Get your feet wet—and your hands on science. The Georgia Fishes Field Study (FISH 4650L/6650L) is a three-week, immersive course designed to give students hands-on experience with the diversity of Georgia’s native fishes. From clear mountain streams to Piedmont rivers and coastal marshes, students learn how to collect, identify, and study fish across the state’s varied habitats. What You’ll Learn Students gain practical skills in: Fish collection and identification across mountain, Piedmont, and coastal plain habitats. Sampling techniques including electrofishing (backpack and boat), seining, snorkel surveying, gillnetting, trapping, cast netting, trawling, and more. Field ecology and biology through streamside lectures on habitat features, watershed history, species of concern, and ecological threats. Water quality monitoring with hands-on measurement and interpretation. Professional practice through writing assignments and classroom instruction that connect fieldwork to broader concepts in fisheries science. See where the course takes you — explore habitats, methods, and student fieldwork in our interactive Story Map. What to Expect Each day begins with students and instructors loading gear and heading to a new site. Before sampling, faculty deliver short lectures on the habitat, its history, and key ecological themes. Students then work under close supervision to assemble gear, practice techniques, and gather data. Along the way, they are encouraged to make their own observations and connect field experiences with classroom discussions. Invited guests—from state biologists and federal scientists to NGOs, extension specialists, and riverkeepers—bring real-world perspectives on management and conservation. Why It Matters University fisheries programs train the next generation of scientists and management professionals. By blending lecture- and lab-based instruction with extensive fieldwork, this course equips students with both the theoretical foundation and practical skills needed for careers in fisheries biology, management, and conservation. Learn More Interested in the Georgia Fishes Field Study? Learn more by viewing the: Program Brochure – overview of the course and logistics. Course Pack – full guide with schedule, readings, and assignments.
