Coastal Resources Division CoastalGaDNR.org 912-264-7218

To balance coastal development and protection of the coast's natural assets, socio-cultural heritage, and recreational resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

Hannah Styron photo

SUSTAIN PROTECT CONSERVE ENHANCE

Georgia Coastal Management Program

GEORGIA'S COAST IS HOME TO 105 MILES OF SHORE AND 368,000 ACRES OF MARSHLANDS.
This delicate ecosystem attracts more than $2 billion in tourismrelated economic activity annually.
Grants and Funding Coastal Incentive Grants Directed projects
Training and Tools Model ordinances Coastal mapping/GIS Green infrastructure Online digital viewers
Events and Education CoastFest Beach Week Climate Conference
Community Enhancement Beach advisories Sustainable development Public access Marine debris removal
Research and Monitoring Living shorelines Shoreline habitat Ecosystem Report Card Sea-level rise monitoring
Government Coordination Coastal Advisory Committee Federal consistency Coastal hazard assistance
Regulatory and Compliance Permitting and compliance Shore Protection Act Coastal Marshlands Protection Act Shellfish fishery management

COASTAL RESOURCES DIVISION
SCIENCED-BASED DECISIONS
Fishery management
The Coastal Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources ensures that saltwater fishes, crustaceans, and shellfish popular with anglers and commercial fishermen remain abundant, healthy and accessible for present and future generations. We acheive this through surveys, research projects, monitoring water quality and representing Georgia in federal and interstate fishery management processes.
Data collection and surveys
The Division conducts a variety of surveys to collect data for effective fishery management. Our independent surveys, such as the Ecological Monitoring Trawl Survey conducted aboard the 56-foot research vessel Reid W. Harris, and the Adult Red Drum and Shark Longline Survey are conducted by CRD biologists to learn about the health of fisheries populations. Dependent surveys are similarly important, but rely on the public's participation. Dependent surveys include the Cooperative Angler Tagging Project, and the Recreational Angler Survey. CRD shares the data it collects with federal and interstate fishery management bodies.
Protection of marshlands and shores
The vast coastal marshlands, tidal waterways, and barrier island beaches are irreplaceable treasures delivering ecological and human benefits ranging from seafood to hurricane protection. To protect them, the Division administers the Coastal Marshlands and Shore protection acts, issues revocable licenses for waterbottoms, and coordinates with other state and federal agencies to implement sound regulatory policy. Since 1994, many of these functions have been carried out by the Georgia Coastal Management Program, a partnership with the federal government and a mandate of the state legislature.
January 2021

Public outreach

The Division hosts a variety of public events throughout the year. CoastFest, an annual celebration of Georgia's coastal natural resources, draws more than 12,000 people and features dozens of exhibitors. Our yearly Beach Week events on St. Simons and Tybee islands highlight the ecology of Georgia's barrier islands. The Coastal Advisory Committee and Marine Fisheries Advisory Council also provide the public with opportunities to make their voices heard in regulatory and management processes.

Marine habitat license plate
The Coastal Resources Division launched the Marine Habitat License plate in 2018. This new specialty plate funds essential fish habitat enhancement and restoration. To date, there are more than 8,600 on the road.

Division funding

The Coastal Resources Division's Fiscal Year `21 total budget is $8.86 million, with 32 percent from state revenues. The remaining funds are from federal sources, as indicated in the graph above.
Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration is a unique "user-pay, public-benefit" fund source administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and funded by excise taxes paid by the fishing and boating industry. The State of Georgia earns these funds based on the number of licensed anglers and requires a 25 percent match. Activities supported are aquatic-resource inventory surveys, fishing and boating access improvements, fish habitat enhancement, and conservation education.
Coastal Zone Management funds are appropriated by Congress to the U. S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The State of Georgia qualifies for these funds by having an approved Georgia Coastal Management Program and providing a mandatory 50 percent match of non-federal funds. Activities supported are technical assistance to local governments, environmental regulation, compliance and enforcement, federal project review, and public outreach. For a full list of the Program's activities, see the breakout box on page one.

Ben Galland photo