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The Coastal Resources Division is proposing to amend the Rules of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Saltwater Fishing Regulations, Chapter 391-2-4. The proposed amendment will allow for the landing of Billfish (blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish) in Georgia for the first time in 20 years. Harvest of these species is tightly controlled by regulation of the National Marine Fisheries Service, Highly Migratory Species office. Anglers who land billfish in Georgia must be in full compliance with those federal regulations as well as possess a valid Georgia recreational fishing license.
- Click here to view a press release about the proposed rule change.
- Click here to download a presentation given to the Board of Natural Resources on Dec. 7, 2021.
- Click here to download the Board of Natural Resources briefing document presented Dec. 7, 2021.
Public comment information
December 8, 2021
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REGULATION CHANGES
TO: All Interested Persons and Parties
FROM: Doug Haymans
SUBJECT: Notice of Rule Making for Saltwater Finfishing for Billfish
Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to authority contained in the Game and Fish Code (Official Code of Georgia Annotated, Title 27; O.C.G.A. §27-1-4), the Board of Natural Resources proposes to amend the Rules of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Saltwater Fishing Regulations, Chapter 391-2-4. The proposed amended Rule, when adopted, will allow the landing of billfish (blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish) in Georgia by recreational anglers who follow federal regulations for such harvest of billfish.
Written public comment will be received through Tuesday, January 11, 2022. Mailed comments must be postmarked by January 8th and e-mailed comments will be accepted through close of business (4:30 pm) on January 11th. Comments should be legible, concise, and limited to the proposed rule change.
Following this comment period, the Board of Natural Resources will consider the proposed rules January 28, 2022, at 9:00 AM at the A.W. Jones Heritage Center, 610 Beachview Dr, St. Simons Island, GA 31522.
Mail or email comments to:
Carolyn Belcher
Coastal Resources Division
One Conservation Way
Brunswick, GA 31520
carolyn.belcher@dnr.ga.gov
