On Thursday, January 14, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant participated in the 14th annual Georgia Coastal and Sportsmen’s Day at the Georgia State Capitol. This annual event provides an opportunity for dialog and education on fishing, hunting and coastal conservation issues.
Mark Risse, director of UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, and Tori Stivers, seafood specialist, spent the morning interacting with state legislators, lobbyists and others visiting the capital. They shared information on UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant programs.

Members of the Georgia Shrimper’s Association at Georgia Coastal and Sportsmen’s Day. From left to right, Kathi and Richard Puterbaugh (Richard is president of GA Shrimper’s Association), Garlana and Pat Mathews (Lazaretta Packing, Savannah).
In particular, they talked about the new UGA oyster hatchery and staffing needs associated with that effort. Georgia Shrimpers and Oystermen provided lunch for all legislators and staff members that participated in Georgia Coastal and Sportsman’s Day, which allowed them to taste a variety of local seafood.