Back-barrier islands, or small islands between the major barrier islands and the mainland often termed "hammocks", are geological features that provide important habitat for plant and bird species, including rare and endangered wildlife and migratory songbirds. Approximately 1200 of these islands exist along the Georgia coast, and given the increasing growth along the Georgia coast in the past decade, they are coming under increasing development pressure. Literature searches quickly showed that very little scientific information exists from studies of back-barrier islands to guide coastal managers. This literature review was conducted to identify research carried out on the major barrier islands that could be applied to back-barrier island environments.