Snapper-Grouper Fishery AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 50-5-2730, RELATING TO THE APPLICABILITY OF FEDERAL FISHING REGULATIONS IN STATE WATERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE SEASON, CATCH LIMITS, AND MINIMUM SIZES FOR CERTAIN SPECIES UNDER THE SNAPPER-GROUPER FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN. - RATIFIED TITLEView full text View Vote History03/05/25House Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs01/15/25Senate Introduced and read first time (Senate Journal-page 9)01/15/25Senate Referred to Committee on Fish, Game and Forestry (Senate Journal-page 9)02/19/25Senate Committee report: Favorable with amendment Fish, Game and Forestry (Senate Journal-page 13)02/26/25Senate Committee Amendment Adopted (Senate Journal-page 25)02/26/25Senate Read second time (Senate Journal-page 25)02/26/25Senate Roll call Ayes-44 Nays-0 (Senate Journal-page 25)02/27/25Senate Read third time and sent to House (Senate Journal-page 11)03/05/25House Introduced and read first time (House Journal-page 9)03/05/25House Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs (House Journal-page 9)04/29/25House Committee report: Favorable Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs (House Journal-page 5)05/01/25House Read second time (House Journal-page 19)05/01/25House Roll call Yeas-107 Nays-0 (House Journal-page 20)05/01/25House Unanimous consent for third reading on next legislative day (House Journal-page 21)05/02/25House Read third time and enrolled (House Journal-page 12)05/06/25 Ratified R 3205/08/25 Signed By Governor05/16/25 Effective date 05/08/2505/16/25 Act No. 16
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Progress
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- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill amends South Carolina law to align state fishing regulations with the federal Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan. Specifically, it establishes season, catch limits, and minimum size requirements for certain species, including red snapper and black sea bass, mirroring federal regulations. The bill ensures that these regulations apply statewide, with exceptions for black sea bass and red snapper, and clarifies the minimum size limits for other species under the plan.
Key provisions
- Establishes season, catch limits, and minimum size regulations for certain snapper-grouper species under the Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.
- Red snapper catch limit: Two fish per person per day with a minimum size of twenty inches.
- Black sea bass catch limit: Five fish per person per day with a minimum size of thirteen inches and no closed season.
- Minimum size limits for other species under the Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan are aligned with federal regulations.
- Applies statewide, including in state waters.
- Exempts black sea bass and red snapper from certain regulations.
- Clarifies that the regulations are consistent with federal fishing laws.
Who is affected
- Commercial and recreational fishermen
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
- Fishery managers
- Anglers
- Coastal communities
Notable changes
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