Kaitlyn Hackathorn/SCDNR
Help keep South Carolina's oyster reefs healthy by recycling the shell from our backyard oyster roast at a drop-off site near you.
The 2023-2024 season for recreational harvest of shellfish (clams and oysters) in coastal waters of South Carolina is set to open one-half hour before official sunrise on Sunday, October 1, 2023. The recreational shellfish season will remain open through May 15, 2024, unless conditions warrant extending or shortening the season.
In the event of another hurricane, major rain event, or pollution spill, shellfish beds may be temporarily closed by the South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control (DHEC). It is important for harvesters to check with DHEC to verify whether any closures are in effect. This information is available at 1-800-285-1618 and can be viewed on an interactive map at the DHEC website. DHEC will use these resources and your local newspaper throughout the year to announce temporary closures due to unusual rain events or spills.
Recreational harvesting is permitted on all Public Shellfish Grounds and State Shellfish Grounds within areas of open/approved water quality as noted on shellfish maps. Twenty Public and seven State Shellfish Grounds are managed exclusively for recreational gathering. An additional 58 State Shellfish Grounds are managed for both recreational and commercial harvest.
Recreational harvesters should obtain updated Public or State Shellfish Ground maps at the beginning of each season, as areas open to harvest change from year to year. Maps of designated harvest areas may be downloaded from the SCDNR website or accessed online through the Recreational Map Web Application. Printed maps may also be obtained by calling (843) 953-9854 or writing the Shellfish Management Section, Attn: Andy Hollis, SCDNR, PO Box 12559, Charleston, SC 29422-2559. When requesting maps, please specify the general area where you wish to harvest. Maps for the 2023-24 season will be available prior to season opening on October 1, 2023.
Oyster shell recycling locations include trailers (above) and permanent bins and are located statewide. Click the images above to find a drop-off location near you.
Recreational harvesters must have a Saltwater Recreational Fishing License, available from SCDNR, at many fishing supply stores, and online. The recreational limit is two U.S. bushels of oysters and one-half bushel of clams in any one day, limited to two calendar days per seven-day period. One U.S. bushel is equal to 8 gallons. There is a maximum possession of three personal limits per boat or vehicle. Clams must be at least 1 inch thick.
Additional rules and restrictions may be found in the SCDNR Rules and Regulations, available where licenses are purchased or online.
Commercial harvest of shellfish requires a commercial saltwater license, mandatory harvester training, and other licenses and permits depending on where the harvest will occur. Call the Marine Permitting Office at (843) 953-0453 for additional information on commercial harvesting requirements.
All harvesters are encouraged to "cull in place," breaking off and leaving dead shell and smaller oysters on the shoreline -- and only taking clusters or singles of larger oysters -- where they will continue to grow and provide habitat for future generations of oysters.
If you enjoy eating oysters, remember to recycle your shells! Check online or call (843) 953-9397 to find locations near you where shell can be dropped off for recycling. SCDNR uses saltwater recreational fishing license revenues to construct and enhance renewable oyster resources in the coastal counties by replanting recycled shell. All shell collected by the SCDNR is used to restore shellfish grounds in coastal South Carolina.
Oyster shell recycling locations include trailers and permanent bins and are located statewide.