The 2022-2023 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 Saturday, Oct 1, 2022. The recreational shellfish season will remain open through May 15, 2023, unless conditions warrant extending or shortening the season, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources 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). That information is available at 1-800-285-1618 and can be viewed on an interactive map at the DHEC website. 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. Officials say 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 also can be obtained by calling (843) 953-9854 or writing the Shellfish Management Section, Attn: Ben Dyar, SCDNR, PO Box 12559, Charleston, SC 29422-2559. When requesting maps, specify the general area you wish to harvest. Maps for the 2022-23 season will be available prior to season opening on Oct. 1, 2022. 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 eight 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.
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