Sea turtle season starts May 1st! Remember to keep lights out on beach front property and fill in holes you may dig on the beach. (Photo: Erin Weeks/SCDNR)

Welcome to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Coastal Updates newsletter! You are receiving this email because you attended one of our public programs or signed up for updates from our agency. In this monthly newsletter, you’ll find the latest outdoors news, volunteer opportunities, useful career information and more. We hope it will help you enjoy and protect our state’s beautiful coastline.

What’s happening outdoors along the coast in May?

• With sea turtle nesting season beginning and manatees returning to our waters in search of food and warmth, it’s important to be a responsible boater! Keep an eye out on the water and report any sick, injured or dead sea turtles or manatees online or call SCDNR’s 24-hour wildlife hotline at 1-800-955-5431.
• Shellfish harvesting season closes May 27th. The 2025-2026 season for harvest of oysters, mussels, clams and all other bivalves from South Carolina’s State Shellfish Grounds and Public Shellfish Grounds will close on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at one half hour after official sunset.
• Fresh South Carolina shrimp will soon be available. A portion of state waters have already opened to shrimp trawling, and the full commercial season will begin once the majority of female shrimp have spawned.
• A unique group of cobia will return to South Carolina’s southern waters to spawn. To protect these fish, from May 1-31, cobia may not be harvested south of Jeremy Inlet on Edisto Island (more details at bottom of newsletter).

Thank you, SCDNR volunteers! In 2025, SCDNR Marine Resources Division volunteers contributed more than $1.2 million – a powerful reflection of the impact they make every day. We’re grateful for every hour, every effort and every volunteer making a difference in South Carolina.

Ironclad Anglers Fishing Rodeo at Colonial Lake (Charleston) |  Saturday, May 2nd, 8:30AM – 11:30AM | SCDNR is partnering with the City of Charleston for a hero-themed Youth Saltwater Fishing Rodeo. This is a catch-and-release fishing rodeo (not a tournament) and instructors will be available to help anglers learn the basics of saltwater fishing. Children 15 years of age or younger and their parents/guardians are welcome. Register here by May 1st.

Pier Fishing Clinic (Myrtle Beach) |  Thursday, May 7th, 9AM – 12PM  |  Join SCDNR Certified Fishing Instructors at Springmaid Pier to learn the basics of pier fishing. This is an active fishing clinic where you will learn pier fishing skills hands-on. You must register to attend. Spaces are limited. Register here.

ACE Basin Property Tour – Botany Bay HP/WMA (Edisto Island) |  Friday, May 8th, 9AM – 12PM  | Join SCDNR Staff on a tour of the ACE Basin where we explore the cultural and natural resources found throughout Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area! Register here.

Pier Fishing Clinic (Hunting Island State Park) |  Saturday, May 9th, 9AM – 12PM  | Join SCDNR Certified Fishing Instructors at Hunting Island State Park Pier to learn the basics of pier fishing. The classroom is at the pier and after some instruction, you’ll try your new fishing skills on the pier. You must register to attend. Spaces are limited. Register here.

SCORE MWR Deployment (Beaufort) |  Tuesday, May 12th, 9AM – 12PM & Friday, May 15th, 11:00AM – 2:00PM | Join SCORE in the deployment of Manufactured Wire Reefs that will be used as substrate for larval oysters! Registration for these and future events can be found here.

Nearshore Fishing 101 (Myrtle Beach) |  Wednesday, May 13th, 6PM – 8PM  | Come out to Bass Pro Shops and learn the basics of nearshore fishing from our certified fishing instructors and staff. You will learn knot-tying techniques, how to build your own rigs, what gear is best for fishing nearshore reefs and lots more! This will be in a judgement-free zone, where beginners can relax and ask questions. This is an instructional-only class. Kids and adults are welcome! You must register to attend. Spaces are limited.

Horseshoe Crab Survey (Charleston) |  Thursday, May 14th, 6PM – 7:30PM  | Horseshoe crabs lay their eggs on the beach during spring full and new moons when the tide is the highest. SCDNR biologists use this opportunity to monitor and study these ocean dwelling animals. We’ll meet on the beach and start with a brief overview of horseshoe crab biology followed by a guided walk/survey along the beach. Participants will assist with the survey to document population size and, when appropriate, place tags on selected crabs. There is no guarantee that crabs will be present, but we have chosen this date to have the best shot at seeing them. Register here.

Pier Fishing Clinic (Myrtle Beach) |  Thursday, May 14th, 9AM – 12PM  | Join SCDNR Certified Fishing Instructors at Springmaid Pier to learn the basics of pier fishing. This is an active fishing clinic where you will learn pier fishing skills hands-on. You must register to attend. Spaces are limited. Register here.

Guided Beach Walk – Botany Bay HP/WMA (Edisto Island) |  Monday, May 18th, 10AM – 11AM  | Barrier Islands are more than just the beach front where the ocean meets the sand, they are made up of dynamic and diverse habitats. As we walk out to the beach, we’ll explore and identify common characteristics of other barrier island habitats, such as maritime forests, salt marshes, and hammock islands. Once we reach the beach, we’ll discuss the noticeable shoreline erosion and impacts of sea level rise on this natural un-renourished beach. No need to RSVP, just show up at the beach parking lot at 10AM.

Jason’s Lake at Botany Bay HP/WMA Active Fishing Clinic (Edisto Island) | Thursday, May 21st, 9AM – 1:30PM  | Join SCDNR and Certified Fishing Instructors for an active learning fishing clinic! This will be at Jason’s Lake which is a youth-adult only fishing area. Youth 17 years and younger and up to 2 adults per youth can fish. You must register to attend this clinic. There are 3 time slots for this clinic. Register here.

Pier Fishing Clinic (Myrtle Beach) | Thursday, May 21st, 9AM – 12PM  |
Join SCDNR Certified Fishing Instructors at Springmaid Pier to learn the basics of pier fishing. This is an active fishing clinic where you will learn pier fishing skills hands-on. You must register to attend. Spaces are limited. Register here.

Pier Fishing Clinic (Myrtle Beach) | Thursday, May 28th, 9AM – 12PM  |
Join SCDNR Certified Fishing Instructors at Springmaid Pier to learn the basics of pier fishing. This is an active fishing clinic where you will learn pier fishing skills hands-on. You must register to attend. Spaces are limited. Register here.

Women’s Pier Fishing Clinic (Myrtle Beach) | Friday, May 29th, 5PM – 8PM  | Our Women’s Saltwater Fishing Clinics are introductory classes to saltwater fishing. The pier fishing clinics will teach you skills on how to tie fishing knots, how to rig a rod and reel, casting, and the best part is everyone will get to try their hand at pier fishing. Register here.

Oyster Shell Recycling Volunteers Needed (Beaufort, Georgetown & Horry) | Continuous | Are you comfortable lifting heavy objects (20 – 40lbs)? Are you comfortable pulling landscape trailers and have a vehicle that could transport containers of oyster shell? You can help us rebuild South Carolina’s oyster reefs by becoming a regular oyster shell recycling volunteer! To get involved, email OysterShellRecycling@dnr.sc.gov.

We’re hiring!

Assistant Marine Scientist |  Charleston County, SC  | This employee will join the Shellfish Research Team at the Marine Resources Research Institute to assist with the Section’s work related to molluscan ecology, oyster reef mapping, oyster restoration, living shorelines and shellfish aquaculture. Deadline to apply is May 8th at 5PM. 

General Maintenance Technician III |  Charleston County, SC  | This employee will be responsible for completing tasks on the Upper Coastal Waterfowl Project at SCDNR properties including Samworth, Santee Coastal and Santee Delta. Application is open until filled.

Vehicle/Equipment Repair Technician II (Hourly) |  Charleston County, SC  | This employee will work within SCDNR’s Vessel Operations Section at the Marine Resources Division. Application is open until filled.

Watercraft Captain I (Hourly) |  Charleston County, SC  | This employee will be responsible for piloting, navigating and operating SCDNR – MRD’s R/V Silver Crescent to support education and scientific research. Deadline to apply is May 8th at 5PM.

Wildlife Biologist II |  Charleston County, SC  | This employee will work on a diversity of research projects related to shellfish ecology, oyster restoration, living shorelines, shellfish aquaculture and oyster reef mapping as part of the Marine Resources Research Institute’s Shellfish Research Section. Deadline to apply is May 1st at 5PM.

Wildlife Biologist II |  Berkeley County, SC  | This individual will be responsible for day-to-day supervision of all Santee Cooper FERC Sturgeon Project activities and personnel. Individual will lead and supervise crews collecting data on shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon and follow all ESA permit conditions. Deadline to apply is April 28th at 5PM. 

Visual Media Designer II |  Lexington County, SC  | This employee will provide creative design services for the agency by developing and producing branded print and digital materials. This role collaborates with internal staff and program teams to ensure consistent brand messaging and effectively communicates the mission, goals, research, opportunities and achievements of SCDNR through compelling visual design. Deadline to apply is May 5th at 5PM.

Fisheries Technician II |  Lexington County, SC  | This employee will be tasked with assisting in operations at the Cohen Campbell Fisheries Center and the Barnwell State Fish Hatchery. Deadline to apply is May 22nd at 5PM.

See all open SCDNR jobs here. (filter by Agency, Department of Natural Resources)

Summer Career Field Days

The Summer Career Field Days program, held in June and July 2026, offers students hands-on, immersive experiences in marine science and coastal conservation. Through activities like fish dissections, habitat restoration and field-based exploration, students gain practical skills while engaging directly with scientists, educators and conservation law enforcement officers. Click here to be notified when registration opens.

SCDNR announces early opening of provisional trawl areas for shrimpers, ahead of regular season |  News 2  

Hands-on experience inspires next gen in South Carolina | NERRA

SCDNR seeks sighting reports as horseshoe crab activity ramps up during spring season |  ABC News 4

A roadmap for salt marsh conservation in South Carolina | SASMI

Reminder for Cobia Anglers

Cobia are catch and release only in state waters throughout the month of May. Spawning cobia are protected during May in the Southern Cobia Management Zone, which is south of 032° 31.0’ N latitude (Jeremy Inlet, Edisto Island). The rest of the year, anglers in this zone can keep one cobia per person or up to three per boat, as long as each fish has a minimum fork length of 36 inches. Click here for more information.

Input Needed from Georgetown and Horry Residents

Our Marsh Counts: A Clean Waters Initiative wants to hear from Murrells Inlet residents and visitors about litter, plastic waste and sustainability in Murrells Inlet. Take the survey here.

Georgetown County Stormwater Division invites community members to share their knowledge and ideas about oyster shell recycling. Take the survey here.