamination in Glynn County, to studying neonicotinoid presence in coastal waters and impacts on oyster populations.
The 2024-2026 research projects are part of Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s request for proposals process, which occurs every two years to address research priorities identified in the program’s strategic plan.
The projects are designed to improve understanding, management, and wise use of Georgia’s coastal and marine ecosystems. Experts conduct research in close collaboration with on-the-ground extension agents, community partners, educators and decision-makers.
“I am pleased with this selection of projects as they address some critical topics identified in our strategic plan, including exploring sustainable aquaculture practices, engaging under-resourced communities in resilience efforts, and studying blue carbon,” said Mark Risse, director of Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant. “These projects will have substantial impacts in coastal Georgia.”
The projects include:
- Leveraging sediment properties to enhance blue carbon storage in beneficial use restoration projects
Amanda Spivak, University of Georgia - Assessing the economic impact of compound risks in underserved communities: A Glynn County, GA, Case Study
Susana Ferreira, University of Georgia - Exploring the potential for aquaculture product diversification with macroalgae
John Carroll, Georgia Southern University - Neonicotinoid presence in coastal waters and potential impacts on the Eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica
Risa Cohen, Georgia Southern University - A Sanctuary in Sound: Increasing Accessibility to Gray’s Reef Data through Auditory Displays
Jessica Roberts, Georgia Tech
Information about Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant research topics, funding and current opportunities can be found at https://gacoast.uga.edu/current-projects/
Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant is managed through a unique partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the University of Georgia that unites the resources of the federal government, the state of Georgia and universities across the state to create knowledge, tools, products and services that benefit the economy, the environment and the citizens of Georgia. The program’s mission is to improve the environmental, social and economic health of the Georgia coast through research, education and extension.