BRUNSWICK, Ga. — Move over peaches, Brown Thrashers, and live oak trees -- Georgia has gotten a new state symbol to add to the list.
While Gov. Brian Kemp was on the coast in Brunswick Thursday, he signed House Bill 1341 into law, designating the white shrimp as the state's official crustacean.
Kemp signed the bill, along with others relating to coastal issues, with several Georgia lawmakers, including Speaker of the House Jon Burns and State Rep. Steven Sainz, who represents Camden county and portions of Charlton and Ware counties along the Georgia coast.
“White shrimp play a pivotal role in our state’s economy, culture and environment, comprising a significant portion of our seafood industry," Speaker Burns said. "This designation not only recognizes the importance of white shrimp to Georgia but also highlights their unique position as a symbol of our coastal heritage."
White shrimp account for more than two-thirds of Georgia's harvest and spawn in the Atlantic Ocean from late March until September.
“By designating white shrimp as Georgia’s official state crustacean through House Bill 1341, we celebrate an essential component of Georgia’s coastal ecosystem,” explained Rep. Sainz. “From their economic impact to their ecological role, white shrimp embody the richness and diversity of Georgia’s natural resources. I was proud to sponsor this legislation and am grateful to Governor Kemp for enacting this measure into law.”
