Coastal Resources Division - Georgia DNR

05/31/2026

🦪 Reminder for Georgia oyster harvesters:

Georgia's annual recreational and commercial oyster harvest closure begins at 6 a.m. on June 1 and continues through September 30. Oyster harvesting will reopen on October 1, 2026.

This seasonal closure is part of Georgia's Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp) control plan, which helps protect public health during the warmer months when naturally occurring bacteria levels are higher in coastal waters.

While wild oyster harvesting is closed during the summer, clam harvesting from approved shellfish areas remains open.

In 2025, Georgia adopted new regulations allowing eligible master harvesters on approved subtidal oyster farms to apply for authorization to harvest maricultured oysters during the closure period, provided strict handling and safety requirements are met.

For more information, contact the Coastal Resources Division at 912-264-7218.

05/26/2026

You're Invited!

The Coastal Resources Division of The Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Georgia Coastal Management Program is hosting a "Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop" in partnership with Coca-Cola United!

Did you know: A rain barrel can save most homeowners 2,000 gallons of water each year which can be used for watering gardens, washing cars and other projects around the house?

At the workshop, rain barrel installation, maintenance and safety are discussed, along with instructions for the conversion kit which includes ALL parts needed for installation. Staff will be on hand with the hardware supplies and tools necessary to help you assemble the barrels on-site – ready to take home and use. The conversion kit uses a diverter system which eliminates the need for cutting off gutter downspouts, mosquitoes and over-flow valves.

Registration fee is $45 and includes the 50-gallon drum, instructions and all supplies needed to build your own rain barrel. Please note that if registering for this workshop you must attend the educational presentation and construct your rain barrel at the workshop. Registration will be limited and is available on a first come basis.

Please only register for either the morning or afternoon session, as spots are limited.

📅 When? June 11th, 2026, 9AM-11AM or 1PM-3PM
📍 Where? Georgia DNR Coastal Regional Headquarters in Brunswick, GA
🔗 Morning Session (9AM-11AM) Sign-Up Link: https://RainbarrelWorkshop_June2026_Morning.eventbrite.com
🔗 Afternoon Session (1PM-3PM) Sign-Up Link: https://RainbarrelWorkshop_June2026_Afternoon.eventbrite.com

We will be sending out more information prior to the workshop for registered participants but please feel free to contact Kelly Hill with questions at any time ([email protected] or 912-264-7218).

05/22/2026

Yesterday, May 21, 2026, a Federal court judge granted a preliminary injunction that stopped the implementation of the South Atlantic states Exempted Fishing Permits. At this time, it is not known if NOAA Fisheries will file an appeal, however, because Georgia’s requested start date of July 1st is weeks away, Coastal Resources Division will continue to work on ensuring the agency is prepared should the injunction be lifted. Updates will be posted as more information is made available.

05/18/2026

🎣 Georgia anglers now have a one-stop source for everything they need to know about this summer’s expanded red snapper season!

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Coastal Resources Division has launched 🌐 GeorgiaRedSnapper.com — a new website designed to help anglers prepare for the 2026 Georgia Red Snapper Project season running July 1 through Aug. 31.

The website explains:
✅ How to register fishing trips
✅ How to report catches using the VESL app
✅ Season rules and requirements
✅ What anglers need to do before heading offshore

The Georgia Red Snapper Project is giving anglers more time on the water while helping Georgia collect better fishing data for the future.

🐟 One fish per person per day
📅 July 1 – Aug. 31, 2026
📍 Federal waters off Georgia

Visit GeorgiaRedSnapper.com to learn more and get ready for the season!

05/18/2026

🎣 Registration is now OPEN for the John Pafford Memorial Kids Fishing Event! 🐟

Join the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Coastal Resources Division from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 13, for a fun morning of fishing, learning, and outdoor adventure during Georgia’s Free Fishing Day!

This free event is open to children ages 5 to 12 and includes:
✅ Fishing instruction
✅ Bait and tackle
✅ Refreshments
✅ Opportunities to catch saltwater fish
✅ Hands-on learning about Georgia’s coast

⚠️ Space is limited to 100 children, and registration is required. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Registered participants must arrive by 9:30 a.m.

The event honors the legacy of longtime CRD marine biologist John Pafford, whose passion for youth fishing and conservation inspired generations of young anglers.

Register and learn more at: CoastalGaDNR.org/KidsFishingEvents

05/01/2026

🎣 More red snapper fishing is on the way, Georgia!

Georgia anglers will soon have more time on the water targeting one of the South Atlantic’s most sought-after fish—red snapper.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Coastal Resources Division has launched the Georgia Red Snapper Project, opening the door to a two-month recreational season in federal waters from July 1–Aug. 31, 2026—a big change from the few days per year anglers have seen in the past.

Here’s what you need to know:

🐟 1 fish per person, per day
📏 No minimum size
📅 Season runs July–August 2026
📲 Trip registration required before you go
⏱️ Catch must be reported within 24 hours

This new opportunity comes through a federal Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) and is designed to do two things:

✔️ Give anglers more access
✔️ Collect better, real-time data to support longer, more consistent seasons in the future

“This is a major step forward for Georgia anglers,” said CRD Director Doug Haymans. “For years, access to red snapper has been extremely limited. This project gives anglers a real opportunity—two full months—to enjoy red snapper fishing.”

⚠️ There’s one key piece: reporting your catch is required.

It only takes a few minutes, but it plays a big role in improving data and shaping the future of red snapper fishing in Georgia.

💡 A new app (coming soon) will make trip registration and reporting quick and easy—and will help fisheries managers get the real-time data needed to keep seasons open longer.

📢 More details, including how-to videos and the app, will be available soon, with a full website launching May 15.

Stay tuned, and get ready—it’s shaping up to be a big summer offshore. 🌊

📸: Return 'Em Right

04/23/2026

🚨 Ways to Help Families & First Responders Impacted by the Brantley County Fires 🚨

Community support is making a real difference right now. If you’re looking to help, here’s where and how to donate:

📦 Brantley County Donations
All donations are being coordinated through Georgia VOAD, which works with partners like the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army to get resources where they’re needed most.
🔗 Learn more: https://www.gavoad.org/

📍 Glynn County Drop-Off Location
Donations can be delivered to St. Simons United Methodist Church (624 Ocean Boulevard).

🕒 Drop-off Hours:

Wednesday & Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday: 8:30 a.m. – Noon
❌ Closed for donations Friday & Saturday

📞 Questions? Call 912-638-3317 or email [email protected]

🧯 High-Priority Needs

👉 For First Responders:
Eye drops, nasal spray, ibuprofen, Tylenol, wet wipes, ChapStick, IV packets, water flavor packets, Vaseline, baby powder, hygiene items, toilet paper, soap, shampoo, socks

👉 For Families:
New clothing, laundry detergent, pet supplies, shoes

Every donation—big or small—helps support those on the front lines and families working to recover. ❤️

04/09/2026

🚤 James Allen Williamson Park & Boat Ramp Reopens 🎣

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Coastal Resources Division is excited to announce the official reopening of the James Allen Williamson Park & Boat Ramp near Darien at the Champney River following major upgrades to improve boating access, fishing opportunities, and public safety.

Join us for a FREE public ribbon cutting at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, about 2.5 miles south of downtown Darien on U.S. Highway 17. Georgia DNR Commissioner Walter Rabon will provide remarks, and everyone is invited to attend! ✂️

What’s new at the park:

✅ Two new double-lane boat ramps
✅ Improved service docks for safer launching
✅ New ADA-accessible fishing pier
✅ Expanded dock system with additional fishing access
✅ 100,000-square-foot parking area raised out of the floodplain

This $2.5 million project was made possible through funding from the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife & Sport Fish Restoration Fund, Ducks Unlimited, private donors, and Cherokee Brick Company.

McIntosh County will manage ongoing maintenance of the facility.

Whether you're heading out to fish, boat, or hunt this season, this improved access point will help more people enjoy Georgia’s incredible coastal resources. 🌊

🔗 Learn more about CRD boat ramps: CoastalGaDNR.org/AllBoatRamps

04/07/2026

03/25/2026

🌊 Help Shape the Future of Gray's Reef!
Are you passionate about our coastal waters? NOAA Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary is looking for dedicated volunteers to join its Advisory Council!

The council plays a vital role in protecting this underwater treasure by providing advice and recommendations on sanctuary management. Currently, there are two seats open for a three-year term:

Citizen-At-Large 🏠
Education (University) 🎓

Whether you're a local resident with a deep connection to the coast or a university professional dedicated to marine education, this is your chance to represent your community and have a voice in sanctuary conservation.

📅 Key Details:
Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on April 26th, 2026.

Who can apply: Individuals representing diverse interests like fishing, science, tourism, and the general public.

Ready to dive in? For full details and application instructions, visit the Gray's Reef Sanctuary Advisory Council recruitment webpage: https://graysreef.noaa.gov/management/advisory-council/recruitment.html

Recruitment for Sanctuary Advisory Council seats generally occurs in late spring and late fall.