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Shellfish season kicked off at the beginning of October, but it was two weeks later than usual due to concerns about oyster-based bacteria in the state’s waters.
Last spring, the state environmental officials and the Food and Drug Administration found two cases of Vibrio parahaemoliticus in South Carolina related to oyster consumption. Vibrio parahaemoliticus is a bacterium that can cause gastrointestinal sickness, but is not life threatening.
Waters above 81 degrees created higher concentrations of bacteria, so delaying the start of the season gave the waters more time to cool down this year, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
The season will remain open until May 15, 2010, for both commercial and recreational shellfish harvesting, unless conditions warrant shortening or extending the season. Harvesting is allowed in designated areas one half hour before official sunrise until one half hour after official sundown. State environmental officials may close shellfish beds by specific coastal county if national weather officials place an area under a hurricane warning.
Saltwater fishing licenses are required for both commercial and recreational harvesting. The state says commercial harvesters brought in 95,100 bushels last year, the highest harvest total in 14 years. Recreational harvesters brought in about 20,000 bushels.
Recreational harvesters are limited to two bushels of oysters and one half bushel of clams per day. Clams must be at least 1 inch in thickness.
