Shellfish & Clamming
Georgia Shellfish License 2026
Requirements, fees, and regulations for harvesting clams, oysters, and mussels in Georgia. Georgia manages oyster and clam harvesting along its 100-mile coast. Recreational harvesting requires a saltwater fishing license and is restricted to open-classified shellfish beds.
Clam Season Open
Oyster Available
2026 License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Recreational Fee
$15.00
Saltwater fishing license covers recreational shellfish; commercial requires separate license.
Commercial Fee
$250.00
Commercial license
Daily Limit
½ bushel oysters; ½ bushel clams per person per day
Per harvester
Clam Season
Open
Check current closures
Shellfish Species
Shellfish Available in Georgia
Species availability depends on coastal habitat, water quality, and active management programs.
Clams ✓
Oysters ✓
Mussels
Step-by-Step
How to Get a Shellfish License in Georgia
1
Verify Open Areas
Before purchasing a license, check that shellfish beds in your target area are currently open. Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources maintains an up-to-date list of approved harvesting areas. Water quality closures can occur quickly after rain events.
2
Purchase Your License
Purchase online at Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources, or in person at authorized license agents throughout Georgia.
Recreational fee: $15.00.
3
Know Your Limits
Daily limit in Georgia: ½ bushel oysters; ½ bushel clams per person per day.
Size minimums also apply — undersized shellfish must be returned to the water. Keep your license on your person while harvesting.
4
Harvest Responsibly
Use appropriate gear (clam rakes, oyster tongs) and handle shellfish carefully to minimize disturbance to the surrounding habitat. Replace any rocks or substrate you disturb and never harvest from closed or unclassified waters.
Requirements
Georgia Shellfish License Requirements
Georgia saltwater fishing license required. Harvest only in GADNR-approved open beds.
Important Notes
Georgia-Specific Information
Georgia's recreational shellfish harvesting is managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Coastal Resources Division, which classifies and monitors shellfish waters along the coast from Savannah to the St. Marys River. Oyster harvest is permitted only in state-designated approved areas during the season (generally October through May to avoid warm-weather Vibrio contamination); a valid Georgia Saltwater Fishing License is required. Commercial oyster and clam harvesting in Georgia requires a separate DNR Commercial Shellfish License, and all harvested product must be tagged and reported to comply with the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) standards.
Source: Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources (georgiawildlife.com).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current water quality closures and regulations directly with Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources before harvesting.