NOAA’s Southeast and Caribbean Regional Team (SECART) hosted their fiscal year 2024 workshop at the Historic Penn Center on St. Helena Island, South Carolina. This pivotal workshop unified a diverse array of stakeholders and management professionals. This event facilitated a deeper understanding of traditional Gullah/Geechee fishing and mariculture, while also providing crucial information on funding opportunities to enhance coastal resilience and community engagement.
The workshop featured participation from federal, state and local agencies, non-government organizations, as well as several organizations and members from the Gullah/Geechee community (view the full list below). This collaboration fostered a rich exchange of knowledge and strategies for sustainable shellfish mariculture and resilience in the face of climate change.
Key discussions centered on the integration of Gullah/Geechee cultural practices into contemporary coastal management, addressing regulatory challenges, and leveraging NOAA projects to support community-led initiatives. The event also highlighted the importance of effective communication and inclusion in NOAA research and participatory science programs.
The one-day event was strategically located and scheduled to maximize participation from key stakeholders in the Gullah/Geechee community. Through interactive discussions and networking opportunities, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of coastal resilience, bivalve farming, and the potential of citizen science as a catalyst for inclusion.
As we reflect on the success of this workshop, NOAA remains committed to fostering collaboration between diverse stakeholders and supporting coastal communities in their efforts to build resilience and sustainable practices. The insights gained and connections made during this event will undoubtedly contribute to more inclusive and effective coastal management strategies in the southeast region.
Workshop Participants
Gullah/Geechee Nation, Gullah Geechee Chamber, Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, Gullah/Geechee COAST, Gullah/Geechee Cultural Community Trust,, Gullah Geechee Future’s Project, Gullah Man Oysters, and Atkins Live Bait & Local Oysters, NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, NOAA’s Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions Scholars from the Center for Coastal and Marine Ecosystems, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium, North Carolina Sea Grant Consortium, Georgia Sea Grant Consortium, Oceana, NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service, Port Royal Sound Foundation, Maryville-Ashleyville Neighborhood Association, Sea Islands Heritage Academy, and South Carolina Aquarium