Wikipedia
In 2021, following years of dwindling survey numbers and crabber concerns, agency biologists and staff began compiling a report outlining the state’s blue crab population status, its commercial and recreational fisheries and the results of recent public surveys on management options.
That report was published in early 2023 at the request of the General Assembly and concluded that, beginning with a severe drought in 2000, blue crabs have experienced two decades of decline in South Carolina.
Some numbers have begun to increase again, but concerning signals in the data remain, including continued declines in crab abundance during the fall, the season when most crabs are harvested commercially.
The report also highlighted the history of blue crab protections in South Carolina and found that the fishery is under regulated and likely overcapitalized compared with neighboring states. Public survey data suggested that the majority of both recreational and commercial crabbers perceive that blue crabs are less numerous than they used to be.
Lastly, the report provided a suite of recommendations intended to prevent the potential for overharvesting and to gradually reduce fishing pressure in South Carolina.
Staff will discuss these recommendations and other report findings at public meetings.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) staff is in the process of hosting these public meetings across the coast to invite both recreational and commercial crabbers to learn more about the blue crab decline and discuss potential options for future management.
For those unable to attend one of the in-person meetings, a recording of the presentation will be made available after the meetings have concluded.
The first two public meetings took place at SCDNR's Marine Resources Center in Charleston on Wednesday, September 27 and at Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center in Okatie on October 4. An additional meeting is planned but not yet scheduled for Murrells Inlet.
Please monitor the SCDNR website and social media platforms for more information and updates on scheduling this third meeting. Visit dnr.sc.gov.