UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant

09/09/2026

We’re a month away from this year’s Skidaway Marine Science Day! This free, can’t-miss event for all ages, will be on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 10 a. m. to 3 p.m.

The campus-wide open house will feature hands-on activities, free admission to the UGA Aquarium and behind-the-scenes peeks. Join UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Skidaway Institute of Oceanography and NOAA Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary in celebrating Georgia’s unique coastal environment.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/4apgUlJ

09/08/2026

We were thrilled to host rising high school seniors this summer at our Marine Education Center and Aquarium, where they explored our coastal ecosystems on the R/V Sea Dawg, peered through lab microscopes, and saw firsthand how university research supports Georgia's coastal communities and economies.

Check out the full story below to see how the Georgia Ready Summer Institute is inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers.

UGA program pushes high school students to think boldly, embrace discovery and explore how new ideas can create real-world impact.

09/06/2026

Today is World Shorebirds Day, a time to appreciate and protect the incredible birds that rely on the Georgia coast. Our coast has over 300,000 shorebirds throughout the year!

Our beaches, sand bars, mud flats, and salt marshes provide crucial habitat for these species, whether they are using our coast as a vital stopover during migration, for local nesting, or to stay for the winter. Because human disturbance is one of the greatest threats these birds face, the role of responsible ecotourism is more important than ever.

Our CARE certified guides play a direct role in shorebird conservation. Through the program, coastal operators learn how to navigate sensitive habitats without disrupting critical nesting, feeding, and resting areas. They also learn how to educate their guests on bird biology and identification, transforming a standard boat or kayak tour into an active lesson in conservation.

If you run a water-based tourism business and want to ensure your operations support our local wildlife, consider joining our network. Applications for the next CARE cohort are open! Learn more at gacoast.uga.edu/care

The CARE program is a collaborative partnership between Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant and Manomet Conservation Sciences .

09/04/2026

Did you know we provide training to help seafood wholesalers control food safety hazards and comply with FDA requirements?

The HACCP training course is designed to educate seafood processors, packers, wholesalers, importers, harvesters and warehouses on seafood safety. Participants who complete the course receive a certificate that fulfills the FDA requirements for seafood HACCP training.

Learn more and register at https://gacoast.uga.edu/seafood/haccp/

09/03/2026

Come make your own rain barrel with us on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center!

Register for the morning or afternoon workshop at the links below! ☔️

09/02/2026

The UGA Aquarium will be closed Sat., September 5 - Mon., September 7 for Labor Day. We hope everyone has a fun and safe weekend on the coast!

09/01/2026

Our Marine Educator and Education Fellow Coordinator, Celeste Rivenbark, recently had the opportunity to attend the PSO New Faculty Tour!

Hosted by UGA Public Service and Outreach, this week-long tour is designed to introduce faculty to Georgia’s geography, demographics, economy, history and culture while familiarizing them with UGA’s land-grant and sea-grant missions and longstanding commitment to serving the state.

Learn more and hear from other participants at:
https://bit.ly/4yfC1R4

09/01/2026

It’s our favorite time of year!

That’s right - Oyster Roast for a Reason is around the corner. Join us on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 1-4 p.m. on the bluff next to the UGA Aquarium.

Guests will enjoy live music by City Hotel and have the opportunity to eat locally harvested Georgia oysters.

Join us in celebrating the tenth year of this event! Tickets are on sale NOW at https://gacoast.uga.edu/oysterroast

08/31/2026

If you cook delectable meals, bring energy to the kitchen, and love the idea of feeding hungry groups of students and summer campers, we want you on our team! 🍲

We're looking for a part-time cook at our UGA Aquarium on Skidaway Island to help our Chef Manager serve up delicious, quality meals for our education programs and visiting groups. Applicants should have a minimum of two years of experience in food service.

Learn more and apply at https://gacoast.uga.edu/careers/

08/30/2026

Reminder for those interested to apply by Sept. 1, 2026, for full consideration.

Learn more and apply at gacoast.uga.edu/careers/

Join our leadership team!

We are seeking an Associate Director of Education to be based out of the Marine Education Center and Aquarium on Skidaway Island. This non-tenured public service faculty position provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the center, including supervision of personnel, facilities, vessels, and vehicles. The role leads the design, delivery, and evaluation of marine education programs aligned with institutional priorities and National Sea Grant initiatives, while fostering partnerships across university units, government agencies, and community stakeholders.

Qualified candidates should demonstrate expertise in informal education leadership, team management, and coastal issues relevant to Georgia.

Applicants should submit their materials by Sept. 1, 2026, for full consideration. Learn more and apply at gacoast.uga.edu/careers/