In Georgia, commercial shellfish harvesters participate in wild harvest and mariculture of both Eastern Oysters and Hard Clams. The Coastal Resources Division Shellfish and Water Quality Program is responsible for permitting commercial harvest areas, offering leases for commercial shellfish harvest, and monitoring the water quality in shellfish growing areas among other shellfish-related activities. For more information on the Program and the requirements of shellfish farmers in Georgia, please view the most recent version of the Shellfish Policy Manual below:
Shellfish Policy Manual Version 1.1 (May 2021)
General Information on Commercial Shellfish Harvesting:
Shellfish are defined as clams, oysters, mussels, or any bivalve mollusk inhabiting the coastal estuaries, marshes or beaches of coastal Georgia. Commercial shellfish harvest or culture is only permitted on leases acknowledged and permitted by the State of Georgia.
All shellfish must be harvested between the hours of ½ hour before official sunrise and ½ hour after official sunset and may only be taken by hand or with handheld implements.
Minimum Harvest Sizes:
Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) – 2 inches, hinge to mouth
Hard Clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) – ¾ inch depth (perpendicular to hinge)
Contact Information:
For questions concerning commercial shellfish operations, please contact the CRD Shellfish and Water Quality Program at (912)264-7218.
For assistance and other questions about the HACCP certification process and obtaining a Georgia Shellfish Sanitation Certificate, a Georgia Wholesale Fish Dealer License, or a Food Sales Establishment License, contact the Seafood Safety Office at the following number:
Georgia Department of Agriculture – Seafood Safety Office
(404)657-4801
Other Information and Links:
Handling, Storage, Shucking, Packing, Shipping, and/or Sale of Shellfish in the state of Georgia
Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference
National Shellfish Sanitation Program
United States Food and Drug Administration Certified Shellfish Shippers
Coastal Resources Division Shellfish and Water Quality Monitoring Program
