Operation Coast Watch

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Coast Watch is a program under Operation Game Thief designed to focus attention on coastal fisheries and resource violations.

The coastal resources of South Carolina are an important part of our natural heritage. Our coastal resource laws are designed to protect our fish and shellfish. We must preserve a healthy population that is large enough to ensure sustainable harvests in the future.

You can help protect our coastal resources by watching for and reporting violations to the Coast Watch Program. You may earn a reward up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest of coastal law violators. In addition, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are doing your part to defend our natural resources.

Report illegal recreational saltwater fishing, commercial saltwater fishing and boating violations through our anonymous tip program either online or by calling 1-800-922-5431

SCDNR Coast Watch employees on a boat in the water