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Coastal Communities and Marine Resources

Coastal Communities and Marine Resources. David Whitaker Department of Natural Resources. DNR Divisions. Outreach and Support Services Law Enforcement Land,Water, and Conservation Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Marine Resources. Marine Division Activities.

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Coastal Communities and Marine Resources

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  1. Coastal Communities and Marine Resources David Whitaker Department of Natural Resources

  2. DNR Divisions • Outreach and Support Services • Law Enforcement • Land,Water, and Conservation • Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries • Marine Resources

  3. Marine Division Activities • Management of Marine Resources • Monitoring of Resources • Research • Habitat Restoration/Enhancement • Island Management • Commenting on Coastal Permit Applications

  4. Marine Division Regulatory Authorities • Open/close shrimp trawl and Shellfish Harvesting Seasons • Designate Oyster/Clam Harvesting Areas • Open and Close Minor Fisheries (Crab trawling, Whelk trawling) • May issue permits for Certain Activities (Horseshoe Crabs, Experimental Fishing)

  5. Marine Division Regulatory Authorities • Fish Size Limits/ Creel Limits Set by General Assembly • State Law tracks With Federal FMPs

  6. DNR Permit Review Considerations • Endangered and Threatened Species • Impacts Upon Wetlands • Impacts Upon Water Quality/Quantity • Impacts Upon Critical Habitats • Impacts Upon Users (Consumptive/Non-consumptive) • Quality of Life Issues

  7. Relative Value of Commercial Fisheries $19.3 Million $25.4 Million Crabs Crabs Shellfish Shrimp Shellfish Shrimp Fish Fish 2004 23-Yr Average

  8. Coastal Population and Saltwater Recreational License Sales Licenses Population

  9. Shrimp Trawler License Sales

  10. Blue Crab Commercial License Sales Change in License Law

  11. White Shrimp Fall Harvest (Aug-Dec)

  12. Disease? Mostly Trotline Crabs Annual Blue Crab Commercial Landings

  13. Red Drum Year Classes Long-term average Year

  14. S. C. Oyster Landings U. S. bushels Produced by: SCDNR / MRD / OFM / Shellfish Management Section

  15. What Affects Species Abundance? • Weather – Rainfall, Temperature • Available Habitat • Primary Productivity • Harvesting Activity • Water Quality

  16. Coastal Water Characterizations Based Upon 2003 Water Quality Data Conditionally Approved Restricted Prohibited Approved Total area = 571,015 acres

  17. Coastal Water Characterizations Based Upon 2005 Water Quality Data Conditionally Approved Restricted Prohibited Approved Total area = 571,015 acres

  18. Surface and Subsurface Flow to Water Bodies Stream

  19. Edisto Beach Oyster Area 1978 = Prohibited = Restricted

  20. Edisto Beach Oyster Area 1991 = Prohibited = Restricted

  21. Edisto Beach Oyster Area 2000 = Prohibited = Restricted

  22. What About the Future? • Coastal Growth – Water Quality, Habitat • Climate Change • Sea Level Rise • Emerging Diseases • Harvesting Effort • Waterfront Access for Commercial Seafood Operations

  23. Current Activities • BMP for Wildlife Study • Oyster Restoration/Recycling • Review of Oyster Fishery Laws • Proposed Legislation on Blue Crab Fishery

  24. Public Opinion Survey Regarding Charleston Harbor • Charleston Harbor water quality Will be safe for Fisheries In 20 years – 26.9 % Agree • Urban Growth should be supported only if its is done in a reasonable and ecologically acceptable manner -- 97.4 % Agree

  25. David Whitaker 953-9392 Whitakerd@mrd.dnr.state.sc.us

  26. Crab Licenses by County in 1995

  27. What Affects Landings? • Fishing Effort/ fishing Power Which is influenced by: • Species Abundance • Value of Fish • Cost to Catch Fish • Regulations

  28. Coastal Population Growth Since 1960

  29. Growth in Horry and Beaufort Counties

  30. 1994 1999 Horlbeck Creek, Charleston Co., Land Use Change: 1994-1999 (adapted from F. Holland)

  31. DNR Vision Our vision for South Carolina is an enhanced quality of life for present and future generations through improved understanding, wise use, and safe enjoyment of healthy, diverse, sustainable and accessible natural resources.

  32. North Inlet vs. Murrells Inlet Total PAH Concentrations North Inlet Murrells Inlet 800 800 n=16 700 700 600 600 500 500 Concentration (ppb) n=10 400 400 300 300 200 200 n=6 n=11 n=10 n=4 100 100 0 0 Inner Inner Mid Mid Outer Outer Inner Inner Mid Mid Outer Outer Location Location

  33. Annual Loading (1993) of Surface and Subsurface Inorganic Nitrogen (IN) and Organic Nitrogen (N) into Charleston Harbor.

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