The Coastal Resources Division (CRD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be inviting public input on the establishment of a new oyster mariculture zone on Jointer Creek in Glynn County. As part of the state’s ongoing efforts to support sustainable shellfish cultivation and enhance Georgia’s oyster industry, CRD will hold a public meeting at 5 p.m. Nov. 13, 2024. The meeting will provide an opportunity for community members to learn more about the proposed mariculture zone, its potential benefits, and the lottery process for lease allocation.

The public meeting will be held at CRD’s Susan Shipman Environmental Learning Center, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, GA 31520, where CRD staff will present information about the planned mariculture zone on Jointer Creek. This zone covers approximately 31 acres and will be configured with individual leases of 7.5 acres each. Leases are set to be spaced at least 100 feet apart, and a central 100-foot-wide easement channel will ensure safe navigation for vessels at low tide.

Public Comment Period

A public comment period will be open from Nov. 14 to Nov. 29, 2024. Written comments can be mailed to Michael Mock at One Conservation Way, Brunswick, GA 31520, or provided using an online form below.

Public input is encouraged, as it plays a critical role in ensuring that the location and design of mariculture zones align with community needs, environmental conservation, and navigational safety. CRD’s use of the mariculture zone configuration allows oyster mariculture operations to remain concentrated in one area, minimizing potential conflicts with navigation and recreational activities.

About Georgia’s Shellfish Program

CRD manages Georgia’s shellfish resources in collaboration with federal and state agencies, following the National Shellfish Sanitation Program Model Ordinance. CRD’s responsibilities include identifying suitable state water bottoms for commercial shellfish operations, classifying shellfish growing areas, and enforcing best management practices to promote sustainability.

This initiative is part of Georgia’s broader plan to increase sustainable oyster mariculture, providing environmental benefits like water filtration and shoreline protection, while creating economic opportunities for local communities.

For more information on the public meeting, the proposed Jointer Creek mariculture zone, or the oyster mariculture zone lottery process, please contact the Coastal Resources Division at 912-264-7218.

View a zoomed-out map of the proposed mariculture zone

View a close-up map of the proposed mariculture zone

CRD Shellfish Policy Manual

Media Contact:

Tyler Jones
Public Information Officer
Coastal Resources Division
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
tyler.jones@dnr.ga.gov
912-230-9709

About the Coastal Resources Division

The mission of the Coastal Resources Division is to balance coastal development and protection of the coast's natural assets, socio-cultural heritage and recreational resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

Proposed Mariculture Zone Presentation Video

This video and presentation will be shown at the public comment meeting at 5 p.m. Nov. 13, 2024.

Glynn Mariculture Zone Public Comment Form

Please submit your comments below. The form will automatically open at 5 p.m. Nov. 13, 2024, and close at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 29, 2024.