MISSION STATEMENT: The Marine Extension Service works to increase the efficiency of existing marine industries, to identify new industries that do not harm the environment, and to increase public awareness and understanding of coastal ecosystems. The coordinated programs of applied research, advisory services and education carried out from offices in Athens and Atlanta and from facilities on Skidaway Island, Savannah and Brunswick extend economic and cultural benefits throughout the state and region.

What we do:

Since its inception in 1970, the Marine Extension Service has worked to identify and address problems related to Georgia's coastal and marine resources, and to generate and disseminate information pertaining to coastal issues through its applied research and communications programs. The Marine Extension Service became part of the University of Georgia Marine Sciences Program in 1976, and part of the School of Marine Programs in 1991.

Through its three programmatic areas - applied research, education, and outreach, the Marine Extension Service serves a diverse coastal constituency. It educates student and adult groups about Georgia's marine resources, and the importance of being good environmental stewards. It provides assistance to marine industries by finding ways to increase their efficiency and effectiveness, and encourages the development of new industries that do not degrade the environment. It identifies issues and problems that limit the coastal economy and addresses those it can. Those it cannot are directed to appropriate researchers on the main campus. In this sense, the Marine Extension Service provides a vital conduit between the University and Georgia's coastal community.

Each unit is led by an Associate Director, who reports to the Marine Extension Service Director, who in turn reports to the Director of the School of Marine Programs. The Marine Extension Service is under the Vice President's Office for Public Service and Outreach.

click here for information on each unit	view a map of our facility locations
other University System of Georgia Marine Programs

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status in its programs or activities. The Director of the UGA Equal Opportunity Office at 3 Peabody Hall, Athens, Georgia 30602 (telephone 706-542-7912) has been designated to handle inquiries regarding these non-discrimination policies.