Monday marked the start of the season for harvesting clams and oysters in the coastal waters of South Carolina.
The seasons will remain open through May 15, 2013, unless conditions lead state wildlife officials to extend or shorten them.
Season dates apply to both recreational and commercial shellfish harvesting.
Sometimes, due to heavy rains, the state department of health closes the shellfish beds.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources maintains 20 public shellfish grounds.
Recreational harvesters should obtain updated shellfish ground maps at the beginning of each season, as areas open to harvest change from year to year. You can click here http://www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/shellfish/shellfishmaps to see the updated maps.
Recreational harvesters must have a Saltwater Recreational Fishing License from the state.
The recreational limit is two U.S. bushels of oysters and one-half bushel of clams in any one day, limited to two calendar days per seven-day period.
There is a maximum possession of three personal limits per boat or vehicle.
Clams must be at least 1 inch in thickness. Here are the additional rules and regulations: http://www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/shellfish/
South Carolina residents commercially harvesting on state shellfish grounds require a commercial saltwater license, a commercial shellfish harvester license, and a permit for the specific State Shellfish Ground. Call (843) 953-9301 or 953-9311 for additional information on commercial harvesting requirements.
DNR uses Saltwater Recreational Fishing License revenues to construct and enhance renewable oyster resources in the coastal counties. The public can help this effort by recycling oyster shells.
Call (843) 953-9397 to find locations near you where shell can be dropped-off for recycling. All shells collected by the DNR are used to restore shellfish grounds in coastal South Carolina.
