The Georgia Department of Natural Resources awarded Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant a Coastal Incentive Grant to study recreational crabbing in Georgia.
As part of the project, Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant will partner with UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government to develop an online survey tool and conduct in-person interviews at popular recreational fishing areas to assess the extent of Georgia’s recreational blue crab fishery.
“Catching blue crab is a favorite activity for many coastal residents and visitors, but despite its popularity, little is known about the impacts of recreational crabbing,” says Bryan Fluech, associate marine extension director and project lead.
The surveys and interviews will evaluate landings by recreational crabbers, direct and indirect economic impacts from trip expenditures and awareness among anglers of the state’s blue crab regulations.
The data generated from this project will not only address an identified coastal management research need, but will also help coastal resource managers make more informed decisions about the management of an economically and culturally important species. This information will be used to develop outreach resources that support sustainable recreational crabbing practices and the conservation of this valuable coastal resource.