Georgia Reopens Oyster Harvest in State Waters

Brunswick, Ga.

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Press Release

Brunswick, GA (October 6, 2026) – Commissioner Walter Rabon has announced that Georgia's territorial waters will reopen to commercial and recreational oyster harvest effective 6:00 a.m., Thursday, October 8, 2026. Since 2008, the Commissioner of Natural Resources has closed the salt waters of this State to the commercial and recreational harvest of oysters for human consumption from June through September of every year to address management requirements. Due to higher than average water temperatures coastwide for the month of September, an extension of the existing closure was implemented to allow for water temperatures to decrease below the control plan threshold of 81-degrees. Based on current and forecasted observations, water temperatures should continue to decline several degrees and fall below the 81-degree Fahrenheit threshold along the coast.

“This extended closure ensured that Georgia continued to meet the requirements of the National Shellfish Sanitation Program to protect public health by implementing a Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp) control plan,” explained Dominic Guadagnoli, shellfish fishery manager for the Coastal Resources Division.

The fall and winter season when the temperatures begin to cool is when most consumers purchase shellfish. Here are a few things to remember or look for when buying oysters, clams, or mussels from seafood dealers and markets.

Only buy fresh in-shell oysters, clams, or mussels from a licensed retail or wholesale seafood dealer that has product properly tagged with a harvest location, dealer name and date. Likewise, when buying in-shell processed or shucked oysters, clams, or mussels ensure that the product has been processed by a certified dealer with the name, address, and dealer certificate number on the tag or label.
Also, only buy shellfish that have been refrigerated or iced at 45⁰ F or less.
Shellfish should never be consumed raw by individuals that have a compromised immune system such as diabetes, liver disease, cancer, and other disorders.
Risk of illness from consuming shellfish can be significantly reduced if the product is thoroughly cooked.

If you are uncertain whether molluscan shellfish have been harvested, handled, processed, or distributed by approved licensed seafood operators contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture at 404-656-3627 for additional information. For more information on the oyster harvest closure contact GA DNR/Coastal Resources Division at 912-264-7218.

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.