1. Coastal Communities and Marine Resources David Whitaker Department of Natural Resources

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

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

4. 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)

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

6. 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

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

8. Coastal Population and Saltwater Recreational License Sales Population Licenses

9. Shrimp Trawler License Sales

10. Blue Crab Commercial License Sales Change in License Law

11. White Shrimp Fall Harvest (Aug-Dec)

12. Annual Blue Crab Commercial Landings Mostly Trotline Crabs Disease?

13. Year Long-term average Red Drum Year Classes

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

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

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

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

18. Surface and Subsurface Flow to Water Bodies Stream

19. 1978 1978 = Prohibited = Restricted Edisto Beach Oyster Area

20. 1991 = Prohibited = Restricted Edisto Beach Oyster Area

21. 2000 2000 = Prohibited = Restricted Edisto Beach Oyster Area

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

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

24. 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 -- 97.4 % Agree

25. David Whitaker 953-9392 Whitakerd@mrd.dnr.state.sc.us

27. Crab Licenses by County in 1995

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

29. Coastal Population Growth Since 1960

30. Growth in Horry and Beaufort Counties

32. 1994 1999 Horlbeck Creek, Charleston Co., Land Use Change: 1994-1999 (adapted from F. Holland)

33. 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.

34. Location 00 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 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

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