Gantry cranes and container ships at Seagirt Marine Terminal

We are a multidisciplinary research group devoted to study, stewardship, and stories of working waterfronts, coastal infrastructures, and oceans under conditions of globalization and environmental instability.

Transoceanic shipping and the planet’s hydrosphere define the global scope of the group’s interests, but we place particular emphasis on the marine environments of the Port of Baltimore, the greater Tidewater region, and the Atlantic world. We offer events and programs, courses, partnerships, and research opportunities.

News & Announcements

View All Posts 

In Memoriam: Stephen Ramos (1970–2026)

With great sadness we acknowledge the death of our dear friend and close collaborator Stephen Ramos, Professor in the College of Environment + Design at the University of Georgia. We […]

Ocean Culture

Research Professor Harris Feinsod was featured in the spring issue of Arts & Sciences Magazine, discussing his work in blue humanities and the Tidewater Initiative. Read the article.

Celebrating & Honoring the Life & Literature of John Barth

On April 6, 2025, The Tidewater Initiative was pleased to participate in a memorial for John Barth, groundbreaking and prolific author, revered teacher, and professor emeritus in The Writing Seminars […]