Changes to blue crab laws coming in 2025, South Carolina DNR says

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WBTW) — South Carolina is changing its blue crab fishing laws for 2025 to improve sustainability and prevent overfishing, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

Fishing for blue crabs was largely unregulated in the past in South Carolina. The changes, which go into effect in July, will impact recreational crabbers:

1. Recreational crabbers may harvest a limit of one bushel of crabs per person per day or two bushels per boat : Previously, there was no harvest limit. The DNR said research suggests that most recreational crabbers harvest well under a bushel of crabs each day.
2. Crab pots must have escape rings for undersized crabs: Single-chambered crab pots must have at least one escape ring, while two-chambered pots must have two rings, at least one of which must be in the upper chamber, the DNR said. These vents/rings provide a means of escape for undersized crabs and other small marine animals. They were already required in commercial traps, and many recreational traps are already sold with escape rings standard.
3. Recreational crabbers may purchase an annual enhanced recreational crab trap endorsement ($5) to fish up to five crab pots : A recreational saltwater fishing license currently allows holders to fish up to two crab pots. For those who like to crab for family and friends but do not intend to sell them commercially, this new endorsement will allow up to five crab pots per person.

DNR officials conducted a public meeting in Murrells Inlet last October to talk about declines in the blue crab population. Those who attended the meeting said there needed to be more limitations and increased monitoring to help protect the crab population.

DNR officials say the blue crab decline occurs mainly in the fall and that water temperature and salinity impact the population. The decline has been happening since the 1990s.

For more information, email marine@dnr.sc.gov .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.