Georgia’s commercial and recreational food shrimp season will open in the state’s territorial waters at 8 a.m. June 1, 2022, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced.
DNR Commissioner Mark Williams on May 27 signed an administrative order setting the opening date at the recommendation of DNR’s Coastal Resources Division (CRD) and an advisory panel comprised of commercial and recreational shrimpers, independent scientists, and other stakeholders.
With the opening, commercial shrimp trawlers can operate in the state’s territorial waters from shore to three miles out to sea, where waters become federally managed. Trawlers may operate in state waters from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Trawlers may operate 24 hours per day in federally managed waters. All trawlers are required to use a certified bycatch reduction device and turtle excluder device in both state and federal waters.
Commercial and recreational license holders can also use cast and seine nets to harvest food shrimp. Recreational harvesters must obtain a Georgia fishing license and free Saltwater Information Program permit. License information is available at www.CoastalGaDNR.org/RecreationalFishing.
Independent of shrimp season, all motorized vessels must be at least 1,000 feet from the shores of Jekyll, St. Simons, Sea, and Tybee islands from May 1 to Sept. 30. This restriction includes personal watercraft.
Anyone with questions may contact the CRD at 912-264-7218 or visit www.CoastalGaDNR.org.
