Charleston, SC: Trawl Zone Closure to Protect Shrimp Population
In an important move for the state’s commercial fishing industry, officials have announced the closure of the general trawl zone to shrimp fishing. This area, which stretches just offshore and extends three miles out to federal waters, has long been the thriving workplace for hundreds of licensed shrimping boats. The change comes as a necessary step to protect the overwintering shrimp stock that is currently at risk due to the abnormally low water temperatures.
Why the Closure?
According to Jeff Brunson, the crustacean fisheries manager for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the closure will take effect at 7 PM on Wednesday. Shrimpers can still fish in deeper federal waters, but the inshore state waters will remain off-limits, particularly areas vital for developing shrimp populations. The cold snap this January has led to water temperatures hovering around 50 degrees, with the possibility of dropping to a critical 48 degrees. “When the water temperature drops to 48 degrees, it can kill the shrimp outright,” Brunson explained.
As shrimp are cold-blooded creatures, their migration patterns are heavily influenced by water temperature. With the colder conditions driving them into deeper waters, where they can be vulnerable to trawler nets, protecting these overwintering shrimp becomes a significant priority.
Economic Importance of Shrimping
The shrimp fishery is South Carolina’s most valuable — averaging a whopping $8 million in total harvest value from 2019 to 2023. The state licenses around 300 trawlers, including small boats that rely on manual labor and larger vessels equipped with mechanical equipment for comprehensive fishing. These boats cruise along the 190 miles of South Carolina’s stunning coastline, frequently spotted off places like Hilton Head and Hunting Island.
Even with this closure looming, many commercial shrimpers had already prepared for this eventuality. Recognizing the cycles of nature and how they affect their livelihood, they often plan their schedules around these seasonal changes in shrimp migration and water conditions.
Local Perspectives
Craig Reaves, a commercial shrimper from Beaufort, agrees with the decision to close the inshore waters, labeling it “definitely the right move.” He indicates that while some shrimpers will continue to fish in designated federal waters, the closure still allows them to fish in certain provisional areas until the end of the month. This helps mitigate the financial impact during these colder conditions.
Reaves notes that the young shrimp in the estuaries, which are minuscule at this stage, are particularly susceptible to cold temperatures. “Part of it is they are at the bottom of the food chain,” he shared. “If they aren’t moving and not active, they are set up to be food for anything. The cold itself can easily kill them.” This highlights the delicate balance of nature and how quickly changing environmental conditions can lead to significant consequences.
Temp Trends and Fishermen’s Future
The decision to close the general trawl zone isn’t entirely new — closures typically happen from mid- to late January based on water temperatures. Last year’s closure fell on January 19, while one of the earliest closures came in 2010 on December 31, also due to chilling conditions. This year’s temperatures have been notably low, with an average air temperature along the coast settling around 44.1 degrees — about 6.5 degrees below the norm!
Fortunately, some shrimpers might take this time to work on their boats or equipment during the closure. It’s a moment of pause that allows time for maintenance while safeguarding the shrimp population to ensure a viable harvest in the warmer months.
The Road Ahead
While shrimpers are ready to adapt their strategies, officials remain vigilant. If temperatures continue to dip below the threshold for extended periods, the state has the authority to petition for additional closures in federal waters, though these requests are few and far between.
As shrimpers look ahead to the upcoming spring and summer harvests, everyone is joining forces to ensure the longevity of this vital fishery. With some cooperation from Mother Nature, our coastal waters can continue to thrive, benefiting both marine life and the communities that depend on them.
Mays Contracting
