Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant funds over half a million dollars of coastal research every two years.
Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant funds research projects on two-year cycles, sponsoring projects that investigate or better understand coastal ecosystems, policy making and marine industries. Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant research projects are shared with coastal communities and stakeholders, facilitating sustainable economic development and land use practices, healthy coastal ecosystems, safe and sustainable seafood and coastal hazard mitigation.
2026 – 2028 Projects
Examining the role of shellfish aquaculture gear as fish habitat
Principal Investigator: John Carroll and Steve Vives, Georgia Southern University
- This research will evaluate the extent to which oyster aquaculture gear commonly used in Georgia provides habitat for economically and ecologically important fisheries species. By assessing the ecosystem service value of aquaculture infrastructure, the project will inform sustainable aquaculture practices and coastal fisheries management.
Probiotics for plants
Principal Investigator: Joel Kostka, Georgia Tech
- This project will look at how locally sourced Spartina seeds and beneficial root‑associated microbes can be used to improve the growth, stress tolerance, and overall success of Spartina plants used in marsh restoration. By cultivating nursery‑grown plants from multiple local populations, developing native microbial bioinocula, and testing plant performance in greenhouse and pilot field trials, the research aims to identify practical approaches for strengthening marsh restoration outcomes.
Protecting barrier island pollinators from effects of development and temperature variability
Principal Investigator: Isaac Park, Georgia Southern University
- This project will examine how coastal development and changing temperatures affect the availability of flowers that native bees rely on for food in Georgia’s coastal communities. Using Tybee Island as a case study, the work will combine community education, participatory science, and ecological analysis to inform land‑use and planting practices that better support pollinators and healthy coastal ecosystems.
Southeastern community hub for optimizing resilience
Principal Investigator: Alexander Robel, Georgia Tech
- This project is designed to support community‑led flood resilience planning in Pin Point, Georgia. Working closely with community partners, the project will produce transparent, high‑resolution flood risk projections and empower residents to evaluate and select flood mitigation strategies that protect assets identified as local priorities.
Inland rural coastal resilience: Municipal planning for resilient communities and economies
Principal Investigator: Helen Rosko, Georgia Southern University
- This project will develop a community‑driven vulnerability assessment to support resilience planning in Statesboro, Georgia. By integrating social and environmental risks and working closely with residents and local decision‑makers, the project will inform resilience strategies and provide a transferable model for similar inland coastal communities.
Optimization of algal turf scrubbers in recirculating systems for the production of oyster (Crassostrea virginica) hatchery seed
Principal Investigator: Anthony Siccardi, Georgia Southern University
- This project will test the use of algal turf scrubber systems in oyster hatchery operations to improve water quality while producing algae that can be reused as supplemental oyster feed. The project aims to reduce excess nutrients, increase oxygen levels, lower harmful microbes, and improve oyster growth and survival, supporting more sustainable and cost‑effective oyster aquaculture in Georgia.
Data science for marine resources: A computational training pipeline to support student achievement and coastal research
Principal Investigator: Laura Treible, Savannah State University
- This project will build data and computing skills for undergraduate students through hands‑on analysis of real‑world coastal and ocean datasets. Materials will be used to train undergraduate interns from Savannah State University, University of Georgia, and College of Coastal Georgia, strengthening data literacy and workforce preparation across partner institutions.