Provided by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Office of Fisheries Management, Shellfish Management Program.
License Requirements:
A South Carolina Resident Saltwater Fishing License is required for individuals catching, attempting to catch, or landing shellfish (oysters or clams). 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. Annual license cost $10.00 or residents and $35.00 for nonresidents. South Carolina residents commercially harvesting on State Shellfish Grounds require a commercial saltwater license ($25.00), a commercial shellfish harvester license ($75.00) and a permit for the specific State Shellfish Ground obtained from the Marine Resources Division's permit coordinator.
Season:
September 16 through May 15, unless conditions warrant shortening or extending the season. Check your local newspaper or call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at (843) 953-9300.
It is illegal to harvest shellfish between 1/2 hour after official sunset and 1/2 hour before official sunrise.
Limit on Catch:
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.
Closed - SCDHEC:
Some State Shellfish Grounds and Public Shellfish Grounds have been closed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control because of elevated fecal coliforms bacteria. These areas should be posted with yellow warning signs.
Conditional - SCDHEC:
Some State Shellfish Grounds may be closed temporarily by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control because of elevated coliform bacteria caused by heavy rainfall. Conditional areas are not always posted with white warning signs. Check with SCDHEC at (843)953-0150 before harvesting.
Laws on Harvesting:
Shellfish (oysters and clams) may be harvested recreationally from State shellfish grounds and Public shellfish grounds with a Saltwater Recreational Fishing License. Most Public and State shellfish grounds are marked with signs. Recreational harvesting is allowed on Culture permit grounds (formerly leases), but only when the harvester has in possession, written permission from the Culture permit holder. License must be in possession while harvesting.
Oyster shells are collected throughout the coastal area and reused for shellfish culture. For further information about oyster shell recycling, please call Andy Jennings, Oyster Shell Recycling Program Coordinator; (843) 953-9396 or you may contact the Program by e-mail at jenningsa@dnr.sc.gov.