Our thanks to AGLCA Director Kimberly Russo for posting this update on AGLCA’s Forum and to Ted Arisaka for his research. See also Update on Anchoring in Georgia.

I’m sharing some information on the Georgia Anchoring issue that was prepared by one of our Coalition members, Ted Arisaka. Ted prepared this information to help show the impacts Coalition’s efforts to preserve our cruisers’ rights in Georgia’s waters over the last few years.

Here we analyzed the 150 unique anchorages as published in Active Captain, Waterway Guide and Cruisers’Net between 2019 Legislation HB201 and 2020 replacement bill HB833, showing the dramatic growth of what Georgia DNR considered approved shellfish harvest areas – impact grew from 19 prohibited anchorages to 50 prohibited anchorages.

SGA Shellfish Harvest Areas 2019 / Early 2020 comparison photo album

After offline dialogue with GA DNR, documenting the impact to 50 anchorages, they greatly reduced these areas to impact “only” 11 anchorages. These maps show the 150 anchorages in Georgia – OK in yellow, Prohibited in red. Bob423 tracks on ICW shown in magenta.

Dec 2020 Maps of Reduced Shellfish Harvest Area Impact to 11 Anchorages

Georgia House Bill 833 Passed Into Law 2020

Here is an interactive map published by DNR showing the various anchoring zones for marine structures setbacks, marina setbacks and approved shellfish harvest area setbacks. (There is a legend for the colors). You can also put Lat / Long in the search field. Georgia DNR Liveaboard Anchoring Illustrative Map

Here is our FB group that has chronicled the evolution of these regs as well as some of our communications and analyses. There are also video recordings of the initial DNR presentation to the public on their stated rationale for the need of the original HB201. Save Georgia’s Anchorages Facebook

GA DNR Page re: Commercial Shellfish Harvest

Cruisers’ Net Update on Steamboat Creek SC including USCG LNM Excerpt

Georgia House Bill 501 (2019) governing Commercial Shellfish

Best Regards,

Ted Arisaka

s/v Little Wing Valiant 42 #186

If you value this kind of work done for the cruising community, please consider contributing to the Boater’s Rights Advocacy Fund. Our coalition is currently fundraising for 2021. We need your help to be able to continue working to keep anchorages open for boaters. Contribute now!

Kim Russo

Director

America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association