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This serves as notification from the Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources of a request from the University of Georgia for a Coastal Marshlands Protection Act (CMPA) permit under Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A.) 12-5-280 et seq., to restore and enhance oyster reefs located in Cabretta and Big Hole Creeks, Sapelo Island, McIntosh County, Georgia.
Oyster reefs provide food, cover, shelter, spawning sites and nursery areas for marine and estuarine fish and invertebrate species and have been declared “essential fish habitat” by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The applicant proposes the placement of clean suitable cultch material between the Mean Low Water (MLW) line and the vegetated edge of coastal marshlands to promote the growth of new oysters.
The applicant has proposed placing cultch materials at 100 locations within Big Hole and Cabretta creeks. While approximate site locations have been chosen for permitting purposes, exact locations will be determined based on traditional ecological knowledge and a coupled ocean oyster growth model that predicts currents, water levels, and optimal sites for oyster growth. The model is being developed as part of the proposed oyster restoration project. Once exact locations are determined by the applicant, they will be individually reviewed and approved by the Department. All sites will be located on state owned tidal waterbottoms in the intertidal areas between MLW and the vegetated edge of the marsh.
Cultch material will consist of oyster shell (bagged and loose) on wooden pallets for a foundation. Each cultch location will consist of 2-3 plots approximately 15sq.ft. in area. Each of the locations will not exceed 50sq.ft. of total impacts and no greater than 5cu.yds. of fill. Impacts to coastal marshlands will total no more than 5,000sq.ft. (0.11 acres).
The applicant has stated that there is no upland component for the proposed oyster restoration project.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate that the project is not contrary to the public interest and that no feasible alternative sites exist. Impacts to coastal marshlands must be minimal in size. In passing upon the application for permit, the Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee shall consider the public interest: (1) Whether or not unreasonably harmful obstruction to or alteration of the natural flow of navigational water within the affected area will arise as a result of the proposal; (2) Whether or not unreasonably harmful or increased erosion, shoaling of channels, or stagnant areas of water will be created; and (3) Whether or not the granting of a permit and the completion of the applicants proposal will unreasonably interfere with the conservation of fish, shrimp, oysters, crabs, clams, or other marine life, wildlife, or other resources, including but not limited to water and oxygen supply.
A detailed public notice with drawings has been distributed and is available by visiting the Department of Natural Resources website: CoastalGaDNR.org under “Public Notices.”
Please provide this office with substantive, site-specific comments as to why the proposed work should or should not proceed. Comments and questions concerning this proposed project should be submitted in writing and be submitted by the close of business on February 14, 2026 to Paul Tobler, Department of Natural Resources, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, Georgia 31520 or via email at paul.tobler@dnr.ga.gov.
Click here to view Application.
