Georgia oyster bill headed to senate vote over industry objections

Charlie Phillips, whose well-tended clam beds account for what he estimates is about 90 percent of the aquaculture in Georgia, would love to see the state allow oyster farming, too. But he’s adamant the current legislation making its way through the General Assembly will do more harm than good. “It’s just overly restrictive and there’s no guarantee they’re going to do any of it,” Phillips said. “Were afraid it’s going to be so restrictive it is going to be a token oyster industry and not nearly as vibrant as what it could be.”Despite objections from Phillips and other oystermen, some of whom testified against the bill, H.B. 501 sped through the state senate Natural Resources and Rules committees last week and is expected to be voted on by the full senate as early as today.