CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — Adjustments are on the horizon for the crabbing industry in South Carolina as new regulations with a focus on sustainability are scheduled to be implemented next month.
State lawmakers approved a sweeping set of changes for blue crab fishing in 2024, an industry that had previously been largely unregulated.
The absence of adequate regulations had left the blue crab population susceptible to overfishing. Alongside increasing water temperatures and various environmental factors, findings from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) highlighted that these issues contributed to a decline in the population over several decades.
Many of the changes, effective July 1, affect commercial crabbers, but recreational crabbers will need to abide by a few new ones, too.
Recreational crabbers can only harvest one bushel of crabs per day or two bushels per boat, per a new harvest limit.
Crab pots are now required to have escape rings for undersized crabs and other small marine creatures. Those with a single chamber must be equipped with at least one ring, while those with two chambers need at least two rings.
Recreational crabbers can now purchase an enhanced recreational crab pot endorsement for $5 annually, allowing holders to fish up to five pots if they do not intend to sell them commercially.
State regulations still require that any crabs greater than 5 inches wide from point to point and females with eggs be returned to the water immediately if caught.
Commercial crabbers have been notified of the changes impacting their industry, according to SCDNR.
