Whelk season open in Ga.
BRUNSWICK — Georgia Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Mark Williams announced that Georgia’s whelk trawl harvest season opened New Year’s Day and will close at 7 p.m. March 31.

The DNR will continue to require those who possess or fish for whelks with trawl gear in Georgia waters to have a no-charge letter of authorization, the original of which must remain on board the vessel during fishing activities.

Whelk fishermen are reminded that a limit of no more than two bushels of blue crabs may be retained at any time on their vessel, regardless of the number of crew on board. All retained blue crabs must be of legal size and sponge crabs may not be kept.

Operators of whelk trawling vessels must also maintain and report records of harvested crabs.
Individuals interested in whelk trawling must contact Julie Califf with the Coastal Resources Division at 912-264-7218 for a letter of authorization.

For more information, call the Coastal Resources Division at (912) 264-7218.