Skidaway Marine Science Day Welcomes Over 1,200 Visitors for a Day of Coastal Discovery

UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, in partnership with the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, hosted another successful Skidaway Marine Science Day on October 11, welcoming 1,250 guests for a free, campus-wide celebration of coastal science, research, and community heritage.

The annual event, which opens the UGA Aquarium and surrounding marine science campus to the public at no cost, offered visitors an immersive experience into the vibrant world of coastal Georgia’s natural resources and research initiatives. Families, students, and community members explored a wide range of hands-on activities, demonstrations, and behind-the-scenes tours that showcased the work of scientists, educators, and conservation partners.

The event featured Behind the Scenes aquarium tours, access to teaching labs and special animal collections, activities from the Shellfish Research Lab, research from scientists at the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, showcases of Gullah Geechee traditions with interactive sessions by demonstrators from the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor and 20 exhibitors from local conservation and science organizations. This year, Skidaway Marine Science Day was selected as an event for which to seek sponsorships, providing even more opportunity for hands-on science activities and educational exhibits.

Volunteers played a critical role in making the event a success. A team of 23 Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant volunteers supported operations throughout the day—staffing educational stations, greeting guests, tracking attendance, and coordinating parking to ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for all.

Skidaway Marine Science Day remains one of the region’s most anticipated community science events, and organizers are already looking forward to welcoming everyone back next year for another exciting day of discovery.