Shrimping is a significant fishery along the South Carolina coast, supporting both commercial and recreational harvests. Activity follows seasonal patterns that vary based on species, weather, and environmental conditions.
Commercial Fishery
The commercial shrimp fishery is dominated by trawlers ranging from 17 to 85 feet. Most vessels operate within three to four miles of the beach, with limited trawling permitted in the lower areas of Winyah and North Santee Bays during the fall.
South Carolina’s commercial shrimping has three main seasons:
- Roe Shrimp: Harvest begins in late May or June when state biologists confirm sufficient spawning. Landings vary widely, from 400,000 to 600,000 pounds in mild winters to fewer than 50,000 pounds after severe winters.
- Brown Shrimp: This fishery generally runs from June through August, sometimes into October, with annual yields exceeding 1.5 million pounds in productive years.
- White Shrimp: Offspring of the spring spawn, white shrimp begin moving offshore in August. Landings peak in September and October, with the season continuing into December and occasionally January.
A smaller channel net fishery also operates in Winyah and North Santee Bays from September through mid-December, using anchored nets positioned to capture shrimp on the outgoing tide. To check out the outlines of South Carolina’s General Trawling Zone, click here.
Recreational Fishery
Recreational shrimping takes place in tidal creeks and nearshore waters during summer and fall. Brown shrimp appear in creeks in June, followed by white shrimp in late July. Cast nets and seines are commonly used in shallow waters.
The state also authorizes a 60-day shrimp baiting season, beginning at noon on the last Friday on or before September 15. Recreational shrimpers place baited poles in tidal waters and cast nets over shrimp attracted to the bait. Another method, drop-netting from docks and seawalls, is frequently used in the fall as larger white shrimp migrate seaward.
Management
All shrimp fisheries in South Carolina are managed by the Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) through annual proclamations that establish season dates, area restrictions, and gear requirements. These measures are intended to regulate harvest, protect habitats, and support long-term fishery sustainability.
Seasonal Closures
Shrimp seasons are set annually, often beginning with roe shrimp in late spring, followed by brown shrimp in summer and white shrimp in fall and early winter. The exact dates depend on environmental conditions and are adjusted to balance harvest opportunities with long-term sustainability.
Area Restrictions
Not all waters are open to trawling. Certain zones, such as Crab Spawning Sanctuaries and other sensitive habitats, are closed to protect spawning grounds and marine life. In the fall, limited access may be granted to areas like Winyah and North Santee Bays under specific conditions.
Licensing and Gear
A commercial trawl license is required for all shrimp trawlers. Regulations also mandate the use of bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) to minimize the capture of non-target species, such as juvenile fish and flounder. Net design and trawling practices are also regulated, with some guidelines addressing speed to reduce impacts on the seafloor and to prevent shrimp from being scattered by pressure waves.
Why it Matters
These measures aren’t just red tape. They’re designed to protect fish stocks, safeguard fragile habitats, and support the long-term health of the shrimp fishery. By managing how, when, and where trawling occurs, SCDNR helps ensure that shrimp remain abundant for both commercial harvesters and future generations.
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