Intertidal oysters occur in all of South Carolina’s estuarine areas. Typically in South Carolina, a number of sounds, bays and river mouths are connected by an intricate system of creeks and rivers separated by extensive saltwater marsh. Oysters occur along most of these creeks and riverbanks and on exposed mud flats.

Oysters reach a harvestable size in South Carolina at an age of about three years. Shapes of intertidal oysters are varied. The ultimate shape of the shell depends upon growing conditions. The most common intertidal growth is that which produces oyster clusters. These are formed by successive sets, one upon another. Each oyster in a cluster is used by succeeding generations. The cluster continues to grow as each new set occurs. Sometimes clusters reach a foot or more in thickness. The added weight of additional individuals tends to push the lowermost oysters into the mud where they eventually suffocate. Only the outermost oysters remain alive. Harvesters are encouraged to cull-in-place, that is, to break apart clusters while harvesting, thereby leaving smaller oysters in place for future growth. Harvesting is done by hand at low tide.

Oyster predators suffer more from exposure to the elements than do oysters. Therefore, intertidal oysters are subjected to less predation than oysters which grow subtidally. The blue crab, as well as other crab species, oyster drills, starfish and boring sponges cause mortality, especially among small oysters.

Abundance of oysters in South Carolina has remained relatively stable in recent years, although populations are lower now than they were in 1900. Declines, in part, have been related to increased siltation resulting from alterations in stream flow, over harvesting, and physical disturbance to the shell bed. Diseases, particularly in areas with high salinities, have also periodically killed oysters.

Intertidal oysters are also found in groups known as oyster reefs. Oyster reefs are formed by oysters growing on a firm foundation of dead shells. Successive sets occur, joining clusters together to form a continuous group. The intricate, three-dimensional nature of oyster reefs provides extensive habitat for numerous marine species. Mud crabs, shrimps, juvenile fishes and other organisms have been observed to seek shelter in reefs from predators as the tide rises. Loose oyster shell on creek bottoms serves as hard clam habitat as well as substrate for sponges, sea fans, and whip corals which, in turn, supply habitat for small crustaceans and fishes.

Stone crabs typically reside near or in oyster reefs and feed largely upon oysters. Many larger fish forage for prey hiding among the oysters. Oyster reefs are important in stabilizing exposed marsh edges, thus preventing bank erosion and loss of marsh grasses. The energy of natural and man-made waves is dissipated as the waves are refracted on the complex structure of the reef.

Harvested live oysters in the shell should not be stored in water but at 35 to 40 degrees F. in a refrigerator, where they will keep for several days. Discard any with broken shells or with gaping shells which do not close when lightly tapped.

Shucked oysters should be light grey in color with clear liquid. If stored in their own liquor, sealed, and packed on ice in a refrigerator, oysters will keep for about one week.

Although home freezing is possible, the resulting product is not as satisfactory as commercially quick frozen oysters. If necessary, shucked oysters can be frozen in their own liquor if sealed in a container with as little air space as possible. They should be used within two months. If oysters are to be used immediately, they can be placed in the freezer for a few hours to relax the muscle which holds the shell closed. This makes shucking much easier. Oysters, like other shellfish, should not be refrozen.

In South Carolina, the hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria, may be one of our most overlooked shellfish delicacies. More than 85% of our commercial clam production is shipped out of state in the shell, some to return months later to grocery store shelves as Manhattan or New England clam chowder. The recipe may originate from our northern counterparts, but not necessarily the clam.

In suitable environments, clams inhabit coastal waters from Florida to the Gulf of St. Lawrence and along the Gulf of Mexico to the Yucatan Peninsula. Clams indigenous to South Carolina are predominantly the northern quahog.

Clams prefer a shell and sand substrate over muddy bottoms. Clams usually occur in groups, so when one clam is found, the chances of finding others in the same area are good.

Optimum salinity for clams ranges from 24 to 32 parts per thousand (sea water is roughly 35 parts per thousand). However, populations often occur in areas where the salinity is higher or lower than ideal. Growth occurs throughout the year in South Carolina.

Most spawning begins in the spring, continues through midsummer and may resume in September, continuing through October. Depending on water temperature, it normally requires two to four weeks from spawning until the juvenile clam burrows into bottom sediments. Unless protected by overlying shell, juvenile clams are easy prey for crabs.

Clams feed upon plankton through a double-tubed siphon which operates like a snorkel. The siphon serves to obtain food and eliminate waste products. In-flowing water is pumped through the siphon, passed over the gills and strained to remove food particles. After oxygen is supplied and carbon dioxide received from the gills, water and waste products from the digestive tract are expelled through the outgoing siphon. Constant water circulation is maintained by the beating of a multitude of microscopic hairs (cilia) located inside the siphon and in the gill chamber.

Clams are generally sold under three market categories which correspond to their sizes. The largest and cheapest of the clams are marketed as “chowders” which, as the name implies, are made into New England-style chowder (with milk-cream), Manhattan-style chowder (with tomatoes) or minced, diced or ground for other food uses.

Cherrystones are medium-sized, medium-priced and sometimes served on the half shell. Cherrystones are the popular New England clam bake size. Littlenecks are the smallest, tenderest and most expensive. They are usually served steamed with clam broth and garlic butter.

Despite their sturdy appearance, clam shells are actually fragile and should be handled with care to avoid damage. Any clams with broken or gaping shells should be discarded. Live clams may be stored in the shell or shucked in the same manner as oysters. They also may be frozen in the shell for up to six months. It is easier to shuck them before thawing.

Recreational harvesting of oysters and clams by individuals for personal consumption is a popular and traditional activity in South Carolina. Care must be taken to harvest only from authorized areas. In South Carolina, growing areas generally fall into several categories, including private grounds, known as Shellfish Culture Permits, State Shellfish Grounds and Public Oyster Grounds. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources maintains the last two categories for public harvesting.

Public Oyster Grounds are areas where South Carolina residents can gather oysters and clams for their personal use. Commercial harvesting is not permitted. The boundaries of these areas currently are marked with metal signs which read: “Public Oyster Grounds, Commercial Harvesting Prohibited.” State Shellfish Grounds are also open to recreational shellfishermen. These grounds may be marked with metal signs which read: “State Shellfish Grounds, Public Harvesting Permitted.”

In addition to harvesting only in an authorized area, there are several regulations with which the recreational harvester must comply. It is unlawful to harvest between May 15 and September 1 annually, although the Department of Natural Resources can vary the season if conditions warrant. A South Carolina Marine Recreational Fisheries Stamp is required for recreational harvesting. There is a harvesting limit of two bushels of oysters or one-half bushel of clams, or both, per person, per day from authorized harvesting areas. Shellfish culture permits cannot be harvested without being in possession of written permission from the permit holder.

Although most people once considered ocean resources to be unlimited, recent rapid declines in the populations of many commercial and recreational species have demonstrated the opposite.

Numerous types of saltwater game fish now are being over harvested, and other species will face a similar fate unless all anglers practice wise conservation and adopt an ethical approach to fishing.

Size and catch limits, seasons and gear restrictions should be adhered to strictly. These regulations change from time to time as managers learn more about fish life histories and how to provide angling opportunities without depleting stocks.

The challenge of catching, not killing, fish provides anglers with the excitement and the reward of fishing. Undersized fish or fish over the limit should be released to ensure the future of fish populations. The number of saltwater finfish tagged and released annually in South Carolina has increased significantly in recent years as more and more fishermen take up this practice, providing information on growth and movement of fish as well as conserving resources.

Saltwater fishermen can further contribute to conservation by purchasing a Saltwater Recreational Fishing License, which is required to fish from a private boat or gather shellfish in South Carolina’s salt waters. Funds generated by the sale of licenses must be spent on programs that directly benefit saltwater fish, shellfish and fishermen. Help ensure the outdoor enjoyment of future generations by strictly adhering to all rules, regulations, seasons, catch limits and size limits, and through the catch and release of saltwater game fish.

This publication was made possible in part with funds from the sale of the South Carolina Saltwater Recreational Fishing License and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sportfish Restoration Fund. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources publishes an annual Rules and Regulations booklet that lists all saltwater fishing regulations. Have an enjoyable fishing trip by reading these requirements before you fish.