Local scientists have been investigating Charleston’s waterways for decades. But Jesseca Kusher, a Master’s Candidate in the College of Charleston Marine Biology Graduate Program, is asking a new question: Are Lowcountry water quality studies equally distributed across areas of socioeconomic diversity? Where are water quality data being measured relative to where the public recreates, fishes, swims, and enjoys our waterways? Toxic metals, microplastics, persistent chemicals, organic blooms and pathogens – Oh my!! Where are we detecting these contaminants? And what might be getting overlooked? As we think about these questions, teaching artist Marielena Martinez will give us an overview of street art’s history bringing community voices into the public’s eye. Martinez will guide participants in repurposing maps to share a message through gradients of colors and quick words and graphics. Charleston Waterkeeper and Casual Crabbing with Tia will share how they are improving access, knowledge, and protection of our waterways.

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We invite you – our community stakeholders – to talk about the intersections of science, public interests, and policy-making with respect to our waterways.

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