About us - Program History

In 1969, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources ’ (SCDNR) Marine Resources Division initiated a marine science education program based out of Fort Johnson. Utilizing the Research Vessel (R/V), Anita, SCDNR staff provided hands-on educational activities to teach students and teachers about the inherent value of South Carolina’s marine ecosystem and resources.

Over the next 3 decades, the program expanded to offer educational opportunities in Charleston as well as in the ACE (Ashepoo-Combahee-Edisto) Basin. Currently, this program, the Carolina Coastal Discovery (CCD) Marine Education Program, is funded by the South Carolina Saltwater Recreational Fishing License Program. The CCD Program utilizes a 45’ catamaran, the Education Vessel (E/V) Discovery, and a variety of land based programs to reach hundreds of teachers and students from a variety of backgrounds and locations.