By HEATHER RUPPE
Local shellfish lovers, be alert that the current shellfish harvest season in the Lowcountry will be closing to the public in about month.
The 2021-2022 recreational molluscan shellfish harvest season opened on Oct. 1 of 2021 and closes on May 15th. According to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR), all South Carolina residents are required to have a recreational shellfish license in order to pull oysters and shellfish from public shellfish beds. Please see the rules below, which are from S.C. DNR.
Recreational Harvest Guidelines
License Requirements
Recreational harvest of shellfish (clams, oysters and other molluscan bivalves) requires a South Carolina Saltwater Fishing License ($10 resident/$35 nonresident). This license is not required for individuals less than 16 years of age or residents holding a valid Gratis Over 65 or Gratis Disability License. Users also have the option of purchasing a 3-year license for three times the one-year cost.
Harvesting Areas
Shellfish may be harvested recreationally from State Shellfish grounds (labeled with an S) and Public Shellfish grounds (labeled with an R) with a Saltwater Recreational Fishing License.
License must be in possession while harvesting.
Most Public (recreational-only) and State shellfish grounds are marked with signs. Recreational harvesting is allowed on Culture Permit grounds only when the harvester has in possession written permission from the Culture Permit holder.
Maps of recreational grounds are available online at www.dnr.sc.gov or by calling 843-953-9854.
Season
October 1 through May 15, unless conditions warrant shortening or extending the season.
It is illegal to harvest shellfish between 1/2 hour after official sunset and 1/2 hour before official sunrise.
Catch Limits
Two U.S. Bushels of oysters and/or one-half U.S. Bushel of clams may be harvested per person, per day. Clams must be at least one inch thick.
No person may gather more than one personal limit of shellfish on more than two calendar days per any seven-day period.
There is a maximum possession limit of three personal limits per boat or vehicle or boat and vehicle combination.
Gear Restrictions
It is unlawful to use scoops, scrapes tongs, or dredges to take shellfish without a permit.
