The state's oyster and clam season begins 30 minutes before sunrise and is scheduled to run through May 15 according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Under state regulations, coastal weather conditions or sudden pollution events can cause temporary closures.
Recreational harvesting is allowed on all public and state shellfish grounds located in areas with approved water quality. The state currently manages 20 public grounds and seven state grounds exclusively for recreational use, with an additional 58 state grounds open to both recreational and commercial harvesters.
The state imposes harvesting limits and requirements to prevent overfishing:
- Licensing: Harvesters must have a valid South Carolina saltwater recreational fishing license.
- Catch Limits: The daily limit is two U.S. bushels of oysters and one-half bushel of clams per person.
- Time Limits: Recreational harvesting is limited to two calendar days per seven-day period.
- Size Limits: Harvested clams must be at least one inch thick.
- Possession Limits: The maximum possession limit is capped at three personal limits per boat or vehicle
Harvesters can check water safety status by calling the state shellfish hotline at 1-800-285-1618.
