Local oyster harvesting season starts October 1st

We love our local oysters and clams and there’s only one more week to wait for the 2013-2014 season to start.  The season for harvesting shellfish in South Carolina’s waters opens a half-hour before sunrise on October 1st and closes on May 15th.  Bring on the oyster roasts and the supply of fresh local shellfish to Beaufort’s many local restaurants.

If you’re a do-in-yourselfer, maps of designated harvesting areas can be downloaded from the DNR website, starting October 1st.

Season dates apply to both recreational and commercial shellfish harvesting of oysters, clams and other bivalves.

Recreational harvesters must have a Saltwater Recreational Fishing License, available from DNR, and also at several local fishing supply stores as well as online. To purchase a license online or to find list of license vendors, go to http://dnr.sc.gov/purchase.