South Carolina shrimp season opens June 2

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina’s commercial shrimp trawling season will officially open in all legal state waters at 8 a.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).

Despite a brief cold snap in late January, biologists report stable conditions for the state’s valuable white shrimp population.

“Although we did have a cold snap in late January, white shrimp numbers across South Carolina’s estuaries have generally been near the long-term average this winter and spring,” said Jeff Brunson, a biologist with SCDNR.

The full season opening follows the April 24 launch of eight smaller provisional areas farther offshore. Those areas allowed shrimpers to begin limited harvesting while helping protect the main spawning population inshore.

SCDNR officials determine each year’s opening date based on biological assessments of shrimp health and spawning activity. In late spring, agency scientists monitor female white shrimp closely, waiting to confirm that most have spawned at least once before recommending a full season opening.

Opening too early, Brunson explained, could lead to overharvesting of unspawned females, potentially reducing the size of the fall white shrimp crop — which originates from the spring spawning population.

South Carolina’s commercial shrimp industry traditionally follows a three-peak calendar. The spring season targets large, early-season roe white shrimp, prized for both size and market value. Summer brings brown shrimp, similar in taste and size. The fall and early winter harvest features a second white shrimp crop, born from the spring season’s spawners.

White shrimp are highly sensitive to environmental conditions, particularly cold winters and extreme summer weather, leading to year-to-year population swings. However, their ability to reproduce quickly helps stabilize long-term trends.

As shrimp boats prepare to return in full force to South Carolina waters, officials are hopeful for a productive season — one that balances economic opportunity with ecological stewardship.

For more information about shrimp season regulations and updates, visit here.