Coastal Communities and Marine Resources David Whitaker Department of Natural Resources

DNR Divisions Outreach and Support Services Law Enforcement Land,Water, and Conservation Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Marine Resources

Marine Division Activities Management of Marine Resources Monitoring of Resources Research Habitat Restoration/Enhancement Island Management Commenting on Coastal Permit Applications

Marine Division Regulatory Authorities Open/close shrimp trawl and Shellfish Harvesting Seasons Designate Oyster/Clam Harvesting Areas Open and Close Minor Fisheries (Crab trawling, Whelk trawling) May issue permits for Certain Activities (Horseshoe Crabs, Experimental Fishing)

Marine Division Regulatory Authorities Fish Size Limits/ Creel Limits Set by General Assembly State Law tracks With Federal FMPs

DNR Permit Review Considerations Endangered and Threatened Species Impacts Upon Wetlands Impacts Upon Water Quality/Quantity Impacts Upon Critical Habitats Impacts Upon Users (Consumptive/Non- consumptive) Quality of Life Issues

Relative Value of Commercial Fisheries Shellfish Crabs Shrimp Fish Crabs Shellfish 23-Yr Average 2004 $25.4 Million $19.3 Million

Coastal Population and Saltwater Recreational License Sales Population Licenses

Shrimp Trawler License Sales

Blue Crab Commercial License Sales Change in License Law

White Shrimp Fall Harvest (Aug-Dec)

Annual Blue Crab Commercial Landings Mostly Trotline Crabs Disease?

Year Long-term average Red Drum Year Classes

S. C. Oyster Landings U. S. bushels Produced by: SCDNR / MRD / OFM / Shellfish Management Section

What Affects Species Abundance? Weather – Rainfall, Temperature Available Habitat Primary Productivity Harvesting Activity Water Quality

Coastal Water Characterizations Based Upon 2003 Water Quality Data Approved Conditionally Approved Restricted Prohibited Total area = 571,015 acres

Coastal Water Characterizations Based Upon 2005 Water Quality Data Approved Conditionally Approved Restricted Prohibited Total area = 571,015 acres

Surface and Subsurface Flow to Water Bodies Stream

= Prohibited = Restricted Edisto Beach Oyster Area

1991 = Prohibited = Restricted Edisto Beach Oyster Area

= Prohibited = Restricted Edisto Beach Oyster Area

What About the Future? Coastal Growth – Water Quality, Habitat Climate Change Sea Level Rise Emerging Diseases Harvesting Effort Waterfront Access for Commercial Seafood Operations

Current Activities BMP for Wildlife Study Oyster Restoration/Recycling Review of Oyster Fishery Laws Proposed Legislation on Blue Crab Fishery

Public Opinion Survey Regarding Charleston Harbor Charleston Harbor water quality Will be safe for Fisheries In 20 years – 26.9 % Agree Urban Growth should be supported only if its is done in a reasonable and ecologically acceptable manner % Agree

David Whitaker

Crab Licenses by County in 1995

What Affects Landings? Fishing Effort/ fishing Power Which is influenced by: – Species Abundance – Value of Fish – Cost to Catch Fish – Regulations

Coastal Population Growth Since 1960

Growth in Horry and Beaufort Counties

Horlbeck Creek, Charleston Co., Land Use Change: (adapted from F. Holland)

DNR Vision Our vision for South Carolina is an enhanced quality of life for present and future generations through improved understanding, wise use, and safe enjoyment of healthy, diverse, sustainable and accessible natural resources.

Location Inner Mid Outer Inner Mid Outer n=10 n=11 n=6 n=16 n=10 n=4 North Inlet vs. Murrells Inlet Total PAH Concentrations Concentration (ppb) North InletMurrells Inlet

Annual Loading (1993) of Surface and Subsurface Inorganic Nitrogen (IN) and Organic Nitrogen (N) into Charleston Harbor.