South Carolina state waters remain closed until the state determines an appropriate reopening date.
The initial closure was implemented at the request of the state of South Carolina after a prolonged period of cold weather resulting in water temperatures at or below 9°C (48°F) for seven consecutive days.
Based on warming water temperatures and projections provided by the South Carolina Crustacean Monitoring Section, South Carolina state fisheries officials have determined the threat to overwintering shrimp has passed. There are now sufficient numbers of white shrimp in South Carolina waters to produce a viable fall crop. Therefore, the state of South Carolina has requested the commercial sector for penaeid shrimp in federal waters be reopened on May 1, 2014.
