South Carolina’s New Blue Crab Laws Take Effect July 1: Here’s What Changes

CHARLESTON, SC — Starting July 1, new state regulations will take effect across South Carolina’s blue crab fishing industry, marking a major shift aimed at improving sustainability and reversing decades of population decline.

The law affects both commercial and recreational crabbers, with specific guidelines on harvest limits, pot designs, and crab protection practices.

Why the changes were needed

The South Carolina blue crab population has been declining for years, with environmental stressors and overharvesting as key culprits. A study by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) warned that without proper management, the iconic crustacean species could become increasingly scarce along the state’s coast.

In response, lawmakers passed legislation in 2024 to establish firm regulations where previously there were few. According to WCBD News 2, many of the changes are geared toward commercial practices, but recreational crabbers will also see new requirements.

What recreational crabbers need to know

Starting July 1:

• Daily Harvest Limit: Recreational crabbers may harvest only one bushel of crabs per person or two bushels per boat per day.

• Crab Pot Requirements: All crab pots must now include escape rings that allow undersized crabs and other small marine life to exit.

  • Single-chambered pots require one ring.

  • Two-chambered pots must include two rings.

• Enhanced Pot Endorsement: A new $5 annual endorsement allows recreational crabbers to fish with up to five pots, so long as they don’t sell the catch.

Existing rules still apply, including the requirement that:

• Crabs wider than 5 inches must be released if they are egg-bearing females.

• All such crabs must be returned to the water immediately upon capture.

Commercial industry updates and outreach

Commercial crabbers have been directly notified of the changes through SCDNR channels. While some in the industry have expressed concern about the economic impact of tighter regulations, state officials say the long-term goal is to preserve crab populations and protect local fisheries.

You can review the full legislation here.

Are these new crab laws a step in the right direction?

Share your take on the state’s new blue crab regulations in the comments — and stay informed about South Carolina’s evolving coastal policies at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.