CCA Georgia is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Georgia’s marine resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

The 1980s

In 1988, the Coastal Conservation Association Georgia (CCAGA) was formed. The organization supported passage of HG 1460, establishing a minimum size limit of 12 inches for seatrout and 14 inches for red drum, and set a creel limit of two red drum over 32 inches. CCAGA also supported an angler tagging program to assist with sport fish migration studies. By 1990, the association began efforts to obtain the U.S. 17 Talmadge Bridge rubble for reef construction and conducted a seatrout and red drum tournament to emphasize conservation awareness.

The 1990s

In 1991, CCAGA obtained a permit for a new artificial reef 17 miles off Savannah, designated the “CCA Reef,” with its first structure being the 120-foot tugboat Detroit. That same year, the center span of the Talmadge Bridge was acquired for the reef. In 1992, $3,800 was spent towing bridge debris to the site, which was sunk in April. In 1994, CCAGA organized resistance to a proposed rule allowing shrimp trawling within Georgia’s sounds—an effort that succeeded—and presented the first Law Enforcement Award to Sgt. Tim Vincent. A five-year habitat assessment was negotiated with DNR, halting regulation changes until its completion.
In 1995, the second Law Enforcement Award was given to Steve Kyles, and CCAGA helped deploy 15 Army tanks to enhance L Reef. By 1997, the group supported legislation to raise the seatrout size limit to 13 inches, required By-Catch Reduction Devices on shrimp trawls, and opposed water diversion from major rivers to underground aquifers. CCAGA was recognized by Governor Zell Miller with “CCA Georgia Day” and began its Lending Library program to loan fishing equipment. In 1998, 500 new rods, reels, and tackle boxes were placed statewide, youth conservation seminars were held, and legislation was passed requiring a universal fishing license for all anglers. The decade closed in 1999 with Corporal Stacy Campbell receiving the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award, and CCAGA joining other chapters to fund a fisheries representative to the ASMFC and SAFMC.

The 2000s

In 2000, CCAGA secured $200,000 from the Georgia General Assembly for offshore reef construction, resulting in tugboat deployments to several reefs. The association also supported HG1124 banning the sale of gillnet-caught fish and contributed to Gray’s Reef policy discussions on Marine Protected Areas. In 2001, reefs BH, BL, and TC were placed off the coast. By 2002, CCAGA and GADNR launched a redfish stock enhancement study, secured $150,000 for Marine Sportfish Population Health Assessment, and helped obtain 20 New York subway cars for the CCA Reef. In 2004, CCAGA opposed regulation restricting law enforcement vessel inspections and supported blue crab management authority staying with DNR.
In 2005, the Peachstate Reds Initiative was announced, a $500,000 joint project to stock hatchery-reared redfish, with CCAGA committing $75,000. In 2006, the association held the Peach State Reds fishing tournament to support the program and backed legislation to reduce tripletail creel limits. In 2007, CCAGA donated the 27-foot pontoon boat RV Spat to CRD for oyster bed restoration.

The 2010s

In 2010, CCAGA obtained grants and provided volunteers for habitat restoration in Jekyll Island, McIntosh, and Chatham Counties, including oyster bed projects and the Sky Rixen pond aeration system. In 2012, the group supported reforms to Title 27 of Georgia law, giving DNR authority to set marine fishery rules, and created oyster shell recycling sites. In 2013, CCAGA succeeded in making redfish Georgia’s first and only saltwater gamefish, preventing commercial exploitation, and restored oyster beds at multiple locations. Oyster bed restoration continued in 2014 at Richardson Creek near Oatland Island.
In 2015, $50,000 in combined funding completed four habitat projects, including offshore reef enhancements and oyster bed restoration. In 2016, CCAGA supported increasing the seatrout size limit to 14 inches and budgeted $4,000 for Joe’s Cut. A major milestone came in 2017 with the creation of the Marine Habitat specialty license plate, raising over $150,000 in its first 18 months. That year also saw $20,000 budgeted for the High Point oyster bed restoration. In 2018, CCAGA released position statements on offshore oil exploration and the Camden Spaceport. In 2019, funding was budgeted for deployment of the Savannah Pilot boat and the Tug Bill Brown.

2020s – Present Day

In 2020, CCAGA assisted with the Oatland Island Oyster Restoration Project by providing 200 bags of oyster shells. In 2021, the group budgeted $9,000 for offshore reef enhancements including the 80-foot drydock DUA, 53-foot tugboat KC, and 110-foot steel barge CAT, and allocated $6,000 for oyster ball deployment in partnership with other conservation groups. In 2024, $9,000 was budgeted for three tug deployments—the Sarah Katlin, G.A. Franklin, and Miss Lacy. In 2025, CCAGA supports HB443, the Reef Fish Bill, continuing its decades-long advocacy for marine conservation in Georgia.