Georgia Code
Part 4 - Shellfish
§ 27-4-187. Public Policy on Development of Commercial Shellfish Industry

The General Assembly finds that the wild harvest and mariculture of shellfish provide increased seafood production and long-term economic opportunities for coastal Georgia as well as increased ecological benefits to the estuarine environment by promoting natural water filtration and increased fishery habitats. The General Assembly also finds that there exists a public health concern when consuming raw or undercooked shellfish, especially during warm water, summer conditions. Therefore, the General Assembly declares that it is the policy of the state to encourage development of the commercial shellfish industry in ways that protect the public health and are compatible with the environment and with other public uses of the estuarine area, such as navigation, fishing, swimming, and other forms of recreation.
History. Code 1981, § 27-4-187 , enacted by Ga. L. 2019, p. 619, § 1/HB 501.
Effective date. —
This Code section became effective May 6, 2019, for purposes of promulgating rules and regulations necessary to administer the provisions of this Act and became effective on March 1, 2020, for all other purposes.

Structure Georgia Code

Georgia Code

Title 27 - Game and Fish

Chapter 4 - Fish

Article 4 - Seafood

Part 4 - Shellfish

§ 27-4-187. Public Policy on Development of Commercial Shellfish Industry

§ 27-4-188. Definitions

§ 27-4-189. Regulatory Authority to Develop and Cultivate Shellfish Industry; Recommendations on Legislation

§ 27-4-190. Commercial Fishing License With Shellfish Endorsement and Master Harvester Permit or Harvester Permit; Hours for Taking Shellfish; Recreational Harvesting

§ 27-4-192. Methods of Taking Shellfish Generally

§ 27-4-193. Taking Shellfish From Unapproved Growing Areas; Operating Facility for Controlled Purification of Shellfish

§ 27-4-194. Minimum Size of Shellfish Which May Be Taken for Commercial or Noncommercial Purposes

§ 27-4-195. Times and Places for Taking Shellfish; Master Harvester’s Request to Harvest Shellfish During Periods When Shellfish Harvest Is Closed; Revocation of Permission for Closed Period Harvest

§ 27-4-196. Distribution and Transplanting of Wild Oyster Shells and Culch Material by Permittee

§ 27-4-197. Shellfish Sanitation Program; Requirements as to Shipment of Shellfish

§ 27-4-198. Lease of State Intertidal and Subtidal Water Bottoms Within Approved Growing Areas From Department

§ 27-4-199. Evidence of Intent to Use as Food; Inspection of Businesses

§ 27-4-200. Forged or False Documents, Records, or Permits Unlawful

§ 27-4-201. Penalty for Violation of Article; Revocation of Authorizations

§ 27-4-202. Shellfish Mariculture Permit; Bond Requirement of Master Harvester; Penalty for Noncompliance

§ 27-4-203. Conditional Certifications of Shellfish Hatcheries and Nursery Operations; Approval of Out-of-State Hatcheries; Authorization for Operation; Conditions for Permitting; Revocation

§ 27-4-204. Permitting; Number of Cages; Identification Attached to Cages