This year's shellfish harvesting season will come to a close at the end of the month. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) announced Thursday that the last day to harvest mollusks such as oysters, mussels and clams is Wednesday, May 27 after sunset.
Shellfish harvesting is limited during the summer months because of high bacteria levels when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees. The season is expected to reopen in the fall on Oct.1 when water temperatures are cooler and shellfish are safe for eating and harvesting.
Even though shellfish harvesting is closed to the public during the summer, the South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement (SCORE) program accepts recycled oyster shells year-round. SCDNR biologists use the recycled shells to rebuild oyster beds by creating surfaces for juvenile oysters to attach and grow. Recycling shells helps reduce restoration costs and supports sustainable shellfish management.
Shell recycling drop-off locations are located throughout coastal counties and at a few inland locations. Collection sites can be found online or by calling SCDNR at 843-953-9397. Other types of shell, like clams and whelks, are also accepted.