Savannah, Ga. – As the 2016 Georgia shrimping season gets underway, the University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant along with the UGA Skidaway Institute of Oceanography will host a meeting to present the latest research and other information on black gill in Georgia and South Carolina shrimp. The meeting will be held at the UGA Marine Extension Aquarium at the north end of Skidaway Island in Savannah on June 22 from 1-4 p.m.
Black gill is a condition affecting the coastal shrimp population. It is caused by a microscopic parasite. Many shrimpers believe black gill may be largely responsible for reduced shrimp harvests in recent years. UGA Skidaway Institute scientist Marc Frischer is leading a research project, now in its third year, into the causes and effects of black gill on the Georgia and South Carolina shrimp population.
The purpose of the meeting is to provide stakeholders, such as shrimpers, fish house owners, wholesalers or anyone else interested in black gill, with an update on black gill research efforts. Frischer and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources scientist Amy Fowler will present their latest research findings. UGA Marine Extension and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources will also provide updates. The meeting will be open to the public.
The meeting is for information purposes only. No management decisions will be made.
For additional information, contact Bryan Fluech, UGA Marine Extension, at 912-264-7269.
What: Black Gill Stakeholders Meeting
When: Wednesday, June 22, 1-4 p.m.
Where: UGA Aquarium, 30 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, GA, 31411
Directions: http://marex.uga.edu/visit_aquarium/