SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Shrimpers rejoice! The Georgia Natural Resources Department (DNR) has extended commercial and recreational food shrimp season.
Georgia’s commercial and recreational food shrimp season has been extended to Jan. 17, 2025. This means that fishers can continue to harvest food shrimp within Georgia's territorial waters, which extend three miles out to sea.
Shrimp season will officially close on Jan 17 at 6:20 p.m.
DNR said that this decision by Commissioner of Natural Resources Walter Rabon was based on scientific data and favorable environmental conditions.
“This extension supports our fishing communities and ensures everyone can enjoy the benefits of a productive shrimp season,” said Eddie Leonard, a marine biologist with the Coastal Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. “Our priority remains balancing economic opportunity with the protection of this vital resource.”
The earliest that shrimp season can be re-opened under state law is May 15, but it's more likely for the fishery to re-open around mid-June based on environmental factors and shrimp population data, DNR officials said.
For more information, visit CoastalGaDNR.org or call 912-264-7218.