Saltwater Permit Made Easier For Georgia Anglers

Effective in 2020, saltwater anglers will see a simple change in the Saltwater Information Program (SIP) permit. The free permit will now expire one year from date of issuance, rather than the last day of February. Permit holders may also renew up to 60 days prior to the expiration of their current SIP permit.

“Based on feedback from constituents, we are excited to announce these changes that will better meet the needs of Georgia saltwater anglers,” said Kathy Knowlton of the Coastal Resources Division (CRD), Georgia DNR. “We have consistently heard from anglers that the February expiration was inconvenient and confusing.”

Licensed anglers, including lifetime and senior license holders, who want to fish in Georgia’s saltwater need the free, annual SIP permit. Since Georgia’s fishing license covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing, the permit helps identify who saltwater fishes so they can be included in effort surveys. The permit reduces the cost of the survey by providing a list of potential anglers while improving the accuracy and trustworthiness of the results, both important to the management process.

The permit is part of a comprehensive effort by CRD to collect timely and accurate data from saltwater anglers for use in fisheries management. Other SIP activities include volunteer fish tagging, fish carcass donation opportunities and surveys of for-hire fishing guides.

For more information about SIP permits, visit www.CoastalGaDNR.org/SIPpermit.