With over 368,000 acres of expansive salt marshes, georgia is home to one of the most productive salt-marsh-tidal creek ecosystems

These marshes and creeks provide a wealth of benefits like maintaining healthy water, protecting US from flooding and erosion, providing nursery and critical habitat for flora and fauna, carbon sequestration, and supporting a range of recreation and commercial activities. Georgia's barrier islands are also home to the gullah-geechee people who are descendants of enslaved africans from plantations along the lower atlantic coast. The state also has a long history of global trade and houses the 4TH largest port in the country, with deepwater ports located in savannah and brunswick. All of its assets - the expansive salt-marsh ecosystems, the people who live or work in the coastal zone, and the infrastructure that keeps ecosystems and people healthy is under threat from increasing risks of flooding, sea level rise, storm surge as well as population growth and development. Marine extension and georgia sea grant's mission is to improve the environmental, social, and economic health of georgia's coast through research, education, and extension. Through a comprehensive strategic planning process, marine extension and georgia sea grant has developed a strategic plan to guide its activities from 2024-2027. Over the period of four years, the program will leverage the expertise of scientists and students at various institutions of higher education in georgia to generate science-based solutions to critical issues, and engage artists and scholars in humanity to provide creative insights into the culture, history, geography, and environmental issues in georgia. The program will foster the development of an innovative steam (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) workforce by providing research, training, and professional development opportunities to students, scientists, artists, and scholars. Marine extension and georgia sea grant serves as a bridge, connecting diverse shareholders to facilitate change in a complex social and economic environment. Sea grant also provides a network for sharing information and knowledge, both locally and at regional and national levels. As a result of its research, education, and outreach efforts, marine extension and georgia sea grant envisions an engaged and informed public that supports thriving coastal ecosystems and resilient and inclusive communities.