Shellfish harvest season ends soon, but keep the shells. They serve a useful purpose.
Days away from the close of South Carolina’s shellfish harvesting season, the state’s Department of Natural Resources put out a reminder: Oyster shell recycling doesn’t end with the season.
Once the seasons ends May 31, oyster reef construction increases. During the late spring and early summer, SCDNR staff and volunteers use recycled shells to build reefs that provide water filtration, nutrient cycling, and habitat for fish and invertebrates, the department’s news release said.
In the summer, state biologists take recycled oyster shells to shorelines, where they act as a base for juvenile oysters to attach and flourish, according to SCDNR’s website. If not enough shells are recycled to replenish the shellfish beds, the department purchases shell, which can come with a significant price tag. Oyster shell recycling slashes the cost.
The South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement program accepts recycled oyster shells, clams, whelks and other shell all year. Recycling drop-off spots are spread throughout coastal counties and at some inland locations. A list of sites can be found at score.ndr.sc.gov or by calling SCDNR at 843-953-9397.
Shellfish harvest ends May 31
The 2021-2022 season for harvest of oysters, mussels, clams and other bivalves from South Carolina’s State Shellfish Grounds and Public Shellfish Grounds will close 30 minutes after sunset on May 31, according to the news release.
Summer shellfish harvesting is only left to commercial fisherman who can meet handling requirements as the water’s warmth, which can increase bacteria levels.
When the water temperature drops and shellfish are again deemed for harvesting and eating, recreational harvesting will reopen. SCDNR expects the season will reopen on Oct. 1.
This story was originally published May 21, 2022 at 1:55 PM.
