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The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has announced a written public comment period for proposed changes to the Rules of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Saltwater Fishing Regulations. The proposed amended Rule, if adopted by the Board of Natural Resources, will increase the minimum size of cobia from 33 inches, fork length to 36 inches, fork length and decrease the possession limit from the current two per person per day to one per person per day. It would also establish a vessel limit of six cobia. The changes will apply to both recreational and commercial fishers.
This proposed amended Rule will also establish a cobia fishing season and include a definition of ‘landed. And the rule will be shortened by deleting content regarding restrictions on the sale of specific federally-managed fish species and substituting content that addresses the sale of all federally-managed fish species except sharks which are addressed separately.
“The purpose of the proposed amendments is to align State of Georgia fishing regulations with those required in the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Migratory Group Cobia. The proposed changes to regulations will constrain harvest to the annual catch limit set for Georgia and will aid enforcement of state and federal regulation,” says Doug Haymans, director of the Coastal Resources Division.
Written public comments will be received through Monday, January 8, 2018. Mailed comments must be postmarked by January 8, 2018. E-mailed comments will be accepted through close of business (4:30 pm) on January 8, 2018. 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 changes on January 26, 2018 at 9:00 AM at the A.W. Jones Heritage Center located at 610 Beachview Dr. St Simons Island, GA, 31522.
Mail or email comments to: Doug Haymans, Coastal Resources Division
One Conservation Way,
Brunswick, GA 31520.
Click the links below for the Pubic Notice and other related information
