About the project

Estuarine ecosystems are some of the most productive and diverse habitats on earth and play a critical role in the health and well-being of coastal communities. Estuarine fishes are a vital component of these ecosystems, serving as indicators of environmental health and supporting recreational and commercial fisheries. Historically, a lack of public media and guides on game and large charismatic fish species in Georgia estuaries has contributed to challenges in identifying fishes in their juvenile stages, which may look very different from their adult morphologies. To address this need, the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve envisioned a suite of professional communications products designed to support the existing outreach, education, and monitoring efforts of regional partners.

About this resource

Estuaries: A Sense of Place is a short documentary exploring the profound ecological and cultural connections between the people of Coastal Georgia and the region's dynamic brackish waterways. The film explores the unique local knowledge of residents, scientists, and environmental stewards who live, work, and study within the Georgia salt marshes and tidal river systems. It received Best Coastal Film at the Golden Isles Film Festival and had its feature premiere at the Tides & Tales Film Festival. The film was produced by the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve (SINERR) and was directed, filmed, and edited by Sam Ghioto Studios.