Georgia § 27-4-203 - Conditional certifications of shellfish hatcheries and nursery operations; approval of out-of-state hatcheries; authorization for operation; conditions for permitting; revocation.

§ 27-4-203. Conditional certifications of shellfish hatcheries and nursery operations; approval of out-of-state hatcheries; authorization for operation; conditions for permitting; revocation.

In accordance with current, sound principles of wildlife research and management, the department may conditionally certify shellfish hatchery and nursery operations within the state, may approve out-of-state hatcheries for importation of shellfish seed into the state, and may issue authorization to shellfish hatchery and nursery operators to receive shellfish for mariculture activities. The department may grant permits to master harvesters to import hatchery produced shellfish seed under the following conditions: Shellfish seed shall be certified disease-free by an approved shellfish pathologist; and The importation of shellfish seed is confined to seed that originates from department approved hatcheries. Failure to comply with department rules and regulations, in whole or in part, may result in revocation of any applicable shellfish mariculture permits granted pursuant to this part. (Code 1981, § 27-4-203 , enacted by Ga. L. 2019, p. 69, § 1/HB 501.) Effective date. - This Code section became effective May 6, 2019, for purposes of promulgating rules and regulations necessary to administer the provisions of this Act and became effective on March 1, 2020, for all other purposes. Code Commission notes. - Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, in 2019, "originates" was substituted for "originate" in paragraph (b)(2).