Program Focus Area
Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
Seafood is an integral part of the traditions and cultures of coastal South Carolina, and a demand for local seafood makes it a significant part of the economy. Expanses of salt marsh support the production of the state’s leading fisheries: shrimp, crabs, and oysters. Commercial marine fishing is also an important industry, as well as the collection of horseshoe crab blood for biomedical purposes.
How the Consortium Supports Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium supports research and outreach to generate and deliver science-based information and programs in response to the needs of local communities and decision-makers in the following areas:
Coordinating region-wide fisheries research projects with universities and state and federal fisheries management agencies.
Development of viable and sustainable marine fisheries technologies and practices.
Supporting public access for subsistence and recreational fishing.
Building the capacity of community-based fisheries organizations.
Facilitating meetings and public policy events that affect fisheries stakeholders.
Encouraging safe and responsible practices for harvesting, handling, and marketing for seafood harvesters, wholesalers, and distributors.
Supporting the development and advancement of seafood industry associations.
Helping the public navigate fishing and aquaculture policies and regulatory processes.
Determining human impacts on the coastal and marine ecosystems on which marine life depends.
Understanding the market and economics of locally produced seafood.
Working cooperatively to deliver science-based fisheries management guidance.
Transferring knowledge of best practices for shellfish aquaculture.