UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant strive to be education and outreach leaders in coastal Georgia, providing information and resources to help simplify complicated issues.
Our goal is to raise awareness of local and global water quality issues and promote stewardship among children and the general public.
Contact: Katy Smith,
Phone: 912-262-3338
Email: klaustin@uga.edu
UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant monitor water quality in Georgia’s rivers and estuaries in collaboration with Riverkeeper® organizations, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the National Park Service and universities in Georgia.
Education and outreach are important aspects of our water quality program as we develop programs for local schools and colleges and partner with organizations such as the Southeast Atlantic Marine Debris Initiative and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Focus areas, highlighted at regional festivals and other organized events, include:
UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant Field School
During the UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant Field School at the Brunswick Station, students travel aboard the R/V Georgia Bulldog to estuarine sampling sites in the waters surrounding the city.
There are two emphases available:
Plastic Ocean Debris
UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant strive to raise awareness about the impacts of disposable plastics in coastal communities and worldwide.
Plastics are designed to be highly durable, yet are increasingly used in manufacturing disposable items. Litter often finds its way into the ocean either directly from beaches or by way of storm drains. Many animals become entangled or mistakenly ingest plastic debris.
UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant began an outreach effort in 2011 to address plastic debris in the ocean and present consumer options to reduce human impact on the marine environment. Participants examine real ocean water samples to explore how, as plastics break down, microscopic fragments displace plankton and impact the food chain. In addition, participants discuss innovative display items such as bags and notebooks made from repurposed debris and are encouraged to consider local and global aspects of the plastic debris issue and practice sustainable actions in their own lives.
