Beginning January 1, 2013, Georgians with fishing licenses who also want to fish in the Atlantic Ocean will need a Saltwater Information Program (SIP) permit. The permit is free and will need to be renewed annually. It works in much the same way as the Hunter Information Program (HIP) permit for hunting license holders who also hunt migratory birds.

The goal of the new license requirement is to enable the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to maintain accurate information in their resource management. Registrants will also be asked to participate in surveys by the DNR. The SIP also includes volunteer fish tagging and fish carcass donation projects.

If you have a federal permit for fishing beyond 3 miles offshore, then you do not need to also get the Georgia SIP permit.

There are three ways to get a SIP permit:
1.Visit a license vendor in your area.
2.Request one over the phone (call 1-800-366-2661- M - F from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sat - Sun from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
3.Download a license online.

If you’re looking for more information on the new saltwater permit requirement, visit the SIP permit page on the DNR website. There you’ll also find a hotline to call in with any questions that may not be answered online.