S.C. Sea Grant Consortium

S.C. Sea Grant Consortium S.C.

Sea Grant Consortium generates and provides science-based information to enhance the practical use and conservation of coastal and marine resources that foster a sustainable economy and environment.

The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium is offering Program Development Grants of up to $10,000 for one-year projects that support...
05/29/2026

The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium is offering Program Development Grants of up to $10,000 for one-year projects that support one-year research projects that support technical, outreach, and education efforts relevant to emerging, emergency response, or pilot scientific efforts relevant to coastal South Carolina.

These grants are designed to help advance new ideas, strengthen partnerships, and support projects that may grow into larger research or extension efforts in the future. Seed projects that align with the Consortium’s strategic priorities and address important coastal issues are encouraged.

Proposals will be accepted annually, with the next timeline:
📅 Proposal submission: June 15 – August 1
📅 Proposal deadline: August 1
📅 Funding decisions: October 1
📅 Project start date: February 1

Visit our website to learn more about eligibility, project priorities, and how to apply. Link in bio.

Pictured here: Botany Bay
Photo Credit: Beth Tockey Williams

We’re hiring!The South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium is seeking a Graduate Assistant to join our Extension Program in Ch...
05/29/2026

We’re hiring!

The South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium is seeking a Graduate Assistant to join our Extension Program in Charleston, South Carolina.

This position offers the opportunity to work alongside our Extension team supporting workshops, meetings, outreach programs, and public communication efforts that connect coastal science with communities across South Carolina. Responsibilities include event planning and support, coordinating education and outreach initiatives, developing communication materials, and assisting with extension projects. There is also an opportunity to develop a thesis or internship project as part of the position, depending on the student’s interests.

We’re looking for a graduate student currently enrolled in or accepted to a graduate degree program at an accredited college or university in South Carolina with an interest in environmental studies, extension and outreach, and coastal issues. It’s a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in coastal science communication, community engagement, and extension work while building professional connections across the state.

Visit our website for the full position description, qualifications, and application details. Link in bio.

Pictured here: S.C. Grant Consortium staff and graduate students conducting water quality tests

In 2024, our local nonformal education programs reached more than 33,000 people, connecting students, families, educator...
05/26/2026

In 2024, our local nonformal education programs reached more than 33,000 people, connecting students, families, educators, and community members with coastal and marine science through career fairs, science nights, outreach events, and educational exhibits. In total, we reached 33,392 people through these programs and community engagement efforts.

By bringing coastal science research directly to the public, we help foster environmental awareness, inspire future coastal professionals, and strengthen connections between communities and the coastal environments that shape our state.

The South Atlantic Release Rodeo is underway, and fishermen are already earning Sea Grant giveaway entries by sharing va...
05/25/2026

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? Visit the link in our bio to learn more about how data on your released fish may win you free gear this summer!

Salt marshes are one of South Carolina’s most valuable natural resources, protecting communities from flooding, supporti...
05/22/2026

Salt marshes are one of South Carolina’s most valuable natural resources, protecting communities from flooding, supporting fisheries, and sustaining coastal economies. Through efforts like the South Atlantic Salt Marsh Initiative (SASMI), partners across the Southeast are working to conserve and restore these critical habitats in the face of sea level rise and ongoing coastal change. 🌾🌊

South Carolina Sea Grant is helping bring this work to life through an interactive GIS StoryMap that translates complex science into an accessible, visual experience. The StoryMap allows users to explore where marshes are located, how they function as natural infrastructure, and how they may shift over time. It also highlights areas where conservation and restoration efforts can have the greatest impact, making it a valuable tool for planning and decision making.

Coastal planners, resource managers, community leaders, and residents interested in the future of our coast are encouraged to explore this resource. Visit the link in our bio to check out the StoryMap and see how science and mapping are supporting real world solutions for South Carolina’s salt marshes.

The From Seeds to Shoreline program has now planted more than 2,000 Spartina plants this season, helping restore and str...
05/21/2026

The From Seeds to Shoreline program has now planted more than 2,000 Spartina plants this season, helping restore and strengthen South Carolina’s salt marsh ecosystems one plant at a time!

Through this hands-on restoration program, students grow Spartina from seed in the classroom before transplanting it into local marshes, giving them the opportunity to directly contribute to coastal resilience efforts while learning about marsh ecology, habitat restoration, and water quality.

These student grown plants help stabilize shorelines, improve habitat for wildlife, and support the health of South Carolina’s coastal ecosystems. We are proud of all the students, educators, and partners helping make this restoration work possible and look forward to seeing the impact continue to grow throughout the season!

Pictured here: Students participating in the S2S SCORE collaboration project. Photo Credit: Annie Johnson/Academy for the Arts, Science, & Technology

Did you know horseshoe crabs are considered “living fossils” and have existed for millions of years? 🦀🌕 Although they ar...
05/20/2026

Did you know horseshoe crabs are considered “living fossils” and have existed for millions of years? 🦀🌕 Although they are called crabs, horseshoe crabs are actually more closely related to arachnids and play an important role in coastal ecosystems.

During the spring and summer, horseshoe crabs gather along beaches and salt marshes to spawn during high tides around the full and new moon. Rough waves and weather can sometimes flip them upside down, leaving them stranded and vulnerable to heat and dehydration. If you find a stranded horseshoe crab with its legs facing upward, you may be able to help by carefully flipping it back over using the sides of its shell, never by the tail, which is called the telson and is important for helping the animal right itself.

Our latest blog post also explains how to identify a horseshoe crab molt, why tagged horseshoe crabs are important for research, and how the public can help scientists better understand horseshoe crab populations in South Carolina.
Visit the link in our bio to explore our new blog page and read the full article about horseshoe crabs and coastal stewardship. 🌊

Pictured here: horseshoe crab on the beach

Students from the Academy for the Arts, Science, and Technology recently took part in a meaningful day of hands on coast...
05/19/2026

Students from the Academy for the Arts, Science, and Technology recently took part in a meaningful day of hands on coastal restoration through the From Seeds to Shoreline program in partnership with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources SCORE team. 🌱🦪

As part of the restoration day, students planted Spartina grown from seed and helped place oyster cages for the SCORE oyster restoration program. Throughout the school year, students help build the MWR cages in the fall before returning in the spring to deploy them in coastal waters, giving them the opportunity to see the full restoration process from start to finish.

Growing Spartina from seed and later planting it in the marsh allows students to directly contribute to the health of South Carolina’s salt marsh ecosystems while learning about habitat restoration, water quality, and coastal resilience.

Experiences like these help connect students to their local environment in a hands on and lasting way while supporting important restoration efforts along our coast.

Thank you to our partners and participants including , , and for helping make this restoration effort possible.

Pictured here: Students participating in the S2S SCORE collaboration project.

Photo Credit: Annie Johnson/Academy for the Arts, Science, & Technology

That amazing time of year is finally here again—when we start to see bright sea turtle nest markers along our beaches. S...
05/18/2026

That amazing time of year is finally here again—when we start to see bright sea turtle nest markers along our beaches. Starting in May, females of South Carolina's four native species of sea turtles—loggerheads, leatherbacks, greens, and occasionally the odd Kemp's Ridley—make the ungainly journey up the beach to lay their clutches of around a hundred eggs. These eggs will spend the next couple of months hidden under the sand as the hatchlings grow and develop.

The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), our state reptile and the most common to nest on South Carolina shores, can be identified by its large, yellow-brown head and their reddish-orange carapace (upper shell). They have a thick beak to crush their prey, their favorites being whelks, conchs, or crustaceans like blue crabs and horseshoe crabs. Adult loggerheads begin nesting at 25 years old, and may grow up to 300 pounds and 4 feet in length.

Loggerheads are currently listed as a threatened species, so during nesting season, beachgoers are advised to assist in protecting our turtles by giving nests or nesting females plenty of space. Reduce obstacles for turtle hatchlings by removing any debris, filling in holes, and smoothing down sandcastles before heading home. At night, lights can be a fatal distraction for hatchlings on their way to the sea, so remember not to use flashlights and to keep blinds closed. If you find a sea turtle in need, call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources stranding hotline at 1 (800) 922-5431 to report the sick or injured animal. Learn more about how sea turtles are protected in S.C. at SCDNR’s marine turtle conservation program at www.dnr.sc.gov/seaturtle/cc.htm

Interested in marine and environmental science and education? Check out our education newsletter, The Lettered Olive, for monthly featured species like this one, as well as information on resources and upcoming events for educators. Sign up at the link in our bio or by visiting www.scseagrant.org/the-lettered-olive/

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons.

The Commercial Seafood Apprenticeship Program is officially underway, with eight apprentices from across the Southeast r...
05/14/2026

The Commercial Seafood Apprenticeship Program is officially underway, with eight apprentices from across the Southeast region beginning the program and gaining hands on experience in South Carolina’s working waterfronts. 🦀🦪

So far, apprentices have been learning about everything from mariculture and oyster growing to crabbing, licensing, and safety training. Participants have been spending part of their time out on the water gaining practical field experience while also taking part in classroom instruction and professional development opportunities that support long term success in the commercial seafood industry.

We are excited to see this cohort continue building skills, connecting with industry professionals, and helping support the future of sustainable seafood and coastal working waterfront communities across the region. Stay tuned for more updates throughout the season!

Pictured here: Apprentices taking a dock tour

Photo Credit: Hailey Murphy/ S.C. Sea Grant Consortium

Address

287 Meeting Street
Charleston, SC
29401

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+18439532078

Website

https://www.scseagrant.org/

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