CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Recreational shellfish harvesting will remain closed until the fall when cooler water temperatures ensure that shellfish are once again safe for harvesting and consumption.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources announced the closure of the 2023-2024 shellfish harvesting season.
The season for harvesting oysters, mussels, clams and other bivalves ended on Monday half an hour after sunset.
Higher bacterial levels are expected as water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which limits shellfish harvesting during the summer months to certain oyster farms that meet operations requirements.
Recreational shellfish harvesting will remain closed until the fall when cooler water temperatures ensure that shellfish are once again safe for harvesting and consumption.
SCDNR Wildlife Biologist Michael Hodges shares another important reason for the season’s end.
“Oysters are spawning during this time of the year. So, we want to leave those spawning shellfish out in the waterway. So, that they can produce future generations of shellfish,” Hodges says.
While oyster harvesting slows down in the summer, oyster reef construction ramps up.
The South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement program will continue to accept recycled oyster shells year-round.
During the summer, SCDNR biologists use the recycled shell to restore shorelines and provide a base for spawning oysters to attach and grow and replenish harvest beds.
“If we don’t recycle enough shells, we’ll have to buy shells from out of state or buy other approved substrates to plant on and grow new oysters. But there are plenty of oysters consumed within our state to supply us with enough shells to do all the projects and programs we need to do.” Hodges says.
The harvesting season is expected to reopen on Oct. 1.
The public is invited to work with SCDNR staff and other volunteers to create oyster habitats using recycled shells.
These new oyster reefs offer many benefits like water filtration, which provide habitats for marine life.
If you’re interested in volunteering, visit the SCDNR website.
Courtesy : live5news.com
