Public Comment on Proposed Shellfish Harvest Rule

A close-up view of a cluster of oysters piled together in the foreground, with their rough, textured shells in shades of gray and brown. In the background, calm blue water stretches toward a shoreline lined with lush green marsh grasses under a clear blue sky. The scene highlights a coastal habitat, emphasizing the natural environment where oysters thrive.
Brunswick, Ga.

Introduction

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Coastal Resources Division (CRD) is inviting public input on a proposed amendment to the state's Saltwater Fishing Regulations, Rule 391-2-4-.19. The proposed changes would establish requirements for shellfish harvest during closed seasons, enhance tagging and shading regulations, and outline procedures for harvest closures in response to public health concerns.

Written comments will be accepted through 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 28, 2025. Comments may be submitted through the online form below or mailed to:

Dominic Guadagnoli
Coastal Resources Division
One Conservation Way
Brunswick, GA 31520

The Board of Natural Resources will review public comments and consider the proposed rule during its meeting on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, Shepherd Room, 543 Elliott Trail, Mansfield, GA 30055.

Background on the Proposed Amendment:

Georgia's oyster industry, once a thriving sector in the early 1900s, has declined significantly over the decades. However, advancements in oyster mariculture—raising oysters in subtidal waters using floating gear have demonstrated potential for economic growth in the state’s shellfish industry.

In 2019, the Georgia General Assembly passed House Bill 501, laying the foundation for shellfish mariculture and authorizing the Board of Natural Resources to establish rules for its management. Since then, Georgia has implemented regulatory measures to ensure sustainable oyster farming, including adopting the National Shellfish Sanitation Program's Model Ordinance to maintain public health standards.

The proposed amendment builds on these efforts by allowing Certified Shellfish Master Harvesters to apply for permission to harvest oysters during traditionally closed seasons while maintaining strict health and safety measures. 

Key Provisions Include:

  • Vibrio Control Measures: Establishing time and temperature protocols to mitigate the risk of Vibrio bacteria, which can cause illness when consuming raw oysters.
  • Tagging and Shading Requirements: Ensuring shellstock is properly labeled and protected from excessive heat exposure.
  • Emergency Closure Procedures: Implementing a process for immediate closures if a Vibrio outbreak is linked to Georgia shellfish. Georgia has a strong track record of proactive shellfish safety measures, with no confirmed Vibrio vulnificus cases linked to Georgia shellfish in the past ten years and no outbreaks of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in the past five years. The proposed rule aims to uphold these safety standards while supporting the growth of the state’s oyster industry.

Additional Resources:

PDF IconShellfish and Water Quality Unit Page

PDF IconOfficial Public Notice of Proposed Regulation Change

PDF IconView Board Package

Board package includes:

  • Memo to Board of Natural Resources
  • Notice of Proposed Rule Change
  • Background and Synopsis of Proposed Amendments
  • Date, time and place of Board action
  • Explaination of Public Participation Plan
  • Analysis of Small Business Impacts
  • Exact Copy of Proposed Rule (Strikethrough/Underlined Version)

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