Working under permit from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, students participate in ongoing research. Bottom-dwelling organisms in the estuary are collected using an otter trawl net towed from the 43' RV Sea Dawg.  Students on board learn about the natural history and commercial importance of many vertebrate and invertebrate species, participate in water quality testing as well as having the experience of collecting and handling the live animals and plants collected during the trawl.  As part of the ongoing study students record numbers and types of species collected for an annual report delivered to the Georgia DNR and some of the collected organisms may be kept for display in MECA's aquarium or used to feed current aquarium specimens. 

Up to 22 total passengers can be accommodated for the 2-3 hour trawl. Current charges, scheduling and more information can be obtained by calling 912.598.2496 or by email: mared@uga.edu