News Release

Coastal Conservation Association South Carolina
      3037-B McNaughton Dr., Columbia, SC 29223

  Email: ccasc@bellsouth.net   Website: www.ccasouthcarolina.com

 

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 8, 2007                                              CONTACT: Scott Whitaker, 1-803-865-4164 

                                                                                                                                                                

CCA Comprehensive Finfish Plan 

a Conservation Victory in the Making

 

Columbia, S.C. – Based upon the concept of a “proactive approach” initially put forth by Coastal Conservation Association South Carolina (CCA SC) in January 2006, the South Carolina General Assembly passed S. 489 on June 6, 2007 which represents the most comprehensive conservation legislation regarding recreational saltwater finfish over the past three decades.

“We have reached a critical point in managing our marine resources and this legislation promotes a proactive change in the management of our state marine fisheries” said Mike Able, CCA SC Government Relations committee chairman. “As more and more people move to the Palmetto State and realize the availability of these fish and the incredible angling experience they provide, we expect to see a growing interest in the responsible stewardship of the resources.”

The CCA Comprehensive Finfish initiative, as S. 489 was often referred to, calls for the adjustment or creation of recreational size and creel limits for five finfish species and the complete protection of two additional species. The species include red drum, black drum, spotted seatrout, flounder, and weakfish (summer trout), which are among the most important and popular recreational species in South Carolina. A moratorium on the harvest of two species of saltwater catfish was also included at the request of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).  CCA SC’s concerns over the health of the population of these species were confirmed last summer through a series of public meetings conducted in seven different areas around the state by the SCDNR Marine Resources Division, and were attended by a broad representation of recreational saltwater anglers.   

“We applaud the commitment of the South Carolina General Assembly in their efforts to protect with reasonable measures South Carolina’s coastal fisheries,” said Charles Farmer, CCA SC Legislative Council. The legislation required strong support from many members of the Assembly especially Sen. Chip Campsen of Charleston, the original sponsor of the bill, Sen. Greg Gregory of Lancaster, Chairman of the Senate Fish, Game, & Forestry Committee, Sen. Yancey McGill of Kingstree, Rep. Billy Witherspoon of Conway, Chairman of the House Agriculture, Natural Resources & Environmental Affairs Committee, Rep. Mike Pitts of Laurens, Rep. Jackie Hayes of Dillon, and Rep. Chip Limehouse of Charleston.

Specifics of the new legislation are as follows 

 Species                                     Daily Creel Limit                                Size Limit

*represents adjustments to current regulations

Red Drum                                           3*                                            15” minimum, 
                                                23” maximum*

(The combination of creel limit increase and slot limit adjustment accomplishes the same level of conservation effort while allowing anglers to harvest one additional fish if they so desire)

Spotted Seatrout                                 10                                            14” minimum*

(The one inch increase in minimum size allows for a considerable gain in spawning capacity and recruitment potential)

Weakfish                                             10*                                          12” minimum*

(Weakfish, or summer trout, were not protected by state size and creel limit regulations)  

Black Drum                                        5*                                            14” minimum*

                                                                                                            27” maximum*

(Black Drum were not protected by state size and creel limit regulations)

Flounder                                             20 per person,                          14” minimum*

                                                            40 per boat*

(The adoption of a boat limit reduces the opportunity to commercialize flounder while the adjustment in minimum size greatly increases spawning and recruitment potential)

 Saltwater Catfish                                 No allowable harvest*

(Though not widely targeted, these species have been negatively impacted by marine viruses) 

“CCA took great efforts in maintaining an open line of communication with the SCDNR Board of Directors and Marine Advisory Committee (MAC) throughout the entire legislative process” said CCA SC State Chairman, Tombo Milliken.  “This legislation is the product of a lot of time and effort on the part of CCA and recreational fishermen, SCDNR, marine fisheries managers, and legislative decision makers. Equally important, it represents a unified approach by all involved to enact reasonable, proactive measures necessary to protect the abundance of our marine resources before problems related to overfishing and habitat loss actually occur.” 

“The adoption of this landmark legislation is a strong statement that bodes well for the future of South Carolina’s marine resources as well as the growing awareness of conservation on the part of recreational saltwater fishermen across the state” said Scott Whitaker, CCA SC Executive Director. “CCA and its members are dedicated to the wise management of our marine resources and to improving the current and future state of saltwater fishing for recreational anglers and future generations of fishermen.”

S. 489 has been ratified and is expected to be signed by the Governor perhaps as early as next week.

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