Shellfish & Clamming
South Carolina Shellfish License 2026
Requirements, fees, and regulations for harvesting clams, oysters, and mussels in South Carolina. South Carolina manages recreational and commercial oyster and clam harvesting along its coast. A saltwater fishing license is required and season dates apply for recreational oyster harvest.
Clam Season Open
Oyster Available
2026 License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Recreational Fee
$10.00
Saltwater fishing license covers recreational shellfish; commercial license required for commercial operations.
Commercial Fee
$175.00
Commercial license
Daily Limit
2 gallons (shucked) or ½ bushel (in shell) oysters per person per day
Per harvester
Clam Season
Open
Check current closures
Shellfish Species
Shellfish Available in South Carolina
Species availability depends on coastal habitat, water quality, and active management programs.
Clams ✓
Oysters ✓
Mussels
Step-by-Step
How to Get a Shellfish License in South Carolina
1
Verify Open Areas
Before purchasing a license, check that shellfish beds in your target area are currently open. SC Dept. of Natural Resources maintains an up-to-date list of approved harvesting areas. Water quality closures can occur quickly after rain events.
2
Purchase Your License
Purchase online at SC Dept. of Natural Resources, or in person at authorized license agents throughout South Carolina.
Recreational fee: $10.00.
3
Know Your Limits
Daily limit in South Carolina: 2 gallons (shucked) or ½ bushel (in shell) oysters per person per day.
Size minimums also apply — undersized shellfish must be returned to the water. Keep your license on your person while harvesting.
4
Harvest Responsibly
Use appropriate gear (clam rakes, oyster tongs) and handle shellfish carefully to minimize disturbance to the surrounding habitat. Replace any rocks or substrate you disturb and never harvest from closed or unclassified waters.
Requirements
South Carolina Shellfish License Requirements
SC saltwater fishing license required 16+. Recreational oyster season typically October 15 – May 15.
Important Notes
South Carolina-Specific Information
South Carolina's shellfish harvest—primarily oysters, clams, and ribbed mussels—is managed by the SC Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), which classify shellfish waters and issue harvest area openings. Recreational oyster harvesting is permitted only in DHEC-approved open areas from October 1 through May 15 to reduce Vibrio risk; a valid SC Saltwater Recreational Fishing License is required, and harvest is limited to one bushel of in-shell oysters per person per day. Commercial shellfish harvest requires a SCDNR Commercial Shellfish License, and all product must be tagged with required NSSP information for interstate commerce.
Source: SC Dept. of Natural Resources (www.dnr.sc.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current water quality closures and regulations directly with SC Dept. of Natural Resources before harvesting.