In 2006 a bill (H.4296) was passed by the SC legislature prohibiting
the commercial taking or possession of diamondback terrapins.
Currently SCDNR is conducting research on bycatch reduction devices in
commercial crab pots through its Cooperative Research Program.
Commercial crabbers in Little River, Charleston, and Port Royal are
fishing crab pots both with and without TEDs. Thus far no terrapins have
been caught by any of the fishermen. However, this may change as spring
progresses. The project got underway last May (2006) and data will
continue to be collected and analyzed over the next year.
The issue of "ghost" crab traps has been discussed a number of times by
SCDNR. However, similar to what was mentioned by the GADNR,
recovery of these traps can be very difficult and expensive. Currently
SCDNR, in collaboration with the NOAA funded Derelict Fishing Gear
Program, is conducting a study that will use sidescan sonar in a
selected area of the ACE Basin to try and assess the abundance and
condition of "ghost" traps in this area.
Julia Byrd
Office of Fisheries Management
SCDNR - Marine Resource Division
Charleston, SC
byrdj@dnr.sc.gov
843-953-9389
