South Carolina’s 2026-2027 recreational shellfish season for oysters and clams opens on Thursday, Oct. 1, and is scheduled to remain open through May 15, 2027, unless conditions require a change.
Recreational harvesting is allowed on designated Public Shellfish Grounds and State Shellfish Grounds in areas with open or approved water quality. Twenty public and seven state grounds are managed exclusively for recreational harvesting, while another 58 state grounds allow both recreational and commercial harvest.
Harvesters must have a Saltwater Recreational Fishing License, available through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and authorized license vendors.
The daily recreational limit is two U.S. bushels of oysters and one-half bushel of clams, with harvesting permitted on no more than two calendar days during a seven-day period. A maximum of three personal limits may be possessed per boat or vehicle. Clams must measure at least one inch thick.
Shellfish beds may be temporarily closed following hurricanes, significant rainfall or pollution spills. Harvesters should check the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services at 1-800-285-1618 or its online shellfish closure map before harvesting.
Harvesters are encouraged to cull oysters in place by leaving smaller oysters and dead shell on the shoreline to support oyster growth and habitat.
Commercial harvesting requires additional licenses, permits and mandatory training through SCDNR.
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