Georgia’s commercial and recreational food shrimp season has been extended to Jan. 17, 2025. This decision by the Commissioner of Natural Resources was based on scientific data and favorable environmental conditions, and aims to provide fishers with additional opportunities while maintaining sustainability.

The extension applies to Georgia’s territorial waters, which extend three miles out to sea, and allows for the continued harvest of food shrimp by both commercial and recreational fishers.

“This extension supports our fishing communities and ensures everyone can enjoy the benefits of a productive shrimp season,” said Eddie Leonard, a marine biologist with the Coastal Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. “Our priority remains balancing economic opportunity with the protection of this vital resource.”

The commercial and recreational food shrimp fishery in state waters will close at 6:20 p.m. Jan. 17, 2025. The earliest it can re-open under state law will be May 15, however the fishery generally re-opens around mid-June based on environmental factors and shrimp population data.

For more information, visit CoastalGaDNR.org or call 912-264-7218. 

Related Resources

Click here to view the administrative order extending shrimp season.

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. Learn more here.

Media Contact:

Tyler Jones
Public Information Officer
Coastal Resources Division
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
tyler.jones@dnr.ga.gov
912-230-9709