The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging anglers to attend an upcoming public hearing that will affect the cobia fishery. Cobia are a popular saltwater fish, and data show anglers have been catching more of them in recent years. 

To ensure this fishery remains sustainable, the Atlantic States Marine Fishery Commission--of which Georgia is a member--is seeking public input on Draft Addendum II to Amendment 1 of the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Cobia. Public hearings will be held to gather input on proposed strategies for recreational allocation, harvest target evaluation, and the timeline for setting fishing regulations.

The Draft Addendum was initiated by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Coastal Pelagics Management Board in response to recent data showing increased cobia landings in some Mid-Atlantic states. The Addendum explores various options for sustainable cobia management, including:

• Frameworks for allocating fishing quotas among recreational anglers, including a significant reduction in Georgia's allotment
• Methods for addressing uncertainties in fishery data
• Strategies for responding to situations where catch quotas are exceeded
• Establishing multi-year management specifications to improve efficiency

Public hearings will address these considerations, including:

• The timeframe used for catch data to determine recreational allocations
• Whether allocations should be set by state, region, or across the entire coast

DNR encourages all stakeholders in the Atlantic cobia fishery to participate in the upcoming hearings and provide valuable input on the future of this fishery.

Georgia’s public hearing options are:

• In-person: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 5 at the Sapelo Saltwater Fishing Club, 3576 Old Shellman Road, Townsend, GA 31331
• Online: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 20 online at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/4078966477099083616

Anyone with questions may contact DNR’s Coastal Resources Division public information officer at 912-275-5118 or tyler.jones@dnr.ga.gov. 

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.
 

View the draft addendum to Amendment 1 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Migratory Cobia

View the "Atlantic Cobia Draft Addendum II for Board Review" presentation from ASFMC (May 1, 2024)