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Committee approves reef-fish endorsement to fund state surveys of offshore recreational fisheries
Summary
The committee advanced House Bill 443 to create resident and nonresident reef-fish endorsements (proposed $10 resident, $20 nonresident) to bankroll Georgia-specific surveys of recreational catch and effort in federal waters, a measure supporters said would reduce reliance on federal survey estimates.
The Game, Fish & Parks committee on Wednesday approved House Bill 443, which would create an annual reef-fish endorsement for recreational anglers to fund Georgia-specific surveys of offshore recreational fisheries.
Sponsor testimony described the endorsements as an ancillary permit: $10 annually for residents and $20 for nonresidents were discussed as target prices. Supporters told the committee the endorsement would generate revenue for the Coastal Resources Division of the Department of Natural Resources to conduct state-run surveys that produce local catch and discard estimates for species such as king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, red snapper and grouper.
A departmental expert told the committee the federal Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) that provides coastwide estimates includes statistical variability measures (percent standard error) and that many Georgia estimates exceed MRIP's own guidance for reliable use. "If that percent standard error...is above 50%, you shouldn't even use it at all for management purposes," the witness said, arguing Georgia decisions are being driven by data that often exceed those thresholds.
Sponsor testimony said endorsements would be self-sustaining and that the Board of Natural Resources would have authority to define reef and migratory fish species lists as needed. The bill focuses on recreational fishermen and explicitly does not affect commercial fishing, supporters said.
Committee members asked about jurisdictional limits; witnesses noted federal law (Magnuson-Stevens Act) defines the Exclusive Economic Zone from 3 to 200 miles offshore. After discussion and Q&A, the committee adopted the measure by voice vote.
