BRUNSWICK — Coastal Georgia made a temporary move 300 miles north Feb. 8 when a group of state and federal conservation agencies gathered under the Gold Dome in Atlanta for Coastal Day at the Capitol.

"From blackwater swamps to barrier islands to the open Atlantic Ocean, the Georgia coast is one of the most ecologically diverse areas of the state. The coast is also one of the most economically important areas of the state with natural and cultural resource based commerce generating billions in spending each year," said Spud Woodward, director of the Coastal Resources Division of Georgia DNR – the agency that co-hosted the event with the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Coastal Day at the Capitol presented a unique setting for coastal organizations to meet with legislators and their staffs about issues and opportunities available in coastal Georgia.

In welcoming attendees to the event, Gov. Nathan Deal highlighted the contribution of Coastal Georgia to the state’s economy through the importance of Georgia ports, as well as the strength of the tourism industry that attracts visitors to this region.

State government leaders and legislators experienced a taste of the coast at a lunch of wild Georgia shrimp and grits, made possible by the Georgia Shrimp Association, the Coastal Kitchen Restaurant of St. Simons Island and Savannah’s Candy Kitchen.