Shellfish season opens Oct. 1; details, map links here

The 2015-2016 season for harvesting shellfish in South Carolina's coastal waters begins Oct. 1 and remains open through May 15, 2016, according to a release from the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.

DNR, which manages nearly 90 shellfish grounds statewide, has maps of designated harvest areas that can be found by calling 843-953-9854 or by going to http://dnr.sc.gov/marine/shellfish/shellfishmaps.

Recreational harvesters must have a saltwater recreational fishing license, which can be obtained at a regional DNR office and most fishing supply stores. Recreational harvesters can also purchase a license by calling 1-866-714-3611 or by going to http://dnr.sc.gov/purchase, the release said. The recreational personal limit is two U.S. bushels of oysters and one half-bushel of clams in any one day, limited to two calendar days per seven-day period, the release said.

Commercial harvesters must obtain a commercial saltwater license, a commercial shellfish harvester license, and a permit for the specific harvest area, the release said.

The end of the season may be extended or shortened, conditions permitting. In the event of a hurricane, major rain event or pollution spill, shellfish beds may be temporarily closed by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, the release said.

This story was originally published September 15, 2015 at 10:15 AM with the headline "Shellfish season opens Oct. 1; details, map links here."