State Representative Jesse Petrea (R-Savannah) announced that the Georgia General Assembly gave final passage to House Bill 501 on Monday, March 18, 2019. This measure would create a new oyster farming industry in Georgia.

“I am grateful for the support of my colleagues in the Georgia General Assembly, and I am pleased that we were able to pass legislation that will build an industry that benefits our entire state,” said Rep. Petrea. “I am also thankful for the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources for their hard work and determination to design an industry that promotes a fair application process among potential growers. I am confident this bill will allow Georgia’s local oyster farmers to succeed, while protecting the safety of consumers as well as the safety of our invaluable natural resources.”

House Bill 501 will allow the state’s existing oyster industry to further capitalize on its robust shellfish industry through the development of oyster farming. This new farming industry will be administered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which will also oversee the permitting and licensing process for farming leases along Georgia’s coast. The DNR will lease subtidal water bottoms by using a lottery system. This lottery system will vet the current industry’s experts and ensure a fair application process between Georgia’s local applicants and larger out-of-state applicants. Potential oyster farmers will also be able to apply for specific farming sites through the lottery system.

Under HB 501, the Department of Natural Resources will be tasked with maintaining specific regulations to protect public health while creating a sustainable industry that benefits local industry stakeholders. The DNR will implement rules that are compatible with the natural environment and with other public uses of the estuarine area, such as navigation, fishing, swimming and other forms of recreation. Further, the DNR will help implement rules regarding the size, possession and creel limits; season and siting criteria; number of leases issued per year; and the importation of shellfish, shellfish tissues or shells into the state.

Harvest season currently lasts from October 1 until May 31 each year, but HB 501 allows for more leniency regarding harvesting during off season. The goal is a year round season for farmed oysters. An advisory committee will be appointed to include industry experts and others and there will be public hearings for input into the establishment of regulations

The measure is now awaiting final approval from Governor Brian Kemp.