Note: A version of this story was first published by UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant. Read it in full here.
The University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant office has served the state’s coastal communities since 1971. In 1980, one of its most impactful additions, a repurposed shrimp trawler, docked for the first time: the R/V Georgia Bulldog.
Now, returning to its roots after more than four decades of serving the Southeastern coast, the Bulldog has been sold back to the commercial fishing industry.
For 45 years, the Bulldog promoted collaboration between researchers and commercial shrimpers. It allowed scientists to document marine life and monitor habitats, housed testing that improved turtle conservation nationwide, and served as a mobile classroom where students learned about marine research being done on the vessel.
“The Georgia Bulldog is the epitome of what cooperative research and fishing industry engagement should look like,” said Associate Director of Extension Bryan Fleuch. “While it is bittersweet to see her go, the Bulldog’s legacy can be seen anytime you walk by a shrimp boat, which should be a tremendous source of pride for anyone who has worked on or benefitted from the research and outreach that has taken place on her over the past 40 years.”
Learn more about the Georgia Bulldog in the photos above.
