UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant

06/05/2026

The 2026 South Atlantic Release Rodeo has been off to a hot start these past few weeks! We wanted to share a helpful reminder that SAFMC Release submissions that contain photos eligible for length-validation will receive DOUBLE the entries into Sea Grant gear giveaways. This allows participants to gain up to eight giveaway entries per month for items like rod and reel combos, lures, jigs, weights, and more!

Visit https://bit.ly/434lEt5 to learn more and create a SAFMC Release account to get started.

06/04/2026

Are you working on research, policy, or innovative solutions to build a thriving, resilient Georgia coast? We want to hear from you!

We are accepting abstract submissions for the State of the Georgia Coast conference, taking place September 22–24, 2026, at the Richmond Hill City Center.

Organized around the theme, “Partnerships and Problem Solving for Georgia’s Coast,” this three-day event will bring together coastal residents, community leaders, industry professionals, and leading experts to share research and foster collaboration.

Learn more and submit your abstract for an oral or poster presentation at https://gacoast.uga.edu/stateof/

Submission deadline: July 10, 2026

06/03/2026

Don’t forget to join us this Saturday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a World Ocean Day celebration! Dive into a day full of ocean-themed activities, including art projects, games and hands-on science. The UGA Aquarium will be open to visitors free of charge!

06/02/2026

Grad students - reminder to submit your applications for the 2027 Knauss Fellowship by tomorrow, Wednesday, June 3 at 5 p.m.!

Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/4bHGxhg

Planning to apply for the 2027 Knauss Fellowship? Use this checklist to stay on track and submit a strong application.

Learn more at seagrant.noaa.gov/knauss.

06/01/2026

The South Atlantic Release Rodeo is underway, and fishermen are already earning Sea Grant giveaway entries by sharing valuable data on their released shallow water grouper and red snapper through the SAFMC Release project!

Swipe through for side-by-side comparisons of each shallow water grouper species and learn a few tips on how to tell them apart. Not familiar with the South Atlantic Release Rodeo? Learn more about how data on your released fish may win you free gear this summer at https://bit.ly/434lEt5

05/29/2026

It's National Alligator Day!

If you haven't had a chance to watch our episode of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, now is the perfect time. See our incredible UGA Coastal Ecology Lab team at work on a field day in the Okefenokee Swamp.

Since 2017, we’ve worked to conserve and manage alligator populations through cutting-edge research, management, education, and workforce development. We’re learning what alligators need to thrive, and how to protect them from future threats.

Check it out at https://bit.ly/4f9E6ro or stream on Peacock or the NBC app.

05/27/2026

In celebration of American Wetlands Month, be sure to check out our newest photo story highlighting the vital work being done to protect Georgia’s coastal ecosystems. 📷

Saltwater intrusion is a looming threat for coastal freshwater habitats due to the combined pressures of sea level rise and coastal development. Research Trainee Zach Gordon conducted a study focused on understanding how saltwater intrusion on Sapelo Island is reshaping the island's unique biodiversity.

Saltwater intrusion is a looming threat for coastal freshwater habitats on Sapelo Island due to the combined pressures of sea level rise and coastal development

05/27/2026

Our two Knauss fellows, Ashley Ohall and Sarah Roney, have had their federal placements confirmed for the 2026 cohort!

Ohall, a University of Georgia master's graduate, will join the NOAA National Ocean Service Marine Debris Program within the Office of Response and Restoration. Roney, a Georgia Tech doctoral graduate, will serve in the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Aquaculture. Both fellows will begin their yearlong marine policy assignments in Washington, D.C., this June.

Are you a graduate student looking to bridge the gap between coastal research and federal decision-making? Applications for the next Knauss fellowship cohort are open, but the deadline is approaching quickly! Submit your application by June 3 to be considered.

➡ Find details on how to apply for the next cohort at https://gacoast.uga.edu/knauss-fellowship/

Learn more about this year's Knauss fellows at https://bit.ly/4f9USqh

05/26/2026

Glynn County residents - are you new to the area? Want practical guidance on how to protect your family, pets, and property during emergencies?

Join us Saturday, May 30 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. for the Glynn County Prep Rally at Tractor Supply Co. in Brunswick. During this free, open house you'll be able to hear from local emergency managers, first responders, and preparedness experts to learn steps you can take before, during, and after an emergency.

Disasters can happen anytime, are you prepared? From hurricanes to fires, power outages to everyday emergencies, now’s the time to get informed and stay ready.

Join us for the Glynn County Prep Rally. Glynn County ha partnered with UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant for a FREE, open-house event focused on ALL disaster preparedness to help you protect your family, home, and community.

Saturday, May 30, 2026
9:00–11:30 a.m.
Tractor Supply, Brunswick

✔️ Learn how to prepare for a wide range of emergencies
✔️ Talk with local experts, first responders & emergency managers
✔️ Get tips for your pets, home, and health needs
✔️ Enjoy prizes & giveaways!

No matter the emergency, being prepared makes all the difference.