Marine - Shellfish
Mariculture
SCDNR may grant permits, in accordance with state law (Section 50-5-900), to any state resident for the exclusive use of state bottoms or waters for commercial shellfish mariculture. Mariculture is defined as the controlled cultivation of shellfish in confinement from seed size (<=1 inch) until harvest (Section 50-5-15).
South Carolina Code of Laws – Title 50, Chapter 5, Article 9– Marine Resources Act- Shellfish
SC DES Mariculture Public Notices
Any comments to SCDES mariculture public notices in the above link must be sent directly to SCDES. If comments to SCDES public notices are sent to SCDNR they will not be forwarded and will not count.
*Please note SCDES and SCDNR mariculture public notice periods may not occur simultaneously.
Mariculture Applications
| Acres (approx.) |
Map (Link) | Gear – Type and amount | County | Water Body -bottoms and/or water (floating) | Application Status | SCDNR Public Notice Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sign up for notifications on new mariculture permit applications and public comment periods
Questions:
If you have questions about any of these applications, please email:
shellfishmanage@dnr.sc.gov
If you with to make a public comment about an application during the public notice period you may write or email:
Attn: Office of Fisheries Management
Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 12559
Charleston, SC 29422
Mariculture Permit Terms and Conditions
Mariculture permits from SCDNR are valid for a 5-year term and may be renewed for additional terms. Annual rent and other conditions apply, such as but not limited to, commercial use as well as adherence to permit conditions and natural resource laws.
Mariculture Best Management Practices
Compliance monitoring is conducted by SCDNR to ensure adherence to permit conditions and natural resource laws on a regular basis for all permits.
Existing Mariculture Permits
| Species | Type | Number |
Acreage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clam (only) | Bottom | 15 |
311.3 |
| Oyster (only) | Bottom | 7 |
67.7 |
| Both (clam/oyster) | Bottom | 4 |
510.9 |
| Oyster | Water Column | 11 |
88.9 |
*2 water column permits listed above are impoundments |
|||
| Total | 37 |
978.8 |
Siting Guidance for Applicants
- Site Selection Guidance
- SC Mariculture Application Flow Chart
* The flow chart is a general overview and for informational purposes only.
Select the image to open an interactive mariculture siting tool.
The Shellfish Mariculture Interactive Map Application was created to give potential mariculture applicants an understanding of potential locations where applications for sites might be accepted. Location, purpose, and size will determine level of scrutiny by permitting agencies. Existing permitted mariculture areas are located on the map along with other areas of exemption or concern regarding siting. Select a shaded area on map to see details.
The South Carolina Seagrant Consortium offers an aquaculture toolkit which includes an aquaculture permitting guide, financial, budgeting and planning resources and also a mariculture siting tool available here: https://www.scseagrant.org/aquaculture-toolkit/
Mariculture Permit Application
Mariculture permitting is complex and requires coordination of three permitting agencies, two state and one federal. The SCDNR Shellfish Management office will assist applicants with initiating this permitting process.
Prior to completing the mariculture permit application please contact the Shellfish Management Mariculture Coordinator to ensure you are eligible and what permits/fees are involved - 843-953-0126 davegaw@dnr.sc.gov.