Sapelo Research Registration

Research Request Forms

» Fill out a new research request application (registration required)

» View, update or review existing applications (registration required)

» Download annual report template for ongoing projects

Welcome

Thank you for your interest in conducting research on Sapelo Island. The Sapelo Island NERR (SINERR), Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division (DNR WRD) and the University of Georgia Marine Institute (UGAMI) are all interested in fostering scientific research on the island, while being responsible stewards of the land by protecting sensitive natural ecosystems from disturbance. These agencies have designed an online digital application form for you to fill out, along with guidelines for identifying your sponsoring agency on the island. We maintain this online system to: 1) ensure that proposed research will not have negative impacts on protected species and habitats; 2) help avoid interference and conflicts among users; 3) track research projects and site locations so that such information can be summarized in reports, displayed on maps, and so on, as needed by on-island partners; 4) track projects so that all equipment, markers, materials and so on used at a field site are removed at the end of the project, and that the site is left in reasonably good condition.

Process

Step 1: Meeting with Reserve Research Coordinator

This is a crucial first step. The Research Coordinator will determine if a) the research is appropriate for Sapelo Island, b) what logistics need to be considered, c) who the most appropriate host would be, and d) if any additional permits will be needed outside of registration and approval.

Step 1b: Recommended to Visit the Island

This is highly recommended. After initial conversations arrange a visit through the Research Coordinator. This will help you identify your research sites, and anticipate any logistical issues you may encounter, ensuring your best chance at a successful project.

Step 2: Identify Host

A host arranges your ferry passes, on-island transportation, and on-island housing. It has nothing to do with research approval. The Research Coordinator will help determine who is best to host you depending on your on-island needs.

Hosts may be:

Dept. of Natural Resources-Wildlife Resources Division (DNR WRD)
Sapelo Island NERR (SINERR)
University of Georgia Marine Institute (UGAMI)

Step 2b: Submit Volunteer Application (For SINERR/DNR Hosted Researchers Only)

DNR WRD and SINERR require that any visiting researchers that are not DNR employees need to register as volunteers in order to drive our vehicles or use equipment. It will require submitting a background check to the Research Coordinator.

Step 3: Obtain Additional Permits

Beyond research approval and registration, some research may require additional permitting as required by law. The Research Coordinator will help you determine your needs. Some common permits needed on Sapelo are:

Scientific Collections Permit for collecting many invertebrates and vertebrates in Georgia. These are administered by DNR Law Enforcement.
Research & Monitoring Permit: for activities in the jurisdictional wetlands protected by the Coastal Wetlands Protection Act. This includes any installation for >24 hours in the marshes.
Shoreline Protection Act Permit

Step 4: Community Engagement Plan

Any research conducted on the island will need an outreach and community engagement plan with the on-island community of Hogg Hummock included. The plan should have a scheduled timeline of actionable items and measurable goals. Community engagement should provide an opportunity for members to provide comments and feedback. Some ideas of what community engagement could look like, are presentations at the Hogg Hummock community library, flyers, or other educational material to share with the community.
If research is within the boundaries of the historic Hogg Hummock or focused on cultural aspects of the Gullah-Geechee descendants of the island, then two letters of support are required from on-island Hogg Hummock community residents.
If you need assistance developing your community engagement plan please contact our CTP Staff.

Step 5: Register Research for Approval

After receiving confirmation that your research meets requirements from the Research Coordinator, you must apply for Research Registration using the above links. Attach all necessary permits. Please read all instructions carefully. SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION IS NOT THE SAME AS APPROVAL. You will be notified by automatic email when your research has been approved or if you need to make any revisions.

Step 6: After Approved, Contact Hosting Agency for Ferry/Transportation/Housing

Please visit sapelonerr.org/research/visiting-researchers/ to learn more about requirements for visiting researchers.

Guidelines for identifying your sponsoring agency

If you have not previously done research on Sapelo and have not yet talked to staff at any of the sponsoring agencies (SINERR, DNR, or UGAMI), contacting your potential host is the important first step. If you plan to conduct independent research and will be staying off-island or in the private Hog Hammock community on Sapelo, please mark "Other" for the sponsoring agency on the Research Request form and explain your plans. We require an approved Research Request for any research (ecological, social, anthropological, etc.) conducted within SINERR boundaries, or on State land on Sapelo, and we strongly encourage Requests for projects conducted within the private community. Access to Sapelo is by passenger ferry, which runs three times a day. There are only a few public and private housing options on the island, and no commercial development (no stores, restaurants, etc.). Your host agency facilitates your logistical needs while on Sapelo, including requests to ride the ferry, housing and transportation. Note that laboratory space is only available at UGAMI, and demand for such facilities is high during the field season (May-Oct.). Please become fully informed about the special circumstances present on Sapelo Island, and adjust your research project plans accordingly.

Note that any collection of living organisms done in the state of Georgia requires a Scientific or Educational Collection Permit. Consult with your sponsoring organization about whether they have an existing general permit that can cover your research, or if you need a separate permit. For information about GA DNR collecting permits, visit www.georgiawildlife.org. For information about interstate transport permits, visit www.aphis.usda.gov.

For questions please contact Rachel Guy
P.O. Box 15
Sapelo Island, Ga 31327
912-485-2251
rachel.guy@dnr.ga.gov