GEORGIA UPDATE
coastal waters while either transiting the state or even spending a single night at anchor. Cruisers and business owners were incensed and did not sail away quietly.
A coalition of boating-industry leaders and organizations zeroed in on the issue and kept up the pressure to find answers and offer solutions. Thousands of emails, man-hours and the voices of boat owners turned the tide. As a result, the state legislature revised and rescinded most of the awkwardly written law in the 2020 session. The new rules contained in House Bill 833 include guidelines for vessels to anchor at least 500 feet from shellfish beds, 300 feet from marinas, and 150 feet from other marine structures. Vessels also may anchor for 14 cumulative days in the same location before applying for a long-term anchoring permit.
Mark Williams, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, worked with boaters on the new regulations and says: “Georgia is undoubtedly a coastal paradise. HB 833 is now an important part of Georgia’s legacy of coastal conservation and recreation.”
A lesson learned for Georgia was that marine interests are important to the health of communities. Industry leaders and boating interest groups were reminded that they can be surprised by backdoor and backroom decisions. Other states, it is hoped, will use the outcome in Georgia to acknowledge and involve the boating community when looking for remedies in managing America’s waterways and natural resources.