Five Year Report to the Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Advisory Committee October 1st 2009 – September 30th 2014

Abstract

The primary mission of the SCDNR Shellfish Research Section is to research and monitor the status of estuarine and nearshore populations of recreationally, commercially and ecologically important species of shellfish in the state waters of South Carolina. Included in this five year report are evaluation of the value of oyster reefs to other organisms, addressing the issue of marine debris in nearshore waters, restoration and enhancement of oyster reef habitat using alternative substrates to create living shorelines and increase coastal resiliency, determination of the current and historical distribution of oysters statewide, and a collaboration with industry to improve South Carolina shellfish aquaculture through the use of sterile triploid native oysters.