An official website of the State of Georgia.
Posted Dec. 4, 2024
Coastlines Georgia | December 2024 | Vol. 7, Iss. 4
By Doug Haymans
Director, CRD
The health and sustainability of our fisheries are vital not just for coastal economies and recreational opportunities, but also for the broader marine ecosystem. Decisions about how fish stocks are managed and protected shape the future of our waterways and the communities they support. Yet, these decisions aren’t made in a vacuum—they depend on public input to be truly effective and representative.
Organizations like the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC), Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), and Coastal Resources Division (CRD) play pivotal roles in overseeing fisheries in our region. Through public comment periods, workshops, and hearings, these agencies invite stakeholders—everyone from commercial fishers and charter captains to conservationists and coastal residents—to weigh in on key issues.
By sharing local knowledge, personal experiences, and innovative ideas, the public helps shape management plans that balance ecological health with economic needs.
For example, input from anglers might reveal trends in fish populations or habitat changes that data alone might not capture. Similarly, feedback on proposed regulations can highlight unintended consequences and suggest practical alternatives.
Public involvement also fosters accountability and transparency, ensuring that management decisions reflect the needs of those who rely on the fisheries the most. Participation builds trust and promotes shared responsibility, reminding us that we all have a stake in sustaining our natural resources.
Engaging in these processes is easier than many realize. Attend a meeting, submit a comment online, or join a community discussion. Your voice matters—and it could make the difference in conserving our fisheries for future generations.
Together, we can ensure the long-term vitality of our waterways and the communities that thrive because of your participation. To stay up-to-date on opportunities to get involved, sign up for the CRD emailing list at CoastalGaDNR.org/MailingList.
