Notice of Rule Making for Saltwater Fishing Regulations

Coastal Georgia

Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to authority set forth below, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources proposes an amendment to the Rules of Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division, Chapter 391-2-4, Saltwater Fishing Regulations.  This is a notice of proposed amendments to the rules to reflect the deliberations of the Coastal Committee of the Board of Natural Resources at its December 6, 2017 meeting.

These amendments are being promulgated under the authority of Title 27, Sections 27-1-4 and 27-4-10 of the Official Code of Georgia, Annotated.  The proposal would increase the minimum size of cobia from 33 inches, fork length to 36 inches, fork length and would decrease the possession limit from the current two per person per day to one per person per day. It will also establish a vessel limit of six cobia.  These changes will apply to both recreational and commercial fishers. The amendments also establish a cobia fishing season and include a definition of “landed.” Finally, the rule will be shortened by deleting content regarding restrictions on the sale of specific federally-managed fish species and substituting content that addresses the sale of all federally-managed fish species except sharks which are addressed separately.

Written public comment will be received through Monday, January 8, 2018. Comments should be legible, concise and limited to the proposed rule change.

Following the comment period, the Board of Natural Resources will consider the proposed rule on January 26, 2018 at 9:00 AM at the A.W. Jones Heritage Center located at 610 Beachview Dr., St Simons Island, GA 31522.

Mail or email comments to: Doug Haymans, Coastal Resources Division, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, GA 31520

 

Click the links below for the Pubic Notice and other related information

Cobia Public Notice

Cobia Background and Synopsis

Cobia Economic Impact

Rule Strike Through