From Trawl to Tote: Turning Marine Debris into Purpose on Tybee Island

TYBEE ISLAND WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE

From Trawl to Tote: Turning Marine Debris into Purpose on Tybee Island

A one-hour, hands-on workshop at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center where participants learn about marine debris and construct an eco-friendly Trawl to Trash bag—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

From Trawl to Tote: Turning Marine Debris into Purpose on Tybee Island.

Duration
1 hr
Location
Tybee Island
Operator
Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Category
Workshop
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set on Tybee Island, the Trawl to Trash Workshop pairs a concise, educational briefing on the effects of marine debris on Georgia’s waterways with a practical craft session: you make your own recycled trawl bag to use in local stewardship efforts. The program is designed to engage the public in outreach and debris-removal action while encouraging use of the recycled bags to keep litter out of the marine environment.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Hands-on stewardship meets public outreach
THE MISSION

Hands-on stewardship meets public outreach

Trawl to Trash is built around outreach and stewardship: the program educates communities about marine debris impacts and encourages the reuse of recycled trawl bags to remove litter from Georgia’s waterways.

Make your own eco-friendly trawl bag
THE CRAFT

Make your own eco-friendly trawl bag

The workshop guides participants through a hands-on session to create a Trawl to Trash bag, providing a tangible tool for collecting debris and a lesson in circular reuse.

Learn the local context for marine debris
THE IMPACT

Learn the local context for marine debris

Alongside the maker component, the program explains how litter affects Georgia’s waterways and how community action—using the recycled bags—helps prevent trash from entering the marine environment.

What the day feels like

What the workshop feels like

The session is compact and purposeful: a short educational component about marine debris and its local impacts is paired with a guided, hands-on craft where you assemble your own trawl bag. The emphasis is on practical stewardship—participants leave with both knowledge and a reusable tool to help remove litter from waterways.

Hands-on stewardship meets public outreach

THE MISSION

Hands-on stewardship meets public outreach

Trawl to Trash is built around outreach and stewardship: the program educates communities about marine debris impacts and encourages the reuse of recycled trawl bags to remove litter from Georgia’s waterways.

Make your own eco-friendly trawl bag

THE CRAFT

Make your own eco-friendly trawl bag

The workshop guides participants through a hands-on session to create a Trawl to Trash bag, providing a tangible tool for collecting debris and a lesson in circular reuse.

Learn the local context for marine debris

THE IMPACT

Learn the local context for marine debris

Alongside the maker component, the program explains how litter affects Georgia’s waterways and how community action—using the recycled bags—helps prevent trash from entering the marine environment.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this workshop suits—and who should check first.

1
Community VolunteersA direct match: volunteers seeking practical ways to remove litter and promote stewardship will find a clear, hands-on tool and local context here.
2
Educators & StudentsIdeal for educators looking for a concise, teachable demonstration of marine debris issues paired with a craft activity that reinforces stewardship.
3
FamiliesFamilies can participate together, but note that prior registration is required and admission is handled through the marine center.
4
Casual VisitorsA good short activity for visitors who want a meaningful, one-hour experience at the marine center—remember that the workshop is included with center admission but requires prior registration.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The workshop runs for approximately 1 hour; check the Tybee Island Marine Science Center schedule for session start times.

What to Bring

Bring proof of center admission or payment confirmation and any registration confirmation; the session is hands-on so wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind working in.

Cost & Booking

The workshop is included with Tybee Island Marine Science Center admission ($15) but prior registration is required—reserve your spot before arriving.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the workshop?

The Trawl to Trash Workshop runs for 1 hour.

Do I need to register in advance?

Yes. Prior registration is required to attend the workshop.

Is there a fee to join?

The workshop is included in Tybee Island Marine Science Center admission, which is $15.

Who operates the workshop?

The Trawl to Trash Workshop is offered through the Tybee Island Marine Science Center in conjunction with Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s Trawl to Trash program.

What will I make during the session?

Participants create their own recycled Trawl to Trash bag to use for collecting and removing debris from waterways.

What is the purpose of the program?

The program educates communities about marine debris impacts and encourages use of recycled trawl bags to prevent litter from entering the marine environment.