Coastal Resources Division
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
The Ecological Services Section administers Georgia’s Coastal Management Program and consists of two different sections. These sections are the Habitat Management and Operations Programs. With the Georgia Coastal Management Program the State General Assembly provided for wiser use of the state's beaches, dunes and marshes by establishing two laws which conserve coastal environments; the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act and the Shore Protection Act require permits for any activity which would alter Georgia's marshes or sand-sharing system. The Habitat Management Program conducts inspections to determine jurisdiction lines, collect information, advise applicants and investigate violations. The Operations Program includes integral functions such as ecosystem monitoring, monitoring of beaches for swimmer safety, public outreach including operation of Georgia's one-of-a-kind CoastalArk, administration of Coastal Incentive Grants (nearly $1million annually) to address local government concerns, and technical assistance and training to meet local needs.

The Commercial Fisheries Program is primarily responsible for managing Georgia’s shrimp, blue crab and finfish industries through regulation of fishing gear and licensing, and setting fishing seasons and fishing areas. The Recreational Fisheries Program is responsible for managing finfish sought by coastal anglers and enhancing saltwater sportfishing opportunities. OCS is responsible for Georgia’s offshore and nearshore artificial reef construction and improvements, buoy maintenance, and offshore finfish research and bottom surveys. The Commercial Fisheries Program is primarily responsible for managing Georgia’s shrimp, blue crab and finfish industries through regulation of fishing gear and licensing, and setting fishing seasons and fishing areas.

Coastal Resources Division organizes and hosts Georgia’s largest outdoor celebration of the state’s coastal natural resources – CoastFest. Held annually on the first Saturday of each October, this free family-oriented event draws between 6,000 – 7,000 visitors annually and offers over 85 interactive environmental exhibitors and activity areas.

Coastal Resources Division has launched a new educational outreach campaign, “KNOW the CONNECTION” that focuses on the public’s “connection” to the environment and the “connection” of the many coastal natural resources components to each other.

Georgia DNR Coastal Resources Division and Georgia Coastal Management Program
One Conservation Way
Brunswick, GA 31520
912-264-7218
http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us
www.knowtheconnection.com