Evaluating the ecological impact of fisheries management strategies in Georgia, USA: A review on current practices and future directions

Effective fisheries management is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance and sustainability of marine ecosystems. This review paper examines the current fisheries management strategies employed in the state of Georgia, USA, and evaluates their ecological impact. The review synthesizes existing research on the implementation and outcomes of various management approaches, including gear restrictions, catch limits, seasonal closures, and marine protected areas. It analyzes the efficacy of these strategies in conserving target species, mitigating bycatch, and preserving the overall health of coastal and estuarine environments. Furthermore, the paper identifies emerging challenges, such as the impacts of climate change and shifting species distributions, and explores potential future directions for fisheries management in Georgia. The findings of this review aim to inform policymakers, resource managers, and stakeholders about the strengths and limitations of current practices, and provide recommendations for developing more comprehensive and adaptive management frameworks to ensure the long-term ecological resilience of Georgia's marine ecosystems.