Georgia’s Marine Habitat License Plate
During the 2016 session of the Georgia General Assembly, members of the Coastal Conservation Association spearheaded an effort to get coastal legislators to amend Georgia law to authorize a new specialty motor vehicle license plate. Representative Alex Atwood of St. Simons Island and Senator Ben Watson of Savannah shepherded House Bill 736 through the legislative process, and Governor Deal signed it into law during May. A portion of the proceeds from sale of this plate will fund marine habitat enhancement along the Georgia coast.
How much will it cost?
The license plate will cost $25 in addition to the regular tag fees.
Where does the money go?
The first year $19 will go into the marine habitat enhancement fund, $1 will go to the issuing tag office and $5 to the state treasury.
The second year and every year after $20 will go into the marine habitat enhancement fund and $5 to the state treasury.
What will the money be used for?
Funds from sales of this license plate will be used in combination with Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration and donations from businesses, private individuals, and conservation groups such as the Coastal Conservation Association to enhance habitats used by a variety of marine species.
Potential projects include:
Oyster reef creation
Construction of man-made fishing reefs along the shorelines of Georgia’s tidal rivers and creeks
Construction of man-made reefs in the Atlantic Ocean
