# South Carolina Sets Oyster and Clam Season Through May 15

> The state’s season notice also tells harvesters to check water-quality closures before gathering shellfish.

By GTC News Team

Published: 2026-11-08T20:22:35-05:00
Source date: 2026-09-25
Event or coverage date: October 1, 2026 season opening announcement
Canonical: https://georgetowncountynews.com/news/shellfish-season-october-opening/

South Carolina’s Department of Natural Resources announced that recreational oyster and clam harvest would open October 1, with a season scheduled through May 15, 2027, subject to changes in conditions.

The September 25 notice says harvesting is allowed only on eligible grounds in open or approved waters. Storms, heavy rain or pollution can prompt temporary closures by the Department of Environmental Services.

A statewide season opening does not establish that every Georgetown County or Murrells Inlet bed is currently open. Harvesters should check current SCDES closure information and SCDNR licensing and harvest rules before going out.

## Sources

- [South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, September 25](https://www.dnr.sc.gov/news/2026/Sept/sept25-shellfish.php)

## Related Topics

- [South Carolina Department of Natural Resources](https://georgetowncountynews.com/tag/south-carolina-dnr/)
- [South Carolina Department of Environmental Services](https://georgetowncountynews.com/tag/south-carolina-des/)
- [Georgetown County](https://georgetowncountynews.com/tag/georgetown-county/)
- [Murrells Inlet](https://georgetowncountynews.com/tag/murrells-inlet/)