New regulations make splashing impact on Georgia’s shellfish industry

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – New regulations are splashing into the shellfish industry in Georgia this summer, allowing commercial farmers to harvest oysters during previously restricted warmer months.

WRDW’s sister station, WTOC, learned how local oyster farmers are feeling about these changes.

In the past, farmers were unable to harvest oysters between the end of May and beginning of October.

With new regulations in place, farmers can continue working through those previously restricted months.

Oyster farmers say this change is great, but there’s still a catch.

An extended season but reduced operating time is part of this new deal for the area’s oyster farmers.

The summer southern heat is a breed ground for potentially harmful Vibrio bacteria which in the past has halted the harvest.

To reduce the risk of contamination and allow for year-round harvesting, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources established strict time and temperature controls.

Tybee Oyster Company owners Laura and Perry Solomon say they want their product to be safe, but one challenge they’ve run into is tight turn around times for harvest-to-refrigeration.

Laura says they have to sprint in order to get everything done in just two hours.

“We’re fortunate that our facility is close to the boat house, but you know, for farms that have to travel a long distance that travel time is built into your harvest-to-refrigeration time,” said Solomon.

Other states, like South Carolina and Florida, have a longer window of time to complete their daily harvests. Which poses the question as to why Georgia can’t follow suit.

Charlie Phillips, president of the Georgia Shellfish Growers Association, says this regulation is too strict.

“I mean if South Carolina can have three-and-a-half hours and Florida can have three-and-a-half or four hours, whatever they’ve got, we need the same thing. It’s hard to compete when you’re not on a level playing field,” said Phillips.

Local oyster farmers say the new regulations are a step in the right direction for the industry, but they’re also hoping more changes are on the horizon.

“We’re very grateful that it’s happening this summer. We’re optimistic that we’re going to be able to implement it with no hitches, and we look forward to future summers maybe having a little bit more time,” said Solomon.

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