The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is pleased to announce the re-opening of the state’s salt waters to the commercial and recreational harvesting of clams, effective at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024. This decision follows extensive water quality testing after the recent closure due to Tropical Storm Debby.

The precautionary closure, which was implemented to protect public health, is now lifted after careful analysis of water samples from all shellfish growing areas. The samples were found to be below the bacterial threshold levels set by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference (ISSC).

Key Details:

• Reopening Date and Time: Friday, August 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
• Affected Area: All salt waters of the State of Georgia.
• Reason for Re-opening: Water quality has been confirmed as safe for shellfish harvesting following Tropical Storm Debby, which brought 7-10 inches of rainfall coastwide.
• Monitoring and Compliance: The decision to reopen was made based on sound principles of wildlife research and management, ensuring the safety and sustainability of Georgia's shellfish resources.

“The health and safety of Georgia’s residents and visitors remains our top priority,” said Walter Rabon, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. “We appreciate the patience of our commercial and recreational harvesters during the closure and are pleased to report that the waters are once again safe for harvesting.”

DNR, in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, will continue to monitor water quality to ensure ongoing compliance with federal and state regulations. Harvesters are encouraged to stay informed of any future updates through the DNR’s official communication channels.

Click here to download the signed administrative order.