Stabilizing South Carolina's Blue Crab Fishery

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Stabilizing South Carolina’s Blue Crab Fishery

Brad E. Floyd

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

Office of Fisheries Management

February 4th, 2019

Problem Statement

The mission of the Department of Natural Resources is to be the principle advocate for and steward of South Carolina’s natural resources. Within DNR, I work for the Office of

Fisheries Management (OFM) which deals with all aspects of commercial and recreational marine fishing in South Carolina. OFM staff make recommendations to the general assembly for changes to existing laws or proposed new laws that govern the marine resources of South

Carolina. OFM staff also serve on various committees and counsels that work across state lines to manage fisheries on a regional scale.

Laws governing the blue crab fishery in South Carolina fail to put limits on harvest or participation in both the commercial and recreational components of the fishery. It has been a goal for many years at OFM to propose legislation to bring our fishery laws in line with those governing the fishery in other states. It's believed that overall abundance of blue crabs is declining while the price continues to rise. This creates a potential management issue since there are no limits on effort, catch, or participation in the commercial fishery, and similar problems exist with the recreational component of the fishery. Current and former fisheries managers for

OFM would like to see legislative changes to fishery laws that limit recreational harvest to a daily limit and cap the number of commercial licenses sold each year.

Data Collection

The first step was to characterize the blue crab fishery by analyzing the landings and licensing data. Also, an experienced commercial blue crab fisherman and fisheries managers were interviewed to obtain their observations and insights. Once all the information is summarized, analyzed, and reviewed, recommendations will be made to senior level fisheries managers to develop legislative proposals that would begin to limit the fishery.

To assess how South Carolina’s blue crab laws compare with other neighboring states, a summary of state laws in the Southeast region was compiled. This task was easier said than done, however. The laws for small states like Georgia and South Carolina were straightforward and easy to summarize in a concise table. The bigger the state, the more complicated the laws become. For states of North Carolina and Virginia, the laws were condensed to a broad overview and complied in a concise table along with South Carolina and Georgia (Table 1). Florida’s blue crab laws were complex, varied by region, and are included in the appendix section (Appendix

A).

Commercial blue crab landings data for the past ten years (2007-2017) were obtained in an excel spreadsheet from the statistics section of the SCDNR’s OFM. These data included: number of commercial fisherman and vessels contributing to the harvest, number of trips by vessel, pounds of blue crab landed each year and the vessel value of those landings. Commercial licensing data of blue crab fishermen in 2017 was also obtained from the OFM statistics section.

These data included numbers of crab traps sold and the number assigned to each fisherman’s license. OFM statistics section also provided demographic information on blue crab fishermen including: age, county of residence, out-of-state participation and years of activity in the fishery.

Information on opinions and participation of recreational blue crab fishermen was obtained from previously conducted surveys of recreational anglers. These surveys were conducted over several years by Responsive Management, a survey research firm specializing in natural resource, hunting and fishing, and outdoor recreation issues.

Data Analysis & Results

Commercial & Recreational Blue Crab Laws

Commercial blue crab laws in the Southeast region had some similarities and some stark differences (Table 1). The similarities existed in the licenses required, fees for traps and reporting requirements. South Carolina differed from others by having no seasonal closures or limits on the number of traps that a crabber can license at one time. South Carolina also had no specific area restrictions, but this is likely due to the size of the state and little regional variations in fishery conditions and practices. Recreational blue crab laws lacked a daily limit which most other states have and the number of crab traps that could be fish at one time by a recreational crabber was significantly lower than other states in the region. One implication that the commercial fisherman and fisheries managers interviewed for this project discussed was that it is perceived that some recreational fishermen wanting to fish more than two traps a day will become licensed as a commercial crabber. This will allow them to fish more than two traps a day but they will not have to report catch because it is not being sold. This results in “phantom” commercial crabbers, those that buy licenses but never have landings reported to OFM statistics section.

Table 1. State Regulations for commercial blue crab fishing in the surrounding states.

State Required Trap license Trap limits Seasonal Area Restrictions Reporting Recreational licenses fees or Restrictions requirements trap limits maximums VA commercial up to 85 425 recreational limit of 255 to 425 commercial 5 fishing crab traps closed June traps depending on fisherman license $48 1- sept 15 watershed fished reports commercial additional commercial vessel traps $79 at Dec 1-March license 40 trap 16 commercial increments gear license NC commercial none 1000 recreational only in Newport river Wholesale 5 fishing and at 150 traps per vessel dealer reports license commercial commercial closed from vessel Jan 15-Feb 7 license commercial gear license SC commercial $25 for 1st none none must stay below legal Wholesale 2 fishing 50 traps saltwater/freshwater dealer reports license dividing line

commercial $1 per each vessel additional license trap commercial gear license GA commercial $50 in 50 200 per none must stay below legal Wholesale 6 fishing trap vessel saltwater/freshwater dealer reports license increments dividing line commercial vessel license commercial gear license

Commercial Landings Data (2007-2017)

The number of commercial crabbers fluctuates yearly between one hundred fifty and two hundred, with a ten year trend that shows the participation in the fishery slowly increasing

(Figure 1). This is to be expected as the population of coastal South Carolina and the demand for seafood products increases.

Figure 1. Number of commercial crabbers annually 200 195 190 185 180 175 170 165 160

155 Number of commercial Numbercommercial of crabbers 150 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Year

The number of vessels participating in the fishery has remained around 200 for the ten year period with a trend showing a slow increase over the period (Figure 2). The vessel trips per year varies from around 11k to a high of 16k for the ten year period, and also shows a trend of increasing effort overall (Figure 3).

Figure 2. Number of vessels annually 250

200

150

100

50 Number of commercial Numbercommercial of crabbingvessels 0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Year

Figure 3. Number of vessel trips annually 18,000 16,000 14,000 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000

Commercial Commercial crabvessel trips 2,000 - 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Year

The pounds of blue crabs landed has fluctuated between three and six million pounds during the ten year period with a peak in 2012 of around six million pounds (Figure 4). Effort and catch do not always correlate in fisheries, especially short lived species like blue crab.

Weather and spawning success each year has a great impact on the availability of the resource.

Increasing effort doesn’t always mean more product landed each year.

Figure 4. Pounds of blue crab landed annually 7,000,000.00

6,000,000.00

5,000,000.00

4,000,000.00

3,000,000.00

2,000,000.00

Poundsof blue crab landed 1,000,000.00

- 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Year

A driver of the slow increase in participation and effort in blue crab commercial fishing could be related to the steady increase in the price fisherman are being paid for their catch.

Although, the pounds of crabs landed has fluctuated yearly the amount of money being earned by the fishermen for their catch has been steadily increasing though out the ten year period (Figure

5).

Figure 5. Vessels value of blue crab landings annually $7,000,000.00

$6,000,000.00

$5,000,000.00

$4,000,000.00

$3,000,000.00

$2,000,000.00

$1,000,000.00

$0.00 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Valueof bluelandingscrab US in dollars Year

Commercial Licensing Data

The number of crab traps licensed annually has been slowly increasing with a peak of just over 35k in 2015 (Figure 6). Although the trend is increasing, overall the number seems to be holding steady between 30k and 35k a year. Although crabbers have no limit on the number of traps they can license each year, the number seems to not be increasing correspondingly to the increase in participation in the commercial blue crab fishery.

Figure 6. Crab traps licensed annually 40,000 35,000 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000

5,000 Number of licensed Numberlicensed of crabrapts - 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Year

One reason the number of traps licensed each year has not seen a great increase is because the vast majority of commercial blue crab fisherman only license and fish around fifty crab traps (Figure 7).

Figure 7. Licenses sold and number of traps purchased 250 222

200

150

100

55 Numberlicenses of 50 21 9 10 14 3 1 2 3 1 1 3 1 6 8 4 4 1 2 0 50 60 67 70 75 80 90 100 115 120 125 150 175 200 250 300 350 400 500 600 Number of traps sold

Demographics of Commercial Blue Crab Fishermen

Ages of commercial blue crab fishermen vary greatly from a minimum of twenty-one to a maximum of eighty-six with the majority of crabbers falling in the range of fifty-five to sixty- five years old (Figure 8). This is to be expected as many try to get into the fishery at a young age and give up and older crabbers retire, it’s the ones that are successfully at an early age that remain in the fishery into their fifties and sixties.

Figure 9. Age distribution of commercial crabbers 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6

4 Number of commercial Numbercommercial of crabbers 2 0 21 24 26 29 31 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47 49 51 53 55 57 59 61 63 65 67 69 71 73 75 79 82 86 Ages

The vast majority of commercial blue crab fishermen reside in the coastal county of

Charleston with Beaufort and Georgetown coming in at number two and three respectively

(Figure 10). A very small number of crabbers are from out-of-state. These crabbers are most likely ones that live on the border with North Carolina or Georgia and often fish in South

Carolina waters and/or sell their product in South Carolina.

Figure 10. Residence of commercial crab license holders 2017

Williamsburg 1 Spartanburg 1 OUT-OF-STATE 6

Orangeburg 1 state)

- Lexington 2 of - Jasper 14 Horry 25 Hampton 11 Georgetown 56 Florence 2 Dorchester 10 Colleton 9 Clarendon 1 Chester 1 County of residence (or out Charleston 116 Berkeley 32 Beaufort 83 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 Number of licensed crabbers

The number of years a blue crab fishermen has been in the fishery is most interesting. It shows that the majority of crabbers have just started the activity or have been at it for more than ten years (Figure 11). This would seem to show a desire by younger or less experienced individuals to try commercial crabbing as a potential career.

Figure 11. Number of years in fishery for 2017 license holders 100 90 80 70 60 50

40 2017 30 20 10 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Number of commercial Numbercommercial of license crab holders in Years of commercial crabbing activity

Recreational Blue Crabbing Participation & Satisfaction

According to a Responsive Management survey conducted in 2006, 28% of respondents indicated they had been blue crabbing in South Carolina in the past two years. A large majority of respondents that indicated they had been blue crabbing in South Carolina in the past two years, went crabbing an average of approximately nine days in the past twelve months.

Respondents that indicated they had been blue crabbing in South Carolina in the past two years, rated the quantity of crabs in the areas they go crabbing as; excellent (22%), good (33%), and fair (28%) (Appendix B).

Fishery Independent Sampling

Fishery independent sampling is conducted by SCDNR’s Marine Resources Research

Institute (MRRI). Fishery Independent sampling is used to develop long term data sets that indicate relative abundance on a range of species of interest to fisheries managers. These data

12 show an increasing trend in blue crab abundance after what has been a decline for many years

(Figure 12).

Figure 12. Fishery independent sampling data for blue crab in South Carolina

Summary and Recommendations

Commercial and recreational blue crab laws certainly have room for improvement.

Reviewing the laws of our neighboring states, it’s clear there are steps South Carolina could take to address some issues that fishermen and fisheries managers have expressed during this project’s discovery phase. Increasing the number of traps that a recreational crabber can fish could help eliminate the occurrence of “phantom” crabbers. Also, implementing a daily bag limit on recreational crabbers would help eliminate the possibility of recreational crabbers selling their catch. The Responsive Management survey results show a relatively high satisfaction with blue crab fishing and a large number of recreational fishermen participating in the recreational blue crab fishery.

I do not believe the state should impose a limit on the number of traps that commercial crabbers can license. A crabber is limited to the number of traps they can fish on a daily basis.

Trap color can influence the catch, in both abundance and the sex of crabs caught (J. Gault, personal communication, January 30, 2019). During different times of the year, crabbers may fish different color traps. Putting a cap on the number they can license may have unintended negative effects on the industry.

The commercial landings and licensing data analysis showed a fishery that is healthy and slowly increasing. The key indicators; number of crabbers, trips, pounds landed, and vessel values have fluctuated slightly from year to year but the overall trend is increasing in all fields.

The majority of commercial crabbers license between fifty and one-hundred traps per year. Very few actually have large numbers of traps licensed. Limiting the number of traps a crabber can license may be addressing a “phantom” issue and may negatively impact the success of some commercial crabbers that like to use different color traps seasonally.

The demographics of commercial crabbers shows a typical distribution in age ranges for the fishery. The relatively large percentage of commercial crabbers with only one year of experience, indicates a fishery that is growing. At least, it shows interest in the fishery by individuals trying it for the first time. This could be good for the fishery as new crabbers come into the fishery and provide new ideas, techniques, and innovations. Capping the fishery to only allow those that currently hold licenses to participate would eliminate this influx of new fishermen and potential innovation in the fishery.

The fishery independent data supplied by MRRI doesn’t show the decrease in abundance that some fisheries managers had eluded to during the developmental stage of this project. It actually shows a significant increase in the numbers of blue crabs being caught in their surveys since 2016. This is good news and shows the blue crab population could be finally recovering from years of decline.

Bycatch reduction devices (BRD’s) are gear that can be placed on the crab trap that would reduce the occurrence of diamondback terrapins entering the trap resulting in turtle mortality. Environmental groups and turtle researchers have been encouraging there use for some time. Certain times of the year and in certain areas, use of these devices could be beneficial by eliminating the unintended mortality of diamondback terrapins improving the standing of the commercial blue crab fishery in South Carolina with these groups and researchers.

All this leads me to make a few fairly simple and straightforward recommendations.

These are by no means the extensive revision to blue crab laws I had envisioned when I started this project. However, my recommendations are based on data, facts, and the observations of some of the most knowledgeable individuals with regards to the blue crab fishery in South

Carolina. Some of these would need legislation to implement and others are more a component of on-going outreach efforts by the department to promote best practices by our commercial and recreational fishermen. The legislative proposals would need to be approved by the DNR Board then DNR's legislative liaison would help shepherd the legislation through the relevant committees within the General Assembly. Having all the data, facts, and relevant information in a concise summary is crucial to successful representation of the proposed changes before the relevant legislative committees.

Recommendations:

 Increase the number of traps a recreational crabber can fish. I propose a range

of 5 to 10.

 Place a daily bag limit on recreational crabbers. I propose a range of 1 to 2

bushels.

 No caps on the number of commercial crab licenses sold yearly and no caps on

the number of traps that a crabber can license.

 Encourage the use of BRD’s in the commercial and recreational crab fisheries

during months when the water temperatures are greater than 65°F and in

inshore waters.

 Request the General Assembly appropriate funds for two FTE law

enforcement positions to work exclusively with the OFM statistics office on

commercial fisheries issues. With respect to blue crab, these officers could

help solve on-the-water conflicts between commercial crabbers and resolve the

issue of “phantom” licenses, or those that do not show any commercial

landings.

There are several ways to evaluate the success of these recommendations if they are implemented. The continued increase in abundance observed in fishery independent surveys could indicate that placing limits on recreational harvest is having the desired effect. Increasing the number of traps recreational crabbers can fish and the addition of law enforcement officers to work with OFM should lead to a reduction in the number of commercial crabbers that hold a commercial license but do not show up in our commercial landings reports. Innovations to how commercial crabbers fish and new commercial crabbers entering the fishery and staying in the fishery, would indicate that keeping the fishery open to new fishermen has had a positive effect.

Diamondback terrapins are currently a species of concern because of historically low population levels (http://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/diamondbackterrapin/index.html). If the numbers of diamondback terrapin increase after outreach efforts to educate crabbers on the use of BRD’s that would be an indication the efforts have been successful.

Appendix A. Florida Blue Crab Laws CHAPTER 68B-45 BLUE CRAB

68B-45.001 Purpose and Intent; Repeal of Statutory Provisions; Designation as Restricted Species 68B-45.002 Definitions 68B-45.003 Minimum Size Limits 68B-45.004 Regulation and Prohibition of Certain Harvesting Gear 68B-45.0045 Closed Seasons 68B-45.005 Bag Limit 68B-45.006 Other Prohibitions 68B-45.007 Blue Crab Limited Entry Endorsement Program 68B-45.008 Assessment of Administrative Penalties for Violations Relating to Blue Crab Management

68B-45.001 Purpose and Intent; Repeal of Statutory Provisions; Designation as Restricted Species. (1) The purpose and intent of this chapter is to protect and conserve Florida’s blue crab resources and assure the continuing health and abundance of the species. (2) It is the intent of this chapter to expressly effect the repeal of and replace the second distinct sentence of subsection (1) of Section 370.135, F.S. (1993). (3) It is the intent of this chapter to repeal and replace Chapter 63-1217, Laws of Florida (1963), a rule of the Department of Natural Resources pursuant to subsection (5) of section 2 of Chapter 83-134, as amended by 84-121, Laws of Florida. This Special Act, applicable to Citrus County, establishes a minimum size for blue crabs harvested in the county. The Marine Fisheries Commission has determined that repeal of Chapter 63-1217, Laws of Florida (1963), a Citrus County Special Act, will not adversely affect the marine resources of Citrus County or of the State of Florida. (4) Chapter 63-1217, Laws of Florida (1963), a rule of the Department of Natural Resources pursuant to subsection (5) of section 2 of Chapter 83-134, as amended by 84-121, Laws of Florida, is hereby repealed. (5) Blue crabs are designated as a restricted species pursuant to Section 379.101(32), F.S.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., Chapter 83-134, Laws of Fla., as amended by Chapter 84-121, and Chapter 85-163, Laws of Fla. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., Chapter 83-134, Laws of Fla., as amended by Chapter 84-121, and Chapter 85-163, Laws of Fla. History–New 12-14-93, Amended 6-1-94, 10-4-95, Formerly 46-45.001, Amended 6-1-99.

68B-45.002 Definitions. As used in this rule chapter: (1) “Blue crab” means any crustacean of the species Callinectes sapidus, or any part thereof. (2) “Drop net” means a small, usually circular, net with weights attached along the outer edge and a single float in the center. (3) “Eggbearing blue crab” means a female blue crab whose eggs are extruded and deposited on the swimmerettes. (4) “Escape ring” means a rigid ring forming the boundary of an opening placed flush with the vertical surface of the wire mesh wall of the crab trap. (5) “Fold up trap” means a plastic or wire meshed collapsing trap that opens outward to occupy a single plane when placed on the water bottom. It is baited in the center of the base panel and encloses crabs when retrieved by means of a cord drawing together the side panels. (6) “Gulf Seasonal Closure Region” means all state waters of the Gulf of Mexico seaward of three nautical miles from shore. (7) “Hard shell crab” means any blue crab in intermolt condition that has a shell that is rigid and inflexible. (8) “Mesh size” means the size of the opening or space within a polygon formed by the wire of a crab trap, to be measured at the largest dimension across such opening or space in an undistorted condition. (9) “Harvest” means the catching or taking of a blue crab by any means whatsoever, followed by a reduction of such blue crab to possession. Blue crabs caught but immediately returned to the water free, alive, and unharmed are not harvested. Temporary possession of a blue crab for the purpose of measuring it to determine compliance with the size requirements of this chapter shall not constitute the harvesting of such blue crab, provided that it is measured on the water immediately after taking, and immediately returned to the water free, alive, and unharmed if undersized. (10) “Harvest for commercial purposes” means the taking or harvesting of blue crab for purposes of sale or with intent to sell or in excess of the bag limit. (11) “Immediate family” refers to a license holder’s mother, father, sister, brother, spouse, son, daughter, step-father, step- mother, step-son, step-daughter, half-sister, half-brother, son-in-law or daughter-in-law. (12) “Offshore” means all state waters seaward of the COLREGS Demarcation Line. (13) “Peeler crab” means a hard blue crab in pre-molt condition having a new soft shell developed under the hard shell and having a definite white, pink, or red line or rim on the outer edge of the back fin or flipper, and retained specifically for soft crab shedding operations and marketed only after molting and prior to the hardening of the new shell. (14) “Push scrape” means a mesh net or bag attached to the outer edges of a triangular or rectangular rigid frame with a handle attached that is fished by being pushed across the bottom by a person wading. (15) “Soft shell crab” means any blue crab that has recently molted and has a shell that is tender and flexible. (16) “Trotline” means a submerged line with bait at repetitive intervals. (17) “Untreated pine” means raw pine wood that has not been treated with any preservative or pine wood that has been pressure treated with no more than 0.40 pounds of chromated copper arsenate (CCA) compounds per cubic foot of wood.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 12-14-93, Amended 6-1-94, 10-4-95, Formerly 46-45.002, Amended 7-1-03, 7-15-04, 5-26-05, 10-15-07.

68B-45.003 Minimum Size Limits. Except as provided in subsection 68B-45.004(5), F.A.C., for crabs to be used as live bait, no person harvesting for commercial purposes shall possess any blue crabs measuring less than five inches measured from the tip of one lateral spine to the tip of the opposite lateral spine in quantities greater than 5% of the total number in each container in such person’s possession. This minimum size limit does not apply to the harvest of peeler crabs.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 12-14-93, Amended 6-1-94, Formerly 46-45.003.

68B-45.004 Regulation and Prohibition of Certain Harvesting Gear. (1) Except as provided in subsections (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6), below, the following types of gear shall be the only types of gear allowed for the harvest of blue crab in or from state waters: (a) Traps meeting the following specifications: 1. Traps shall be constructed of wire with a minimum mesh size of 1 1/2 inches and have throats or entrances located only on a vertical surface. Beginning on January 1, 1995, traps shall have a maximum dimension of 24 inches by 24 inches by 24 inches or a volume of 8 cubic feet and a degradable panel that meets the specifications of subsection (7) of this rule. 2. All traps shall have a buoy or a time release buoy attached to each trap or at each end of a weighted trotline which buoy shall be constructed of styrofoam, cork, molded polyvinyl chloride, or molded polystyrene, be of sufficient strength and buoyancy to float, and be of such color, hue and brilliancy to be easily distinguished, seen, and located. Buoys shall be either spherical in shape with a diameter no smaller than 6 inches or some other shape so long as it is no shorter than 10 inches in the longest dimension and the width at some point exceeds 5 inches. No more than 5 feet of any buoy line attached to a buoy used to mark a blue crab trap or attached to a trotline shall float on the surface of the water. 3. Each trap used for harvesting blue crab for commercial purposes shall have the harvester’s blue crab endorsement number permanently affixed to it. Each buoy attached to such a trap shall have the number permanently affixed to it in legible figures at least two inches high. The buoy color and license number shall also be permanently and conspicuously displayed on any vessel used for setting the traps and buoys, so as to be readily identifiable from the air and water, in the following manner: a. From the Air – The buoy design approved by the Commission shall be displayed and be permanently affixed to the uppermost structural portion of the vessel and displayed horizontally with the painted design up. If the vessel is an open design (such as a skiff boat), in lieu of a separate display, one seat shall be painted with buoy assigned color with permit numbers, unobstructed and no smaller than 10 inches in height, painted thereon in contrasting color. Otherwise, the display shall exhibit the harvester’s approved buoy design, unobstructed, on a circle 20 inches in diameter, outlined in a contrasting color, together with the permit numbers permanently affixed beneath the circle in numerals no smaller than 10 inches in height. b. From the Water – The buoy design approved by the Commission shall be displayed and be permanently affixed vertically to both the starboard and port sides of the vessel near amidship. The display shall exhibit the harvester’s approved buoy design, unobstructed, on a circle 8 inches in diameter, outlined in a contrasting color, together with the permit numbers permanently affixed beneath the circle in numerals no smaller than 4 inches in height. 4. The buoy attached to each trap used to harvest blue crab, other than those used to harvest for commercial purposes, shall have a legible “R”, at least two inches high, permanently affixed to it. The trap shall have the harvester’s name and address permanently affixed to it in legible letters. The buoy requirements of this subparagraph shall not apply to traps fished from a dock. 5. Each trap with a mesh size of 1 1/2 inches or larger shall have at least three unobstructed escape rings installed, each with a minimum inside diameter of 2 3/8 inches. One such escape ring shall be located on a vertical outer surface adjacent to each crab retaining chamber. 6. Each throat (entrance) in any trap used to harvest blue crabs shall be horizontally oriented, i.e., the width of the opening where the throat meets the vertical wall of the trap and the opening of the throat at its farthest point from the vertical wall, inside the trap, is greater than the height of any such opening. No such throat shall extend farther than 6 inches into the inside of any trap, measured from the opening where the throat meets the vertical wall of the trap to the opening of the throat at its farthest point from the vertical wall, inside the trap. 7. Subparagraphs 1. through 6. shall not apply to any trap used to harvest blue crabs for other than commercial purposes, which trap has a volume of no more than 1 cubic foot and is fished from a vessel, a dock, or from shore. (b) Dip or landing net. (c) Drop net. (d) Fold-up trap. (e) Hook and line gear. (f) Push scrape. (g) Trotline. (2)(a) Peeler crabs may be harvested in traps constructed of wire with a minimum mesh size of one inch and with the throats or entrances located only on a vertical surface. Such traps shall have a maximum dimension of 24 inches by 24 inches by 24 inches or a volume of 8 cubic feet and a degradable panel. (b) Each trap used to harvest peeler crabs shall have buoys and be identified as described in subparagraph (a)2., and (a)3. or (a)4., of this subsection. (c) All peeler crabs harvested must be kept in a container separate from other blue crabs. (d) Each trap used to harvest peeler crabs shall only be baited with live male blue crabs. Male crabs so used as bait to attract female blue crabs into peeler traps may be periodically fed with no more than a single bait fish. Any trap used to harvest blue crabs that is baited with anything other than live male blue crabs shall meet the requirements of paragraph (1)(a), of this rule. (3) In addition to the allowable gear provided for in subsections (1) and (2), above, blue crabs harvested in fresh water may be harvested with gear permitted by the Commission. (4) Blue crabs may be harvested as an incidental bycatch of shrimp trawls lawfully harvesting shrimp, provided the amount of blue crabs so harvested does not exceed 200 pounds of blue crabs per vessel per trip. (5) Blue crabs not meeting the size requirements contained in Rule 68B-45.003, F.A.C., may be harvested as a directed catch by or with a dip or landing net or as bycatch of live bait shrimp trawls, provided the total amount of blue crab harvested in either case does not exceed 10 gallons per person or per vessel per day, whichever is less. Undersized blue crabs so harvested shall be maintained alive and shall be sold, bought, bartered, or exchanged solely for use as live bait. Blue crabs harvested as bycatch of live bait shrimp trawls shall be counted for purposes of determining compliance with subsection (4), above, and subsection (6), below. No person harvesting blue crabs as a directed catch by or with a dip or landing net shall, on the same trip, harvest blue crabs using any other gear. (6) Blue crabs may be harvested as an incidental bycatch of other species lawfully harvested with other types of gear so long as the amount does not exceed the bag limit specified in Rule 68B-45.005, F.A.C., and does not violate any other applicable provision of law. (7) A trap shall be considered to have a degradable panel if one of the following methods is used in construction of the trap: (a) The trap lid tie-down strap is secured to the trap at one end by a single loop of untreated jute twine. The trap lid must be secured so that when the jute degrades, the lid will no longer be securely closed. (b) The trap lid tie-down strap is secured to the trap at one end with a corrodible loop composed of non-coated steel wire measuring 24 gauge or thinner. The trap lid must be secured so that when the loop degrades, the lid will no longer be securely closed. (c) The trap lid tie-down strap is secured to the trap at one end by an untreated pine dowel no larger than 2 inches in length by 3/8 inch in diameter. The trap lid must be secured so that when the dowel degrades, the lid will no longer be securely closed. (d) The trap contains at least one sidewall with a rectangular opening no smaller in either dimension than 6 inches in height by 3 inches in width. This opening must be laced, sewn, or otherwise obstructed by a single length of untreated jute twine knotted only at each end and not tied or looped more than once around a single mesh bar. When the jute degrades, the opening in the sidewall of the trap will no longer be obstructed. (e) The trap contains at least one sidewall with a rectangular opening no smaller in either dimension than 6 inches in height by 3 inches in width. This opening must be obstructed with an untreated pine slat or slats no thicker than 3/8 inch. When the slat degrades, the opening in the sidewall of the trap will no longer be obstructed. (f) The trap contains at least one sidewall with a rectangular opening no smaller in either dimension than 6 inches in height by 3 inches in width. The opening may either be laced, sewn, or otherwise obstructed by non-coated steel wire measuring 24 gauge or thinner or be obstructed with a panel of ferrous single-dipped galvanized wire mesh made of 24 gauge or thinner wire. When the wire or wire mesh degrades, the opening in the sidewall of the trap will no longer be obstructed. (g) The trap contains at least one sidewall with a rectangular opening no smaller in either dimension than 6 inches in height by 3 inches in width. The opening may be obstructed with a rectangular panel made of any material, fastened to the trap at each of the four corners of the rectangle by galvanized staples 16 gauge or thinner, rings made of non-coated 24 gauge or thinner wire, or single strands of untreated jute twine. When the corner fasteners degrade, the panel will fall away and the opening in the sidewall of the trap will no longer be obstructed. (8) No person shall harvest or attempt to harvest blue crabs with any trap seaward of nine nautical miles from shore on the Gulf of Mexico or seaward of three nautical miles from shore on the Atlantic Ocean. (9)(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c), no person shall harvest any blue crabs for commercial purposes with any trap unless such person possesses a valid saltwater products license to which is affixed both a blue crab endorsement and a restricted species endorsement. (b) Notwithstanding Section 370.135(2)(a), F.S. (2006); effective July 1, 2006, and until July 1, 2007, no blue crab endorsements, except those endorsements that were active during the 2005-2006 fiscal year, shall be renewed or replaced. Persons or corporations holding a blue crab endorsement that was active in the 2005-2006 fiscal year or an immediate family member of that person must request renewal of the blue crab endorsement before September 30, 2006. All provisions of Sections 379.366(2)(a), (b), F.S., shall continue to apply to the issuance and renewal of blue crab endorsements with the applicable dates specified in this paragraph. (c) Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (a), any aquaculture producer, as defined in Section 597.0015(2), F.S., authorized to produce marine aquaculture products and engaged in the culture of shellfish may possess and use up to 75 blue crab traps for the sole purpose of taking destructive or nuisance blue crabs within 1 mile of the producer’s aquaculture shellfish beds if they first obtain a depredation permit from the Commission. Blue crabs taken under this subsection may not be sold, bartered, exchanged, or offered for sale, barter, or exchange. (10) During any time of the year when it is legal to transport blue crab traps, a harvester shall seek permission from the Division of Law Enforcement to allow the use of another vessel owned by the same harvester or another person to transport, deploy, pull, or retrieve his or her traps. (a)1. Permission shall be granted upon receipt of a written statement signed by the commercial harvester seeking to have his or her traps pulled and by the person designated to pull the traps, if applicable, which statement also shall contain the following: a. The reason the harvester needs to have his or her traps pulled, b. The numbers of the saltwater products license and blue crab endorsement of both the harvester seeking to have the traps pulled and the person or other vessel who will be pulling the traps, c. The buoy colors of the harvester seeking such permission, d. The name and number of the vessel to be used by the person who will be pulling the traps, e. The general locations of the pulling activity of the vessel to be engaged in pulling the traps; and, f. The dates the other person or vessel will be transporting, deploying, pulling or retrieving the traps. 2. Permission to pull traps in this manner shall be obtained daily by telephone from the Division of Law Enforcement for a maximum of 5 days without renewal or extension of the request. (b) Permission to have traps pulled using another vessel owned by the same harvester or by another person for a longer period of time must be based on extraordinary circumstances such as severe personal or family illness or accident or major equipment problem, and shall be obtained through petition to the Division of Law Enforcement on Commission Form DMF-SL4590 (02-13) (Blue Crab Trap Pulling Petition), found online at: http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-02669 herein incorporated by reference, and shall be granted upon such conditions as the Division deems appropriate for the protection of the resource. 1. It shall be the responsibility of the commercial harvester, or a member of the harvester’s immediate family, to petition the Division. 2. The petition shall include: a. A complete description of the extraordinary circumstances with corroborating documentation, b. The amount of additional time requested, c. The number of traps to be pulled; and, d. A notarized statement from the other person, attesting to his/her willingness and ability to pull these traps during this time period as well as an awareness of all rules governing the blue crab fishery. (c) The person designated to pull the petitioner’s traps is required to establish a float plan with Division of Law Enforcement Dispatch for each day traps will be pulled prior to pulling traps. (d) If the person designated to pull the petitioner’s traps does not possess a saltwater products license with restricted species and a blue crab endorsement, the petitioner, as the license holder of record must possess a vessel saltwater products license and shall be held accountable for the designee’s compliance with all regulations governing the blue crab fishery. (e) If designating another vessel, the vessel must be commercially registered and the following vessel marking requirements apply: The buoy color and license number shall be conspicuously displayed on the vessel used for setting the traps and buoys, so as to be readily identifiable from the air and water, in the following manner: 1. From the Air – The buoy design shall be displayed on the uppermost structural portion of the vessel and displayed horizontally, unobstructed, with the painted design up on a circle 20 inches in diameter, outlined in a contrasting color, together with the permit numbers beneath the circle in numerals no smaller than 10 inches in height. 2. From the Water – The buoy design shall be displayed and affixed vertically to both the starboard and port sides of the vessel near amidship. The display shall exhibit the buoy design, unobstructed, on a circle 8 inches in diameter, outlined in a contrasting color, together with the permit numbers beneath the circle in numerals no smaller than 4 inches in height.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 12-14-93, Amended 6-1-94, 1-1-95, 10-4-95, 9-30-96, 1-1-98, 6-1-99, Formerly 46-45.004, Amended 2-28-02, 10-21-04, 3-1-05, 3-30-06, 9-21-06, 10-15-07, 1-26-11, 6-19-13.

68B-45.0045 Closed Seasons. (1) In order to facilitate the identification and removal of lost and abandoned traps the following restrictions shall apply. (a) The use of traps to harvest blue crabs is prohibited for a period of up to ten days in the following regions: 1. All waters of the St. Johns River, its associated lakes and tributaries from west of the St. Johns River’s intersection with the Intracoastal Canal through and including Lake Hellen Blazes from January 16 through January 25 of even numbered years, 2. All waters of Nassau, Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Putnam, Flagler, and Volusia counties from August 20 through August 29 of even numbered years, however, not including waters listed in subparagraph (1)(a)1., of this paragraph, 3. All waters of Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Palm Beach counties from August 10 through August 19 of even numbered years, however, not including waters listed in subparagraph (1)(a)1., of this paragraph, 4. All waters of Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Collier, Lee, Charlotte, DeSoto, Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties from July 10 through July 19 of odd numbered years, 5. All waters of Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, and Hernando counties and including all waters of the Ochlockonee River and Ochlockonee Bay from July 20 through July 29 of odd numbered years, 6. All waters of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, and Franklin counties from January 5 through January 14 of odd numbered years, however, excluding all waters of the Ochlockonee River and Ochlockonee Bay. (b) All traps must be removed from the water before 12:01 a.m. (local time) on the first day of each regional closure. Traps found in state waters during the closures are declared to be a public nuisance and shall be disposed of in the manner approved by the Commission. Traps may be returned to the water after 12:01 a.m. (local time) on the day following each regional closure. (c) Closures listed in subparagraphs (1)(a)2., 3., 4., 5., and 6., extend to three nautical miles offshore. (d) Closures listed in paragraph (1)(a), may be reduced in duration if it is determined by the Executive Director of the Commission that the number of lost and abandoned traps in the region will take less time to remove than the time listed in paragraph (1)(a). (e) Closures do not apply to traps secured to private property, such as a dock, or to authorized gear listed in paragraphs 68B- 45.004(1)(b)-(g), F.A.C. (2) In the Gulf Seasonal Closure Region, no blue crab trap, including any trap used to harvest peeler crabs, may be placed in the water, fished, or soaked during the period beginning September 20 and continuing through October 4 each year. (3) In the 2009/2010 fishing season, no trap retrieval fees will be assessed for blue crab traps collected through the Commission’s Trap Retrieval Program.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 7-1-09, Amended 1-26-11.

68B-45.005 Bag Limit. Except for persons harvesting pursuant to a saltwater products license with a blue crab endorsement and a restricted species endorsement, no person shall harvest in or from state waters in any one day or possess while in or on state waters, more than 10 gallons of whole blue crabs.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 12-14-93, Amended 10-4-95, Formerly 46-45.005.

68B-45.006 Other Prohibitions. (1) The harvest, possession, purchase, or sale of eggbearing blue crabs is prohibited. Eggbearing blue crabs found in traps shall be immediately returned to the water free, alive and unharmed. The practice of stripping or otherwise molesting eggbearing blue crabs in order to remove the eggs is prohibited and the harvest, possession, purchase, or sale of blue crab from which the eggs, egg pouch, or bunion has been removed is prohibited. (2) Traps used to harvest blue crabs or peeler crabs may be worked during daylight hours only. The pulling of traps from one hour after official sunset until one hour before official sunrise is prohibited.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 12-14-93, Formerly 46-45.006, Amended 7-1-03, 7-15-04, 7-1-09.

68B-45.007 Blue Crab Effort Management Program. (1) Beginning in the 2007/2008 license year, in addition to a valid saltwater products license and a valid restricted species endorsement, a blue crab effort management endorsement number is required to harvest or possess blue crab in quantities greater than the recreational bag limit or to sell blue crab. (2) The Commission shall notify all holders of a 2004/2005 commercial saltwater products license with a restricted species endorsement and an existing blue crab endorsement of their initial eligibility or denial of a blue crab effort management endorsement. Those notified will indicate either their acceptance of the initial award of a blue crab effort management endorsement number by completion of an acceptance application (Form DMF-SL4500, Blue Crab Effort Management Endorsement Application (09-06), incorporated herein by reference) or submit an application to appeal (Form DMF-SL4510, Application for Appeal of Blue Crab Effort Management Endorsement (09-06), incorporated herein by reference), as specified in paragraph (11)(b). (3)(a) Except for those qualifying for a non-transferable blue crab effort management endorsement as specified in subsection (6), the Blue Crab Effort Management Endorsement Application must be received by the Commission no later than September 30, 2007. An applicant may be a person, firm, or corporation. (b) In order to qualify for a blue crab effort management endorsement number other than a V-N endorsement issued pursuant to subsection (6), an applicant must have held a valid saltwater products license with a valid restricted species endorsement and a blue crab endorsement pursuant to Section 379.366, F.S., at the time of application and establish landings as specified in paragraph (3)(c). (c) Qualified blue crab effort management endorsement number applicants must have documented blue crab landings in quantities as specified in subsection (4) or (5), pursuant to Commission trip ticket records generated under the provisions of Rule Chapter 68E-5, F.A.C., during at least one of the following three license years: July 1, 2000 through June 30, 2001, July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2002, or July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003. Qualifying landings must have been received by the FWC by August 1, 2003; applicants lacking sufficient blue crab landings during the qualifying years may have their eligibility for a blue crab effort management endorsement considered by the blue crab effort management endorsement appeals board as specified in subsection (11). (4) Hard Shell Blue Crab Endorsement (V-H). The hard shell blue crab effort management endorsement is required to harvest commercial quantities of hard shell blue crab using gears as authorized in subsection 68B-45.004(1), F.A.C. (a) In order to obtain a V-H endorsement on a saltwater products license, an applicant must have documented landings of hard shell blue crab equal to or greater than 500 pounds during any one of the qualifying years as specified in paragraph (3)(c). Persons holding more than one saltwater products license, none of which individually have 500 pounds of hard shell blue crab landings, may qualify for a single V-H endorsement if the sum of hard shell blue crab landings listed on multiple saltwater products licenses that have a restricted species endorsement and current blue crab endorsement is equal to or greater than 500 pounds. (b) An applicant qualifying for a V-H endorsement pursuant to paragraph (4)(a), may receive a unique endorsement number on each additional saltwater products license with a restricted species endorsement and current blue crab endorsement if the applicant has hard shell blue crab landings equal to or greater than 7,500 pounds on each such license during any one of the qualifying landings years as specified in paragraph (3)(c). (c) An applicant will be issued a unique V-H endorsement number for each qualifying saltwater products license. (d) Once eligible, a qualifying applicant shall be entitled to deploy up to 600 hard shell blue crab traps in any state waters and an additional 400 hard shell blue crab traps in offshore state waters in the Gulf of Mexico per V-H endorsement number. (e) Persons holding a hard shell V-H endorsement number shall be allowed to land a maximum bycatch of 150 peeler crabs daily and operate up to three peeler crab shedding tanks. (5) Soft Shell Blue Crab Endorsement (V-S). The soft shell blue crab effort management endorsement is required to harvest peeler blue crabs in excess of the bycatch limit established in paragraph (4)(e), using gears as authorized in subsection 68B- 45.004(2), F.A.C., or to produce soft shell blue crabs with more than three (3) shedding tanks. (a) In order to obtain a V-S endorsement number on a saltwater products license, an applicant must have documented landings of soft shell or peeler blue crabs equal to or greater than 750 crabs during any one of the qualifying years as specified in paragraph (3)(c). Persons holding more than one saltwater products license, none of which individually have 750 soft shell or peeler blue crabs, may qualify for a V-S endorsement number if the sum of soft shell or peeler blue crab landings listed on multiple licenses is equal to or greater than 750 soft shell or peeler blue crabs. (b) An applicant that qualifies for a single V-S endorsement number pursuant to paragraph (5)(a), may receive a unique V-S endorsement number on one additional saltwater products license if such license has documented landings of soft shell blue crab or peeler crab landings equal to or greater than 2,500 crabs during any one of the qualifying landings years specified in paragraph (3)(c). (c) An applicant will be issued a unique V-S endorsement number for each qualifying saltwater products license. (d) Once eligible, the holder of a V-S endorsement number as specified in paragraph (a), shall be entitled to fish up to 400 peeler crab traps as specified in subsection 68B-45.004(2), F.A.C., in state waters. (e) Persons holding a V-S endorsement number as specified in paragraph (b), shall be entitled to fish up to 250 peeler crab traps as specified in subsection 68B-45.004(2), F.A.C., in state waters in addition to those specified in paragraph (d). (f) No single V-S endorsement number holder may hold more than two V-S endorsement numbers at any one time. (6) Non-transferable blue crab effort management endorsement (V-N). Persons will qualify for the V-N endorsement if they held a valid saltwater products license with a valid restricted species endorsement and a blue crab endorsement pursuant to Section 379.366, F.S., at the time of application, have had no convictions for violations associated with gears defined in subsection 68B- 4.002(3) or (4), F.A.C., since July 1, 1995, and have documented landings using such gears pursuant to Commission trip tickets generated for the Marine Information System under Rule Chapter 68E-5, F.A.C., prior to July 1, 1995, or, sold nets to the state according to the provisions of the net buy back program, Chapter 95-414, Laws of Florida. Qualifying landings must have been received by the Marine Information System no later than August 1, 1995. (a) The non-transferable blue crab effort management endorsement cannot be sold or otherwise transferred to any other person as described in subsection (15) or (16). (b) The holder of a non-transferable blue crab effort management endorsement number shall be entitled to purchase up to 100 hard shell blue crab trap tags that will allow them to deploy a like number of hard shell blue crab traps in any state waters where blue crab traps are allowed. (c) Applicants qualifying for a V-N blue crab effort management endorsement number pursuant to this subsection may apply for the endorsement by completing and submitting application Form DMF-SL4570, Non-Transferable Blue Crab Effort Management Endorsement (09-06), incorporated herein by reference. (d) Applicants must submit their application to the Commission no later than September 30, 2007. An applicant may be a person, firm, or corporation. (e) Applicants qualifying pursuant to subsection (6), will only be eligible for one V-N endorsement. (f) Applicants initially denied a V-N endorsement number may appeal their denial by submitting a completed appeals application form (DMF-4580, Application for Appeal of the Non-Transferable Blue Crab Limited Entry Endorsement (09-06), hereby incorporated by reference), to the Director of the Division of Marine Fisheries Management by September 30, 2007. (g) The Executive Director of the Commission or his designee shall consider disputes or problems of applicants appealing their initial denial of a V-N award. (h) The burden of proof shall be on the appellant to demonstrate through either: 1) copies of trip tickets or other proof of landings described in paragraph (a), legitimate sales to a licensed wholesale dealer that were not reported by the wholesale dealer or included in the agencies database, or 2) proof of sales to the state according to the provisions of the net buy back program, Chapter 95-414, Laws of Florida. (i) The holder of a V-N blue crab effort management endorsement number shall be subject to the same trap tag requirements described in subsection (7). (j) The holder of a V-N blue crab effort management endorsement number shall be subject to the same renewal criteria described in subsection (9). (k) The holder of a V-N blue crab effort management endorsement number shall be subject to the renewal criteria described in paragraph (10)(a). (l) The holder of a V-N blue crab effort management endorsement number shall not be eligible to serve either on the blue crab limited entry appeals board described in subsection (11), or the advisory board described in subsection (12). (m) The holder of a V-N endorsement number shall be subject to the requirements of subsections (13) and (14). (n) If the holder of a V-N blue crab effort management endorsement number purchases a V-H endorsement described in subsection (4), or a V-S endorsement described in subsection (5), the non-transferable endorsement shall be forfeited. (7) Trap Tags. (a) Trap tags shall only be issued to holders of a current valid saltwater products license with a restricted species endorsement and a blue crab effort management endorsement number. (b) Beginning July 1, 2007, each trap used for the directed harvest of blue crabs must have securely fastened thereto a current trap tag issued annually by the Commission. Each such tag shall be manufactured by a Commission vendor and made of durable plastic or similarly durable material and shall have printed thereon the holder’s blue crab effort management endorsement number. To facilitate enforcement and record keeping, such tags shall be issued each year in a color different from those used in the preceding three years. Traps with tags that are not securely fastened shall be considered untagged for enforcement purposes. (c) Blue crab trap tags shall only be issued to natural persons. For the purpose of this section, the term “natural person” or “person” refers to a human being and does not include a firm, organization, partnership, association, corporation, or other business or legal entity or group or combination. A corporation that holds a blue crab effort management endorsement number shall designate one individual to whom they are assigning their trap tags. (d) Each person who possesses a blue crab effort management endorsement number shall annually submit a blue crab effort management endorsement trap tag order application form stating the number of tags they wish to receive, up to the maximum specified in subsection (4) or (5), from February 1 through March 15 to ensure receipt of tags before the beginning of the next license year. However, tags ordered after this time period may not be available prior to the beginning of the next license year. (e) Trap tags may only be ordered in blocks of 50 tags. (f) Blue crab trap tags shall not be issued to blue crab effort management endorsement holders until all license fees and any other outstanding fees owed the Commission have been paid in full and are current and the tag holder’s saltwater products license with valid restricted species endorsement and blue crab effort management endorsement are not otherwise inactive. (g) Lost or damaged tags may be replaced using Commission Form DMF-SL4530 (05-05), Blue Crab Trap Tag Replacement Application, incorporated herein by reference, and upon proper verification of loss as provided in paragraph (i). Damaged tags must be immediately returned to the Commission. (h) As part of the Blue Crab Trap Tag Replacement Application (DMF-SL 4530 (05-05)), the applicant shall provide the tag holder’s name, saltwater products license number, blue crab effort management endorsement number, the number of tags that were lost, location or area where the tags were lost, and circumstances under which the tags were lost. (8) Effective September 30, 2007, no additional blue crab effort management endorsements will be issued except to applicants qualifying as specified in subsection (18), and no blue crab effort management endorsement will be renewed or replaced except those that were issued pursuant to subsection (4), (5), (6) or (11). (9) Beginning in the 2008/2009 license year, each holder of a blue crab effort management endorsement number, or an immediate family member of such holder in the case of an individual, must renew the endorsement number each license year before September 30. Failure to renew the endorsement number by September 30 of any year will result in forfeiture of the endorsement number. (10) Requalification. Beginning with license year 2010/2011, the holder of a blue crab effort management endorsement number, except those qualifying as specified in subsection (18), must requalify for the endorsement number by documenting landings on such endorsement as specified in paragraph (a) or (b), in at least one of the previous three license years. Each endorsement number will then be valid for three years from the date of requalification, but must still be renewed annually as required by subsection (8). Except for the V-I endorsement specified in subsection (18), any blue crab effort management endorsement number not meeting the requalification criteria as specified in paragraph (a) or (b), will not be renewed. (a) In order to requalify a V-H or a V-N endorsement number, an applicant for requalification must document landings equal to or exceeding 500 pounds of hard shell blue crabs. Persons wishing to also requalify V-H endorsement numbers on additional saltwater products licenses must document landings equal to or exceeding 7,500 pounds of hard shell blue crabs on each of those licenses. (b) In order to requalify a V-S endorsement number, an applicant for requalification must document landings equal to or exceeding 750 soft crabs or peeler crabs. Persons wishing to also requalify a V-S endorsement number on an additional saltwater products license must document landings equal to or exceeding 2,500 soft crabs or peeler crabs on that license. (11) Blue Crab Appeals Board. The Executive Director of the Commission shall appoint an appeals board composed of six blue crab effort management endorsement holders or wholesale seafood dealers and one Commission staff member to consider disputes or problems arising from the initial denial of a blue crab effort management endorsement. (a) The six members of the appeals board will consist of at least four members that qualify for a V-H endorsement number and at least one that qualifies for a V-S endorsement number. No member may have appealed their initial blue crab effort management endorsement award. (b) The burden of proof shall be on an appellant to demonstrate, through copies of trip tickets or other proof of landings, legitimate sales to a licensed wholesale dealer that were not reported by the wholesale dealer during the qualifying years or included in the agency landings database as of August 1, 2003. (c) Criteria for issuance of blue crab effort management endorsement numbers by the appeals board on grounds of hardship shall be established by the Blue Crab Advisory Board. (d) After disputes are considered, a recommendation shall be submitted to the Executive Director of the Commission, or his designee, for resolution of the appeal, which recommendation shall either allot an endorsement number to the appellant or uphold the denial of an endorsement number. Notice will be given in writing to the appellant explaining the reasons for the final decision. The action of the Executive Director of the Commission constitutes final agency action, and is appealable pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 120, F.S. (12) Blue Crab Advisory Board. There is hereby established the Blue Crab Advisory Board. Such board shall consider and advise the Commission on the operation of the effort management program and any problems in the fishery. (a) The board shall consist of a member of the Commission staff appointed by the Executive Director of the Commission, and eight members appointed by the Executive Director of the Commission according to the following criteria, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b). 1. All appointed members other than the commission staff person shall be holders of a blue crab effort management endorsement holders and shall not have been convicted of any violations of Chapter 68B-45, F.A.C., within the last six (6) years. At least two shall have blue crab landings equal to or greater than 5,000 pounds during the preceding license year and at least two shall have landings less than 5,000 pounds during such license year. 2. At least five appointed members shall hold a V-H endorsement number, and at least two shall hold a V-S endorsement number. 3. At least one member shall come from each of the following regions of Florida: a. Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, Franklin, Wakulla counties, b. Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco counties, c. Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Collier counties, d. Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Dade, Monroe counties, e. Nassau, Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Putnam, Flagler, Volusia, Brevard counties. (b) If there are not enough individuals that meet the above-referenced criteria, the Executive Director of the Commission may fill any position on the initial board with an individual who does not fulfill the requirements of subparagraph (11)(a)3. However, as soon as individuals are available that meet such requirements, the Executive Director of the Commission may reconstitute the board with qualified appointees. The Executive Director of the Commission shall replace any board member who is cited for and convicted of a violation of Chapter 68B-45, F.A.C., or who misses more than two scheduled meetings of the board without approval from the board chair, with another blue crab fisherman from any region. (c) Holders of blue crab effort management endorsement numbers wanting to be considered for appointment to the Blue Crab Advisory Board shall make their request on Commission Form DMF-SL4540 (09-06), incorporated herein by reference. (d) The staff member of the Commission appointed by the Executive Director of the Commission shall sit on the board as a voting member. The board shall annually elect a chair and a vice chair the first meeting in the calendar year. The Commission staff member may not serve as either chair or vice chair. There shall be no limitation on successive terms that may be served by a chair or vice chair. The board shall meet at the call of its chair, at the request of a majority of its membership or at the request of the Commission. Official action of the board shall require a majority vote of the total membership of the board members present during a meeting. (e) Board members shall serve staggered terms of up to three (3) years, provided however, that this shall not apply to the Commission staff member who serves at the pleasure of the Executive Director of the Commission. (f) Members of the board shall receive no compensation, however, they shall be reimbursed for per diem and travel expenses as provided in Section 112.061, F.S. (g) Upon reaching a decision on any issue brought before it, the board shall submit such decision as a recommendation to the Executive Director of the Commission. The Executive Director of the Commission may submit said recommendation to the Commission at his or her discretion. (h) The board shall have the authority to conduct workshops with fishers to determine what problems exist in the fishery and to make recommendations to the Commission to solve those problems. (i) On July 1, 2012, the board is dissolved unless extended by the Executive Director of the Commission. (13) Leasing Prohibited. The leasing or renting of blue crab effort management endorsement numbers, tags, or traps is prohibited. (14) Endorsement Holder Responsibility. The holder of a blue crab endorsement number is responsible for the actions of anyone working under that endorsement. All monies or proceeds from the sale of blue crabs landed under the blue crab effort management endorsement holder’s saltwater products license shall be issued only to the endorsement holder. (15) Transferability. After the initial issuance, the hard shell blue crab (V-H) and soft shell blue crab (V-S) effort management endorsement numbers are transferable upon approval of the Commission under the following conditions: (a) The buyer must hold a saltwater products license with a valid restricted species endorsement and a blue crab effort management endorsement number. If a buyer does not possess a blue crab effort management endorsement number, they must hold a certificate of completion of the blue crab apprentice program as specified in paragraph (b). (b) Persons not already holding a blue crab effort management endorsement number and wishing to purchase such an endorsement number shall complete an apprenticeship program consisting of working no fewer than fourteen (14) days fishing for blue crab with a properly licensed blue crab effort management endorsement number holder. As evidence thereof, such person must possess a blue crab effort management apprenticeship form (DMF-SL4550 (09-06), incorporated herein by reference)) signed by the endorsement holder attesting to the applicant having worked no fewer than fourteen (14) days fishing for blue crabs on the endorsement holder’s vessel. (c) A person who wishes to transfer an endorsement number shall submit a notarized statement of intent within 72 hours of the final notarized signature, that has been signed by both parties to the transaction, hand delivered, or sent by United States Postal Service certified mail, return receipt requested, to the Commission between May 1 and the end of February. Requests received by the Commission before May 1 or postmarked after the end of February of the current license year will not be processed. The statement of intent (Form DMF-SL 4560 (09-06), incorporated herein by reference)), shall include the following information: 1. The name, address, and SPL number of seller, 2. The name, address, and SPL number of buyer; and, 3. The selling price. (d) A blue crab effort management endorsement number shall not be issued, transferred, or renewed until all license fees, surcharges, and any other outstanding fees, fines, or penalties owed to the Commission by either party to the transaction have been paid in full. (16) In the event of the death or permanent disability of a person holding a blue crab endorsement number, the endorsement number may be transferred by the license holder or the executor of the estate to a member of his or her immediate family within 12 months of the date of death or disability and upon payment of all outstanding fees, fines, or penalties to the Commission in full. (17) No Vested Rights. This blue crab effort management program does not create any vested rights for endorsement number holders whatsoever and may be altered or terminated by the Commission as necessary to protect the blue crab resource, the participants of the fishery, or the public interest. (18) Blue crab incidental take endorsement. Persons possessing a valid stone crab endorsement or can demonstrate landings of blue crabs caught as bycatch by shrimp gears that were used to lawfully harvest shrimp pursuant to Commission trip tickets generated for the Marine Information System under Rule Chapter 68E-5, F.A.C., will qualify for a blue crab incidental take endorsement (V-I). The holder of a V-I number shall be entitled to harvest and sell blue crab as bycatch, provided the amount does not exceed 200 pounds of blue crabs per vessel per trip.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 5-26-05, Amended 3-30-06, 9-21-06, 7-31-07, 1-26-11.

68B-45.008 Assessment of Administrative Penalties for Violations Relating to Blue Crab Management. (1) For conviction of a violation involving use of blue crab traps without current year trap tags pursuant to paragraph 68B- 45.007(7)(b), F.A.C., the Commission shall assess administrative penalties pursuant to Section 379.366(4)(a), F.S., as follows: (a) For a first violation: 1. Involving 20 or fewer untagged blue crab traps – $25 per untagged trap, 2. Involving 21 or more untagged blue crab traps – $1000. (b) For a second violation occurring within 24 months of any previous such violation: 1. Involving 5 or fewer untagged blue crab traps – $50 per untagged trap, 2. Involving 6 to 20 untagged blue crab traps – $75 per untagged trap and suspension of all blue crab fishing privileges for 12 calendar months, 3. Involving 21 or more untagged blue crab traps – $2000 and suspension of blue crab fishing privileges for 12 calendar months. (c) For a third violation occurring within 36 months of two previous such violations: 1. Involving 5 or fewer untagged blue crab traps – $100 per untagged trap and suspension of all blue crab fishing privileges for 24 calendar months, 2. Involving 6 to 20 untagged blue crab traps – $2500 and suspension of all blue crab fishing privileges for 24 calendar months, 3. Involving 21 or more untagged blue crab traps – $5000 and suspension of all blue crab fishing privileges for 24 calendar months. (d) For a fourth violation occurring within 48 months of three previous such violations, regardless of the number of untagged blue crab traps involved – permanent revocation of all saltwater fishing privileges, including the endorsement holder’s saltwater products license, and all endorsements. (2) For conviction of a violation involving trap theft, which is the unauthorized possession of another harvester’s blue crab trap gear or removal of another harvester’s blue crab trap contents, the Commission shall assess an administrative penalty of $5000, permanently revoke all saltwater fishing privileges, including all saltwater products licenses, endorsements, and trap tags allotted to him or her by the Commission, and prohibit the transfer of all endorsements pursuant to Section 379.366(4)(b), F.S. (3) For conviction of a violation involving the willful molestation of a blue crab trap, trap line or buoy that is the property of any licenseholder without the permission of that licenseholder, the Commission shall assess an administrative penalty pursuant to Section 379.366(4)(c), F.S., as follows: (a) For a first violation – $2500 and suspension of all blue crab or incidental take endorsements for 12 calendar months. (b) For a second and each of all subsequent such violations – $5000 and suspension of all blue crab or incidental take endorsements for 24 calendar months. (4) For conviction of a violation involving the bartering, trading, leasing, selling, giving, supplying, conspiracy to or aid in bartering, trading, leasing or selling, or agreeing or aiding to supply a blue crab trap tag without authorization from the Commission, the Commission shall assess administrative penalties pursuant to Section 379.366(4)(c), F.S., as follows: (a) For a first violation: 1. Involving 5 or fewer blue crab trap tags – $1000, 2. Involving 6 or more blue crab trap tags – $1000 and suspension of all blue crab endorsements for the remainder of the license year. (b) For a second violation occurring within 24 months of any previous such violation: 1. Involving 5 or fewer blue crab trap tags – $1000 and suspension of all blue crab endorsements for 12 calendar months, 2. Involving 6 or more blue crab trap tags – $2000 and suspension of all blue crab endorsements for 12 calendar months. (c) For a third and each subsequent violation occurring within 36 months of two previous such violations: 1. Involving 5 or fewer blue crab trap tags – $3000 and suspension of all blue crab endorsements for 24 calendar months, 2. Involving 6 or more blue crab trap tags – $5000 and suspension of all blue crab endorsements for 24 calendar months. (5) For conviction of a violation involving the possession or use of any blue crab trap tags not issued by the Commission or the unlawful making, altering, forging, counterfeiting or reproducing of blue crab trap tags, the Commission shall assess administrative penalties pursuant to Section 379.366(4)(c), F.S., as follows: (a) For a first violation: 1. Involving 15 or fewer illegal blue crab trap tags – $500, 2. Involving 16 or more illegal blue crab trap tags – $1000. (b) For a second violation occurring within 24 months of a previous such violation: 1. Involving 10 or fewer illegal blue crab trap tags – $1000 and suspension of all blue crab endorsements for 12 calendar months, 2. Involving 11 or more illegal blue crab trap tags – $2000 and suspension of all blue crab endorsements for 12 calendar months. (c) For a third and each subsequent violation occurring within 36 months of two previous such violations: 1. Involving 5 or fewer illegal blue crab trap tags – $3000 and suspension of all blue crab endorsements for 24 calendar months, 2. Involving 6 or more illegal blue crab trap tags – $5000 and suspension of all blue crab endorsements for 24 calendar months. (6) For conviction of a violation involving the possession of a number of original trap tags or replacement tags, the sum of which exceeds by one percent the number of traps allowed by Commission rules, the Commission shall assess an administrative penalty of $5000, and suspend all blue crab endorsements for 24 months pursuant to Section 379.366(4)(c), F.S. (7) For conviction of a violation involving the commercial harvest of blue crabs during the time period when the license holder’s blue crab or incidental take endorsements are under suspension, the Commission shall assess an administrative penalty of $5000 and suspend all blue crab or incidental take endorsements for an additional 24 months to be applied consecutively to the current suspension period pursuant to Section 379.366(4)(c), F.S. (8) For conviction of a violation involving fraudulently reporting the actual value of a transferred blue crab endorsement, the Commission shall assess an administrative penalty pursuant to Section 379.366(4)(d), F.S., as follows: (a) If the difference between the actual value and the reported value of the endorsement is less than 25% of the actual value – suspension of the purchaser’s blue crab endorsements for six calendar months. (b) If the difference between the actual value and the reported value of the endorsement is between 25% and 49.9% of the actual value – suspension of all the purchaser’s blue crab endorsements for 12 calendar months. (c) If the difference between the actual value and the reported value of the endorsement is equal to or greater than 50% of the actual value – permanent revocation of all the purchaser’s blue crab endorsements. (9) Immediately upon receiving a citation for a violation referenced in subsections (3)-(7), the commercial harvester is prohibited from transferring any blue crab endorsement until said violation is adjudicated, pursuant to Section 379.366(4)(c), F.S. (10) If blue crab effort management endorsement privileges are suspended for a violation referenced in subsections (3)-(7), a commercial harvester is prohibited from transferring any blue crab endorsement until the period of suspension expires, pursuant to Section 379.366(4)(c), F.S. (11) For purposes of this rule, a conviction is any judicial disposition other than acquittal or dismissal. (12) A blue crab endorsement will not be renewed by the Commission until all fees and administrative penalties are paid in full.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 379.366 FS. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const.; 379.366 FS. History–New 7-1-09.

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER ANGLERS’ PARTICIPATION IN AND SATISFACTION WITH SALTWATER FISHING AND OPINIONS ON SALTWATER FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

VOLUME 1 OF 2

Conducted for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division

by Responsive Management

2006

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER ANGLERS’ PARTICIPATION IN AND SATISFACTION WITH SALTWATER FISHING AND OPINIONS ON SALTWATER FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

VOLUME 1 OF 2

2006

Responsive Management National Office Mark Damian Duda, Executive Director Peter E. De Michele, Ph.D., Director of Research Martin Jones, Research Associate Andrea Criscione, Research Associate Chad Craun, Research Associate Tim Winegord, Survey Center Manager Alison Lanier, Business Manager Steven J. Bissell, Ph.D., Qualitative Research Associate James B. Herrick, Ph.D., Research Associate

130 Franklin Street Harrisonburg, VA 22801 Phone: 540/432-1888 Fax: 540/432-1892 E-mail: [email protected] www.responsivemanagement.com

Acknowledgements

Responsive Management would like to thank Mel Bell and Ray Rhodes of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources for their input, support, and guidance on this project.

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report i

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This study was conducted for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division (Division), to determine saltwater anglers’ participation in fishing and shellfishing and their attitudes toward and opinions on saltwater fisheries management as well as their opinions on the Division. The study entailed a telephone survey of saltwater anglers who purchased a South Carolina Saltwater Recreational Fisheries License within the past 2 years.

For the survey, telephones were selected as the preferred sampling medium because of the universality of telephone ownership. The telephone survey questionnaire was developed cooperatively by Responsive Management and the Division. Interviews were conducted Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday noon to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., local time. The survey was conducted September – October 2005. Responsive Management obtained a total of 1,514 completed interviews.

The survey was administered to South Carolina residents and non-residents who purchased a South Carolina Saltwater Recreational Fisheries License within the past 2 years. For the purposes of easy identification, active saltwater anglers are defined as those who have saltwater fished for finfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years, and lapsed saltwater anglers are defined as those who have not saltwater fished for finfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years.

The software used for data collection was Questionnaire Programming Language 4.1 (QPL). The analysis of data was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software as well as proprietary software developed by Responsive Management. The data analyses entailed a breakdown of the data into resident and non-resident saltwater anglers. The data for resident saltwater anglers was further broken down into coastal resident and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers.

Throughout this report, findings of the telephone survey are reported at a 95% confidence interval. For the entire sample of saltwater anglers, the sampling error is at most plus or minus 2.50 percentage points. ii Responsive Management

SALTWATER RECREATOINAL FISHERIES LICENSE PURCHASING Ø A large majority (76%) of respondents purchased a South Carolina Saltwater Recreational Fisheries License for both the 2003 – 2004 and 2004 – 2005 seasons, compared to 22% who purchased a license for only one of the two seasons. · Resident saltwater anglers were more likely than were non-resident saltwater anglers to have purchased a South Carolina Saltwater Recreational Fisheries License for both seasons

Ø An overwhelming majority (97%) of resident saltwater anglers purchased an Annual Resident Saltwater Recreational Fisheries License while non-resident saltwater anglers were more evenly split between purchasing an Annual Non-Resident Saltwater Recreational Fisheries License (42%) and a 14-day Non-Resident Saltwater Recreational Fisheries License (51%).

Ø A large majority (88%) of respondents have either purchased or plan to purchase a South Carolina Saltwater Recreational Fisheries License for the 2005 – 2006 season.

SALTWATER FISHING Saltwater Fishing Participation Ø The large majority (85%) of respondents who purchased a Saltwater Recreational Fisheries License within the past 2 years have been saltwater fishing for finfish using a hook and line or gig in South Carolina or off the coast of South Carolina in the past 2 years.

Satisfaction with and Opinions on the Quality of Saltwater Fishing in South Carolina Ø The large majority (90%) of active saltwater anglers were very or somewhat satisfied with saltwater fishing in South Carolina and off the coast of South Carolina in the past 2 years, compared to only 9% who were very or somewhat dissatisfied.

between thinking the quality of saltwater fishing in South Carolina had declined (23%) or improved (20%).

Ø Most commonly, active saltwater anglers said nothing takes away from their saltwater fishing satisfaction and/or they fish as often as they like (45% gave this response).

Typical Saltwater Fishing Behaviors Ø When asked for their single main reason for saltwater fishing in South Carolina over the past 2 years, active saltwater anglers’ responses were fairly evenly distributed among the following reasons: for the sport (26% said this was their single main reason for saltwater fishing in South Carolina), for relaxation (23%), to be with family and friends (21%), and to catch fresh fish for food (20%).

Ø The mean number of days that active saltwater anglers went saltwater fishing in South Carolina in the last 12 months was 19.4 days.

Ø A majority (58%) of active saltwater anglers always or often fish during morning hours (5:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.).

Ø Most commonly, active saltwater anglers saltwater fish from a private boat in estuarine waters: 68% of active saltwater anglers indicated that they always or often saltwater fish from a private boat in estuarine waters, far exceeding the percentages who always or often fish from other locations.

Ø The majority (64%) of active saltwater anglers currently own a boat from which they saltwater fish in South Carolina, with residents, specifically coastal residents, being more likely to own a boat. iv Responsive Management

Ø Most commonly, active saltwater anglers most often accessed the water for saltwater fishing in South Carolina in the past 2 years in Charleston County (36%), followed by Beaufort (18%), Georgetown (17%), and Horry (12%) Counties.

Ø Of active saltwater anglers who currently own a boat from which they regularly saltwater fish in South Carolina, the large majority (79%) typically access saltwater in South Carolina for fishing using public boat ramps.

Ø A large majority (87%) of active saltwater anglers take day trips to saltwater fish in South Carolina. · The mean number of hours that active saltwater anglers who take day trips usually travel one-way on the road for a day of saltwater fishing in South Carolina is 1.5 hours.

Ø A majority (60%) of active saltwater anglers take overnight trips for the primary purpose of saltwater fishing in South Carolina. · The mean number of hours that active saltwater anglers usually travel one-way on the road for an overnight trip for the primary purpose of saltwater fishing in South Carolina is 2.7 hours.

Ø The mean number of people who go on a typical saltwater fishing trip in South Carolina with active saltwater anglers is 2.6 people.

Ø The most commonly fished-for saltwater species in South Carolina in the past 2 years were red drum (48% named this species as one of the top three saltwater species they fished for most often) and flounder (southern and summer varieties) (41%). Other saltwater species South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report v

commonly fished for in South Carolina were spotted seatrout (18%), trout (non-specific) (17%), spot (13%), and king mackerel (11%).

Ø Active saltwater anglers’ catch and release practices were fairly evenly distributed among the three possibilities to mostly keep, mostly release, and equally keep and release the fish they catch.

Ø An overwhelming majority (98%) of active saltwater anglers who mostly release or equally keep and release the fish they catch indicated that they take special precautions not to injure the fish that are to be released. · The most common precautions are to carefully remove hooks, not handling fish by the gills, using circle hooks, using dipnets, and cutting the line.

Satisfaction with Fishing for Various Species Ø Active saltwater anglers were asked how satisfied they were with their fishing for the three species they most often fished for in South Carolina in the past 2 years. For nearly every species, satisfaction exceeds dissatisfaction. Additionally, satisfaction with fishing for various species in general is higher among residents than non-residents. · Satisfaction also exceeds dissatisfaction with current fishing regulations and the quantity of fish they catch for nearly every species, as well. · For nearly every species, a large majority of active saltwater anglers rate the health and quality of species as excellent or good. vi Responsive Management

Opinions on Mullet and Menhaden Populations Ø Most commonly, active saltwater anglers do not know if the mullet populations or if menhaden populations have increased, remained the same, or decreased over the past 2 years; otherwise, they most commonly say that mullet populations and menhaden populations have remained the same.

Opinions on Saltwater Fishing Regulations Ø The large majority (88%) of active saltwater anglers agree that South Carolina’s saltwater fishing regulations are clear and easy to understand, with 58% who strongly agree.

Ø The large majority (82%) of active saltwater anglers are satisfied with the current saltwater fishing regulations in South Carolina, with 46% who are very satisfied.

Support for and Opposition to Various Bag Limit Changes Ø A majority (72%) of active saltwater anglers say they would strongly or moderately support a change in the bag limit for flounder to 15 fish per day. They would also strongly or moderately support a change in the bag limit for for sheepshead to 15 fish per day.

Ø A majority of active saltwater anglers say they would strongly or moderately support a change in the bag limit for red drum to three fish per day, even if the change also required a one-inch increase in the minimum size limit or if the change required a one-inch decrease in the maximum size limit.

Constraints to Participating in Saltwater Fishing Ø Not enough time is the top factor that active saltwater anglers say takes away from their satisfaction or causes them not to fish as much as they would like and that lapsed anglers say is the main reason they do not go saltwater fishing. · Of those who said that time is a constraint to their saltwater fishing in South Carolina (both active and lapsed anglers), a large majority (74%) say work is a specific reason they do not have enough time to go saltwater fishing. Family obligations is the second top reason that respondents did not have enough time to go saltwater fishing (31%). South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report vii

GIGGING PARTICIPATION Ø The large majority (87%) of respondents have not been gigging for flounder in South Carolina in the past 2 years. The mean number of days spent gigging for flounder in South Carolina in the past 12 months was 5.6 days.

SHELLFISHING Recreational Oystering Participation Ø The large majority (88%) of respondents have not been recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 2 years; however, a substantial percentage (12%) have been recreational oystering. The mean number of days spent recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 12 months was 5.1 days.

Opinions on Oystering and the Oyster Population Ø The majority of those who have been recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 2 years rate the quantity and the health and quality of oysters in the areas they go oystering as excellent or good.

Ø A majority (65%) of respondents who have been recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 2 years say it is very or somewhat easy to get the two-bushel oyster limit.

Recreational Clamming Participation Ø An overwhelming majority (94%) of respondents have not been recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years. The mean number of days spent recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 12 months was 6.4 days. viii Responsive Management

Opinions on Clamming and the Clam Population Ø The majority of respondents who have been recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years rate the quantity and the health and quality of clams in the areas they go clamming as excellent or good.

Recreational Crabbing Participation Ø Although a large majority (72%) of respondents have not been recreational crabbing in South Carolina in the past 2 years, more than a quarter (28%) have been recreational crabbing. The mean number of days spent recreational crabbing in South Carolina in the past 12 months was 9.3 days.

Opinions on Crabbing and the Crab Population Ø A majority of respondents who have been recreational crabbing in South Carolina in the past 2 years rate the quanity and the health and quality of crabs in the areas they go crabbing as excellent or good.

Use of Public and State Shellfish Grounds Ø Overall, respondents who have been recreational oystering or clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years gather oysters or clams from public shellfish grounds more often than from state shellfish grounds in South Carolina. · A slight majority of respondents who have been recreational oystering or clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years gather oysters or clams from public shellfish grounds in South Carolina at least always, often, or sometimes. · A substantial percentage (37%) gather oysters or clams at least sometimes from state shellfish grounds in South Carolina.

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report ix

Size of Shellfishing Parties Ø The mean number of people who go on a typical shellfishing trip in South Carolina with those who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years is 2.2 people.

FISH AND SHELLFISH CONSUMPTION Saltwater Fish Consumption Ø The majority (59%) of active saltwater anglers always eat the saltwater fish they catch in South Carolina.

Ø Keeping fish to eat is very or somewhat important for the saltwater fishing experience for the majority (81%) of the active saltwater anglers who eat some of the fish they catch.

Shellfish Consumption Ø The majority (64%) of respondents who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years always eat the shellfish they harvest in South Carolina.

Importance of Shellfish Consumption Ø Keeping shellfish to eat is very important for the shellfishing experience of the majority (75%) of the respondents who have saltwater fished for shellfish (oysters, clams, or crabs) in South Carolina in the past 2 years and who eat some of the shellfish they harvest.

Oyster Purchasing Behavior Ø A large majority (75%) of respondents who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years and who eat some of the shellfish they harvest purchase oysters from seafood vendors.

Oyster Shell Recycling Behavior Ø A slight majority (56%) of respondents who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years and who eat some of the oysters they harvest do not recycle their oyster shells at a SCDNR drop-off site for recycling; nonetheless, a large percentage (43%) do recycle their oyster shells at a SCDNR drop-off site.

Awareness of Gulf Coast Oyster Shell Quarantine Ø A large majority (80%) of active saltwater anglers were not at all aware that Gulf Coast oyster shells should not be placed in South Carolina waters.

OPINIONS ON SALTWATER ACCESS Ø A majority (68%) of active saltwater anglers rate saltwater shoreline access, the number and size of boat ramps, and the maintenance of the public boat ramps in the areas they saltwater fish the most often in South Carolina as excellent or good. They also most commonly rate the number and size of fishing piers and the maintenance of the piers in the areas where they saltwater fish in South Carolina as good.

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report xi

Ø Most commonly, active saltwater anglers say they have never had problems finding available parking at boat launch facilities where they saltwater fish most often

AWARENESS OF AND SATISFACTION WITH THE MARINE RESOURCES DIVISION Ø Prior to this survey, active saltwater anglers most commonly knew a moderate amount (39%) or a little (33%) about the activities of the Marine Resources Division. Ø The majority (78%) of active saltwater anglers are very or somewhat satisfied with the Marine Resources Division as a division of a governmental agency in South Carolina. xii Responsive Management

RATINGS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF DIVISION PROGRAMS Ø Active saltwater anglers were asked to rate the importance of 17 different program areas for the Marine Resources Division. Overall, ratings were fairly high for most program areas. Most commonly, active saltwater anglers rated the importance of each of the 17 programs areas as a 10 (excellent). · Improving water quality was the top-rated program area for importance among residents and non-residents. · 10 of the 17 program areas had a mean rating of importance of 8.0 or higher: improving water quality (9.0), enforcing saltwater fishing laws and regulations (8.7), teaching fishing skills to kids (8.6), providing public access areas for fishing (8.5), conducting fisheries-related research (8.4), maintaining fish hatcheries for saltwater fish (8.4), providing marine artificial reefs (8.3), acquiring more land and marsh areas for conserving marine resources (8.1), maintaining state shellfish grounds (8.1), and maintaining public shellfish grounds (8.0).

CONTACT WITH THE MARINE RESOURCES DIVISION Ø About half (51%) of all respondents (active and lapsed anglers) have contacted the SCDNR for information or assistance. Slightly more than half (52%) of respondents who have contacted the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources have contacted the Marine Resources Division. South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report xiii

Ø The large majority (81%) of those who have contacted the Marine Resources Division were very satisfied with the contact.

Ø Overall, a majority (62%) are likely to contact the Marine Resources Division of the SCDNR.

Ø The majority (79%) of respondents who have had personal contact with a SCDNR law enforcement officer strongly agreed that the officers they came in contact with were knowledgeable.

Ø About half (51%) of all respondents have contacted the SCDNR for information or assistance.

Ø Of those who obtain information about saltwater fishing or saltwater fishing regulations on the Internet, a majority (79%) obtain information from the SCDNR Web site.

Ø The overwhelming majority (92%) of respondents who obtain information about saltwater fishing or saltwater fishing regulations from the SCDNR Web site have never used the shellfish maps found on the SCDNR’s Web site.

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report xv

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction and Methodology ...... 1 Saltwater Recreational Fisheries License Purchasing...... 5 Saltwater Fishing...... 13 Saltwater Fishing Participation...... 13 Satisfaction with and Opinions on the Quality of Saltwater Fishing in South Carolina ...... 16 Typical Saltwater Fishing Behaviors...... 25 Motivations for Fishing ...... 25 Years, Days, and Time of Day Spent Fishing ...... 28 Fishing Locations ...... 53 Saltwater Access for Fishing...... 73 Amount of Travel to Fish...... 78 Size of Fishing Parties...... 88 Species Typically Fished for and Species Preferred ...... 91 Catch and Release Behaviors ...... 102 Satisfaction with Fishing for Various Species...... 111 Opinions on Mullet and Menhaden Populations ...... 193 Opinions on Saltwater Fishing Regulations ...... 195 Support for and Opposition to Various Bag Limit Changes...... 205 Constraints to Participating in Saltwater Fishing ...... 221 Surf Fishing Participation...... 243 Gigging Participation...... 248 Shellfishing ...... 255 Recreational Oystering Participation...... 255 Opinions on Oystering and the Oyster Population...... 260 Recreational Clamming Participation...... 267 Opinions on Clamming and the Clam Population...... 272 Recreational Crabbing Participation...... 280 Opinions on Crabbing and the Crab Population...... 285 Use of Public and State Shellfish Grounds...... 290 Size of Shellfishing Parties...... 295 Fish and Shellfish Consumption...... 298 Saltwater Fish Consumption...... 298 Shellfish Consumption...... 303 Importance of Shellfish Consumption...... 306 Oyster Purchasing Behavior ...... 314 Oyster Shell Recycling Behavior...... 319 Awareness of Gulf Coast Oyster Shell Quarantine ...... 324 Opinions on Saltwater Access ...... 327 Participation in Fishing-Related Activities...... 341 Membership in Saltwater Fishing Organizations...... 344 Opinions on Issues Facing Marine Fisheries Resources in South Carolina...... 351 Awareness of and Satisfaction with the Marine Resources Division...... 356 Ratings of the Efforts of the Marine Resources Division...... 361 Ratings of the Importance of Division Programs ...... 378 Contact with the Marine Resources Division...... 418 xvi Responsive Management

Contact with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources ...... 430 Sources of Information on Saltwater Fishing ...... 442 Demographic Data ...... 452 Additional Comments ...... 483 Appendix A: Survey Instrument ...... 490 Appendix B: Coastal and Non-Coastal Definitions by County and Region...... 594 Appendix C: About Responsive Management...... 596

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 1

INTRODUCTION AND METHODOLOGY This study was conducted for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division (Division), to determine saltwater anglers’ participation in fishing and shellfishing and their attitudes toward and opinions on saltwater fisheries management as well as their opinions on the Division. The study entailed a telephone survey of saltwater anglers who purchased a South Carolina Saltwater Recreational Fisheries License within the past 2 years. Specific aspects of the research methodology are discussed below.

For the survey, telephones were selected as the preferred sampling medium because of the universality of telephone ownership. In addition, a central polling site at the Responsive Management office allowed for rigorous quality control over the interviews and data collection. Responsive Management maintains its own in-house telephone interviewing facilities. These facilities are staffed by interviewers with experience conducting computer-assisted telephone interviews on the subjects of natural resources and outdoor recreation. The telephone survey questionnaire was developed cooperatively by Responsive Management and the Division. Responsive Management conducted a pre-test of the questionnaire, and revisions were made to the questionnaire based on the pre-test.

To ensure the integrity of the telephone survey data, Responsive Management has interviewers who have been trained according to the standards established by the Council of American Survey Research Organizations. Methods of instruction included lecture and role-playing. The Survey Center Managers and other professional staff conducted project briefings with the interviewers prior to the administration of this survey. Interviewers were instructed on type of study, study goals and objectives, handling of survey questions, interview length, termination points and qualifiers for participation, interviewer instructions within the survey instrument, reading of the survey instrument, skip patterns, and probing and clarifying techniques necessary for specific questions on the survey instrument. The Survey Center Managers and statisticians monitored the data collection, including monitoring of the actual telephone interviews without the interviewers’ knowledge, to evaluate the performance of each interviewer and ensure the integrity of the data. After the surveys were obtained by the interviewers, the Survey Center Managers and/or statisticians edited each completed survey to ensure clarity and completeness. 2 Responsive Management

Interviews were conducted Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday noon to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., local time. A five-callback design was used to maintain the representativeness of the sample, to avoid bias toward people easy to reach by telephone, and to provide an equal opportunity for all to participate. When a respondent could not be reached on the first call, subsequent calls were placed on different days of the week and at different times of the day. The survey was conducted September – October 2005. Responsive Management obtained a total of 1,514 completed interviews.

The software used for data collection was Questionnaire Programming Language 4.1 (QPL). The survey data were entered into the computer as each interview was being conducted, eliminating manual data entry after the completion of the survey and the concomitant data entry errors that may occur with manual data entry. The survey instrument was programmed so that QPL branched, coded, and substituted phrases in the survey based on previous responses to ensure the integrity and consistency of the data collection.

The survey was administered to South Carolina residents and non-residents who purchased a South Carolina Saltwater Recreational Fisheries License within the past 2 years. For the purposes of easy identification, the terms “active” saltwater anglers and “lapsed” saltwater anglers are used for the survey results reported herein. Active saltwater anglers are defined as those who have saltwater fished for finfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years. Lapsed saltwater anglers are defined as those who have not saltwater fished for finfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years. It is important to note, however, that both active and lapsed saltwater anglers purchased a license within the past 2 years and may have saltwater fished for shellfish.

The analysis of data was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software as well as proprietary software developed by Responsive Management. In addition to the active and lapsed saltwater angler categories defined above, the data analyses entailed a breakdown of the data into resident and non-resident saltwater anglers. Resident saltwater anglers are those who have residency in South Carolina according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Saltwater Recreational Fisheries License database. Non-resident saltwater anglers are those who do not reside in South Carolina according to the same database. The data South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 3 for resident saltwater anglers was further broken down into coastal resident and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers. Coastal resident saltwater anglers are those who live in the following regions identified and defined by the Division: North Coastal, Central Coastal, South Coastal, and Mid-State. Non-coastal resident saltwater anglers are those who lived in the Up-State region as it is identified and defined by the Division. Please see Appendix B for a table depicting the Division’s breakdown of coastal and non-coastal areas into counties and regions.

Throughout this report, findings of the telephone survey are reported at a 95% confidence interval. Using the FY05 SCDNR Saltwater Recreational Fisheries License database and the sample of 1,514 saltwater anglers, the sampling error is at most plus or minus 2.50 percentage points. This means that if the survey were conducted 100 times on different samples that were selected in the same way, the findings of 95 out of the 100 surveys would fall within plus or minus 2.50 percentage points of each other. The sample sizes of the usable population of FY05 SCDNR Recreational Fisheries License records and related sampling errors for resident, non-resident, coastal resident, and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers are shown in the table below. Please note that for this survey, “usable records,” as provided by the SCDNR, were all records in the FY05 SCDNR database with complete addresses for licenses purchased no later than May 12, 2005. This population of usable license records comprised 92% of all records in the SCDNR database.

Population Sample Confidence Sampling Population of Usable Records Size Size Interval Error Licensed Saltwater Anglers 90,912 1,514 95% 2.50 Resident Saltwater Anglers 74,203 1,277 95% 2.72 Coastal Resident Saltwater Anglers 54,395 940 95% 3.17 Non-Coastal Resident Saltwater Anglers 19,808 337 95% 5.29 Non-Resident Saltwater Anglers 16,709 237 95% 6.32

Using the sample sizes and population sizes reported in the table above, sampling errors were calculated using the formula described on the following page.

4 Responsive Management

Sampling error equation:

æ Np(.25) ö ç -.25 ÷ ç Ns ÷ B = ()1.96 ç Np -1 ÷ ç ÷ è ø

Where: B = maximum sampling error (as decimal)

NP = population size (i.e., total number who could be surveyed) NS = sample size (i.e., total number of respondents surveyed)

Derived from formula: p. 206 in Dillman, D. A. 2000. Mail and Internet Surveys. John Wiley & Sons, NY.

Note: This is a simplified version of the formula that calculates the maximum sampling error using a 50:50 split (the most conservative calculation because a 50:50 split would give maximum variation).

Note that some results may not sum to exactly 100% because of rounding. Additionally, rounding on the graphs may cause apparent discrepancies of 1 percentage point between the graphs and the reported results of combined responses (e.g., when “strongly support” and “moderately support” are summed to determine the total percentage in support).

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 5

SALTWATER RECREATIONAL FISHERIES LICENSE PURCHASING Ø A large majority (76%) of respondents purchased a South Carolina Saltwater Recreational Fisheries License for both the 2003 – 2004 and 2004 – 2005 seasons, compared to 22% who purchased a license for only one of the two seasons. · Resident saltwater anglers were more likely than were non-resident saltwater anglers to have purchased a South Carolina Saltwater Recreational Fisheries License for both the 2003 – 2004 and 2004 – 2005 seasons (80% of resident saltwater anglers compared to 54% of non-resident saltwater anglers). · Non-resident saltwater anglers were fairly evenly split between having purchased a license for only the 2003 – 2004 season (20% purchased a license for this season only) and only the 2004 – 2005 season (24%). · There was little variation of license purchasing behavior between coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers.

Ø A large majority (88%) of respondents have either purchased or plan to purchase a South Carolina Saltwater Recreational Fisheries License for the 2005 – 2006 season. · Only 9% have not purchased and do not plan to purchase a license for the 2005 – 2006 season. · Resident saltwater anglers were more likely to have already purchased a South Carolina Saltwater Recreational Fisheries License for the 2005 – 2006 than to have not but plan to purchase a license (58% have already purchased a license compared to 33% who have not but plan to purchase a license). 6 Responsive Management

· The reverse is true of non-resident saltwater anglers, who were more likely to have not purchased a license for the 2005 – 2006 but plan to (44% plan to buy a license compared to 25% who have purchased a license). Nearly a quarter (24%) of all non-resident saltwater anglers do not plan to buy a saltwater fishing license for the 2005 – 2006 season. · There was little variation of purchasing behavior or intentions to purchase a South Carolina Saltwater Recreational Fisheries License for the 2005 – 2006 season between coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers.

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 7

Q8. Did you buy a license for the 2003-2004 season, the 2004-2005 season, or both seasons?

6 2003-2004 20 season 8

12 2004-2005 24 season 14 Resident (n=1277) Non-resident (n=237) Total (n=1514) 80

Both seasons 54

Don't know 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

8 Responsive Management

Q8. Did you buy a license for the 2003-2004 season, the 2004-2005 season, or both seasons?

5 2003-2004 season 6

12 2004-2005 season 11 Coastal resident (n=940) Non-coastal resident (n=337)

80 Both seasons 81

3 Don't know 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 9

Q11. What type of saltwater recreational fisheries license did you purchase for the 2003-2004 season/the 2004-2005 season/the most recent season that you purchased a license?

97 Annual resident 3 license 82

2 Resident 14-day 3 license 2

0 Resident (n=1277) Annual non- 42 Non-resident (n=237) resident license 7 Total (n=1514)

0 Non-resident 14- 51 day license 8

1 Don't know 0 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

10 Responsive Management

Q11. What type of saltwater recreational fisheries license did you purchase for the 2003-2004 season/the 2004-2005 season/the most recent season that you purchased a license?

97 Annual resident license 96

2 Coastal resident (n=940) Resident 14- day license Non-coastal resident (n=337) 2

1 Don't know 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 11

Q12. Have you or do you plan to buy a saltwater recreational fisheries license for the 2005-2006 season?

58 Yes, I have bought a 25 license 53

33 Yes, I plan to 44 buy a license 35 Resident (n=1277) Non-resident (n=237) Total (n=1514) No, I have not 6 bought and do 24 not plan to buy a license 9

Don't know 7

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

12 Responsive Management

Q12. Have you or do you plan to buy a saltwater recreational fisheries license for the 2005-2006 season?

Yes, I have 58 bought a license 59

34 Yes, I plan to buy a license 31 Coastal resident (n=940) Non-coastal resident (n=337)

No, I have not 6 bought and do not plan to buy a license 7

2 Don't know 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 13

SALTWATER FISHING SALTWATER FISHING PARTICIPATION Ø The large majority (85%) of respondents who purchased a Saltwater Recreational Fisheries License within the past 2 years have been saltwater fishing for finfish using a hook and line or gig in South Carolina or off the coast of South Carolina in the past 2 years. · Non-resident saltwater anglers were slightly more likely than were resident saltwater anglers to have been fishing for finfish using a hook and line or gig in South Carolina or off the coast of South Carolina in the past 2 years (90% of non-resident saltwater anglers compared to 84% of resident saltwater anglers). · There was little variation of participation in saltwater fishing for finfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years between coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers. · As mentioned previously in the section entitled, “Introduction and Methodology,” respondents who purchased a Saltwater Recreational Fisheries License within the past 2 years and who have been saltwater fishing for finfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years will be identified hereinafter as active saltwater anglers in the survey results. Respondents who purchased a Saltwater Recreational Fisheries License within the past 2 years but who have not been saltwater fishing for finfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years will be identified as lapsed saltwater anglers.

14 Responsive Management

Q13. Have you been saltwater fishing using a hook and line or gigging in South Carolina or off the South Carolina coast in the past 2 years?

Yes 90

Resident (n=1277) Non-resident (n=237) Total (n=1514)

No 10

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 15

Q13. Have you been saltwater fishing using a hook and line or gigging in South Carolina or off the South Carolina coast in the past 2 years?

Yes

Coastal resident (n=940) Non-coastal resident (n=337)

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

16 Responsive Management

SATISFACTION WITH AND OPINIONS ON THE QUALITY OF SALTWATER FISHING IN SOUTH CAROLINA Ø The large majority (90%) of active saltwater anglers were very or somewhat satisfied with saltwater fishing in South Carolina and off the coast of South Carolina in the past 2 years, compared to only 9% who were very or somewhat dissatisfied. Recall that active saltwater anglers are defined as those who have been saltwater fishing for finfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years. · There was little variation of levels of satisfaction with saltwater fishing in South Carolina in the past 2 years between active resident and non-resident saltwater anglers. · There was also little variation of levels of satisfaction with saltwater fishing in South Carolina in the past 2 years between active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers.

Ø About a third (35%) of active saltwater anglers think the quality of saltwater fishing in South Carolina has remained the same in the last 5 years; otherwise, they were fairly evenly split between thinking the quality of saltwater fishing in South Carolina had declined (23%) or improved (20%). · A substantial percentage (22%) of active saltwater anglers did not know if the quality of saltwater fishing in South Carolina has declined, remained the same, or improved in the last 5 years. · Among active saltwater anglers, non-residents were more likely than were residents to say they did not know (31% of non-residents compared to 20% of residents). · There was little variation in opinions on the quality of saltwater fishing in South Carolina between active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers.

Ø Most commonly, active saltwater anglers said nothing takes away from their saltwater fishing satisfaction and/or they fish as often as they like (45% gave this response). · Not enough time was the top reason active saltwater anglers said their saltwater fishing satisfaction has decreased or that they have not saltwater fished as much as they would have liked.

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 17

Q19. Overall, were you satisfied or dissatisfied with saltwater fishing in South Carolina and off the South Carolina coast in the past 2 years? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

56 Very satisfied 60 56

34 Somewhat 31 satisfied 34

Neither 1 satisfied nor 1 Resident (n=1076) dissatisfied 1 Non-resident (n=213) Total (n=1289) 7 Somewhat 6 dissatisfied 7

2 Very 3 dissatisfied 2

0 Don't know 0 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

18 Responsive Management

55 Very satisfied 59

Somewhat 35 satisfied 33

Neither 1 satisfied nor dissatisfied 1 Coastal resident (n=789) Non-coastal resident (n=287)

Somewhat 7 dissatisfied 6

Very 2 dissatisfied 1

0 Don't know 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 19

Q26. In the last 5 years, do you think the quality of saltwater fishing in South Carolina has declined, remained the same, improved, or do you not know? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

Declined 19

36 Remained the 32 same 35 Resident (n=523) Non-resident (n=95) Total (n=618) 21

Improved 19

Don't know 31

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

20 Responsive Management

25 Declined 20

36 Remained the same 34 Coastal resident (n=385) Non-coastal resident (n=138)

20 Improved 22

18 Don't know 24

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 21

Q180. In general, are there any things that take away from your saltwater fishing satisfaction or cause you not to fish as much as you would like in saltwater in South Carolina? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.) (Part 1)

No: Nothing takes away / I fish as 43 54 often as I like 45

14 Not enough time 10 14

12 Other 4 11

7 Weather 8 7 Resident (n=524) Poor behavior of others (including 7 4 Non-resident (n=100) boaters, jet-skiers) 7 Total (n=624) 5 Too crowded 4 5

No access or poor access to fishing 5 2 areas 5 Multiple Responses Allowed

Costs (too expensive or more 4 5 expensive) 4

3 Gas prices 1 3

2 Distance / travel time 5 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

22 Responsive Management

Not enough fish (includes over- 2 2 fishing, under-stocking) 2

1 Difficulty catching fish 3 1

1 Don't know 2 1

Don't know where to go / hard to 1 0 find good location 1 Resident (n=524) Non-resident (n=100) 1 Health / age 1 Total (n=624) 1

1 Fish too small to keep 1 1

Multiple Responses Allowed 1 Quality of water / pollution 1 1

0 Not enough large fish 1 0

Don't like seasons (start / end date 0 1 of seasons) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 23

No: Nothing takes away / I fish as 42 often as I like 47

15 Not enough time 12

13 Other 10

8 Weather 4 Coastal resident (n=389) Poor behavior of others (including 8 boaters, jet-skiers) 4 Non-coastal resident (n=135)

6 Too crowded 3

No access or poor access to fishing 4 areas 9 Multiple Responses Allowed

Costs (too expensive or more 4 expensive) 4

2 Gas prices 6

1 Distance / travel time 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

24 Responsive Management

Not enough fish (includes over- 2 fishing, under-stocking) 1

1 Difficulty catching fish 1

1 Don't know 1

Don't know where to go / Hard to find 1 good location 1 Coastal resident (n=389) 1 Health / age 1 Non-coastal resident (n=135)

1 Fish too small to keep 0

1 Quality of water / Pollution 0 Multiple Responses Allowed

1 Not enough large fish 0

Don't like seasons (start / end date 1 of seasons) 0

0 No one to fish with 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 25

TYPICAL SALTWATER FISHING BEHAVIORS Motivations for Fishing Ø When asked for their single main reason for saltwater fishing in South Carolina over the past 2 years, active saltwater anglers’ responses were fairly evenly distributed among the following reasons: for the sport (26% said this was their single main reason for saltwater fishing in South Carolina), for relaxation (23%), to be with family and friends (21%), and to catch fresh fish for food (20%). · Among active saltwater anglers, non-residents were more likely than were residents to say being with family and friends was their primary reason for saltwater fishing in South Carolina over the past 2 years (37% of non-residents compared to 19% of residents). · Among active resident saltwater anglers, non-coastal residents were more likely than were coastal residents to say being with family and friends was their primary reason for saltwater fishing in South Carolina over the past 2 years (28% of non-coastal residents compared to 15% of coastal residents).

26 Responsive Management

Q41. What was your single main reason for saltwater fishing in South Carolina over the past 2 years? Would you say you fished primarily to catch fresh fish for food, to be with family and friends, for the sport, to catch large fish, to be close to nature, or for relaxation? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

27 For the sport 23 26

24 For relaxation 17 23

To be with 19 family and 37 friends 21

To catch fresh 22 Resident (n=523) 12 fish for food 20 Non-resident (n=95) Total (n=618) To be close to 6 6 nature 6

To catch large 1 2 fish 1

1 Don't know 1 1

None of the 1 2 above 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 27

26 For the sport 28

25 For relaxation 20

To be with 15 family and 28 friends

To catch fresh 23 Coastal resident (n=385) fish for food 18 Non-coastal resident (n=138)

To be close to 8 nature 2

To catch large 1 fish 1

1 Don't know 1

None of the 1 above 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

28 Responsive Management

Years, Days, and Time of Day Spent Fishing

Ø The majority (61%) of all respondents have been saltwater fishing in South Carolina 5 of the past 5 years. · Residents were more likely than were non-residents to have been saltwater fishing in South Carolina 5 of the past 5 years (64% percent of residents compared to 47% of non-residents). Residents also have a slightly higher mean of years saltwater fishing in South Carolina out of the past 5 years (4.0 years for residents compared to 3.5 years for non-residents). · There was little variation in the number of years spent saltwater fishing in South Carolina in the past 5 years between coastal and non-coastal residents.

Ø When asked to give the number of days that they went saltwater fishing in South Carolina in the last 12 months, the mean of active saltwater anglers’ responses was 19.4 days. · The majority (75%) of active saltwater anglers went saltwater fishing from 1 to 29 days. A substantial percentage (20%), however, went saltwater fishing 30 days or more. · Active resident saltwater anglers spent more days saltwater fishing in South Carolina in the past 12 months than non-residents: the mean for residents was 21.1 days compared to 10.9 days for non-residents. · Among resident saltwater anglers, coastal residents had a much higher mean number of days spent saltwater fishing in South Carolina in the past 12 months than non-coastal residents (24.6 days for coastal residents compared to 11.8 days for non-coastal residents).

Ø A majority (58%) of active saltwater anglers always or often fish during morning hours (5:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.). About a third always or often fish during each of the following times of day: mid-day hours (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) (36%), afternoon hours (1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) (37%), and all day (e.g., 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) (35%). · Although a majority (58%) of active saltwater anglers rarely or never fish during evening hours (5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.), a substantial percentage (18%) always or often fish during the evening hours. · There was little variation of the times of day spent saltwater fishing between active resident and non-resident saltwater anglers. · There was also little variation of the times of day spent saltwater fishing between active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers. South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 29

Q27. How many years, out of the past 5 years, did you go saltwater fishing in South Carolina?

64 5 years 47 61

6 4 years 9 Resident Mean = 4.0 years 6 Non-resident Mean = 3.5 years Total Mean = 3.9 years

10 3 years 14 11 Resident (n=1264) Non-resident (n=237) 10 Total (n=1501) 2 years 13 11

6 1 year 17 8

4 0 years 1 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

30 Responsive Management

Q27. How many years, out of the past 5 years, did you go saltwater fishing in South Carolina?

65 5 years 60

5 4 years Coastal Resident Mean = 4.0 years 7 Non-coastal Resident Mean = 3.9 years

10 3 years 10 Coastal resident (n=929) Non-coastal resident (n=335)

10 2 years 11

6 1 year 7

4 0 years 5

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 31

Q44. How many days total did you go saltwater fishing in South Carolina in the last 12 months? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

10 50 days or more 3 9 Resident Mean = 21.1 days Non-resident Mean = 10.9 days 4 40-49 days 2 Total Mean = 19.4 days 4

7 30-39 days 6 7

14 20-29 days 7 13 Resident (n=523) Non-resident (n=95) 25 Total (n=618) 10-19 days 20 24

34 1-9 days 53 37

4 0 days 8 5

1 Don't know 0 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

32 Responsive Management

Q44. How many days total did you go saltwater fishing in South Carolina in the last 12 months? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

13 50 days or more 1 Coastal Resident Mean = 24.6 days Non-coastal Resident Mean = 11.8 days 5 40-49 days 1

9 30-39 days 4

15 20-29 days 12 Coastal resident (n=385) Non-coastal resident (n=138) 23 10-19 days 30

29 1-9 days 49

4 0 days 2

1 Don't know 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 33

Q172-Q177. Percent who always saltwater fish during the following times of day. (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

26 Q172. Morning (5:00 27 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.) 26

Q173. Mid-day 14 (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 14 p.m.) 14

Q174. Afternoon 11 (1:00 p.m. to 5:00 17 p.m.) 12 Resident Non-resident Total 6 Q175. Evening (5:00 3 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) 5

2 Q176. Night (8:00 1 p.m. to midnight) 2

Q177. All day (e.g., 14 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 15 p.m.) 14

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

34 Responsive Management

Q172-Q177. Percent who always saltwater fish during the following times of day (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

Q172. Morning (5:00 25 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.) 30

12 Q173. Mid-day (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) 18

Q174. Afternoon 9 (1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) 16 Coastal resident (n=383) Non-coastal resident (n=135) 5 Q175. Evening (5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) 7

2 Q176. Night (8:00 p.m. to midnight) 3

Q177. All day (e.g., 14 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) 16

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 35

Q172-Q177. Percent who always or often saltwater fish during the following times of day. (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

58 Q172. Morning (5:00 62 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.) 58

Q173. Mid-day 36 (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 33 p.m.) 36

Q174. Afternoon 37 (1:00 p.m. to 5:00 39 p.m.) 37 Resident Non-resident Total 19 Q175. Evening (5:00 14 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) 18

7 Q176. Night (8:00 4 p.m. to midnight) 7

Q177. All day (e.g., 35 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 35 p.m.) 35

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

36 Responsive Management

Q172-Q177. Percent who always or often saltwater fish during the following times of day (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

58 Q172. Morning (5:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.) 56

Q173. Mid-day (11:00 34 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) 41

Q174. Afternoon 36 (1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) 40 Coastal resident (n=383) Non-coastal resident (n=135) 19 Q175. Evening (5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) 19

Q176. Night (8:00 8 p.m. to midnight) 5

Q177. All day (e.g., 32 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) 41

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 37

Q172-Q177. Percent who rarely or never saltwater fish during the following times of day. (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

14 Q172. Morning (5:00 16 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.) 15

32 Q173. Mid-day (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 31 p.m.) 32

Q174. Afternoon 28 (1:00 p.m. to 5:00 24 p.m.) 27 Resident Non-resident Total 58 Q175. Evening (5:00 57 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) 58

83 Q176. Night (8:00 86 p.m. to midnight) 83

Q177. All day (e.g., 45 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 41 p.m.) 44

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

38 Responsive Management

Q172-Q177. Percent who rarely or never saltwater fish during the following times of day. (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

Q172. Morning (5:00 15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.) 13

Q173. Mid-day 33 (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) 30

Q174. Afternoon 30 (1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) 23 Coastal resident (n=383) Non-coastal resident (n=135)

Q175. Evening (5:00 62 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) 49

83 Q176. Night (8:00 p.m. to midnight) 82

Q177. All day (e.g., 45 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) 43

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 39

Q172-Q177. Percent who never saltwater fish during the following times of day. (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

6 Q172. Morning (5:00 4 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.) 6

10 Q173. Mid-day (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 10 p.m.) 10

Q174. Afternoon 10 (1:00 p.m. to 5:00 7 p.m.) 10 Resident Non-resident 29 Total Q175. Evening (5:00 30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) 29

61 Q176. Night (8:00 62 p.m. to midnight) 61

22 Q177. All day (e.g., 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 21 p.m.) 22

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

40 Responsive Management

Q172-Q177. Percent who never saltwater fish during the following times of day. (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

6 Q172. Morning (5:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.) 6

Q173. Mid-day 11 (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) 8

Q174. Afternoon 11 (1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) 7 Coastal resident (n=383) Non-coastal resident (n=135) 30 Q175. Evening (5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) 27

Q176. Night (8:00 63 p.m. to midnight) 56

Q177. All day (e.g., 23 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) 18

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 41

Q172. How often would you say you saltwater fish during the morning hours, that is 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

26 Always 27 26

31 Often 35 32

26 Sometimes 22 26 Resident (n=518) Non-resident (n=94) 9 Total (n=612) Rarely 12 9

6 Never 4 6

2 Don't know 0 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

42 Responsive Management

Q172. How often would you say you saltwater fish during the morning hours, that is 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

25 Always 30

33 Often 26

25 Sometimes 29 Coastal resident (n=383) Non-coastal resident (n=135)

9 Rarely 7

6 Never 6

1 Don't know 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 43

Q173. How about during mid-day hours, that is 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.? (How often would you say you saltwater fish during these hours?) (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

14 Always 14 14

22 Often 19 22

30 Sometimes 35 Resident (n=518) 31 Non-resident (n=94) Total (n=612) 22 Rarely 21 22

10 Never 10 10

1 Don't know 1 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

44 Responsive Management

12 Always 18

22 Often 24

31 Sometimes 27 Coastal resident (n=383) Non-coastal resident (n=135)

22 Rarely 22

11 Never 8

2 Don't know 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 45

Q174. How about during the afternoon, that is 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.? (How often would you say you saltwater fish during these hours?) (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

11 Always 17 12

26 Often 22 25

34 Sometimes 35 Resident (n=518) 34 Non-resident (n=94) Total (n=612) 18 Rarely 17 17

10 Never 7 10

1 Don't know 1 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

46 Responsive Management

9 Always 16

27 Often 24

33 Sometimes 36 Coastal resident (n=383) Non-coastal resident (n=135)

18 Rarely 16

11 Never 7

2 Don't know 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 47

Q175. How about during the evening hours, that is 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.? (How often would you say you saltwater fish during these hours?) (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

6 Always 3 5

13 Often 11 13

21 Sometimes 28 Resident (n=518) 22 Non-resident (n=94) Total (n=612) 29 Rarely 28 29

29 Never 30 29

2 Don't know 1 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

48 Responsive Management

5 Always 7

13 Often 12

18 Sometimes 32 Coastal resident (n=383) Non-coastal resident (n=135)

31 Rarely 22

30 Never 27

2 Don't know 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 49

Q176. How about during night hours, that is 8:00 p.m. to midnight? (How often would you say you saltwater fish during these hours?) (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

2 Always 1 2

5 Often 3 5

8 Sometimes 7 Resident (n=518) 8 Non-resident (n=94) Total (n=612) 22 Rarely 24 22

61 Never 62 61

1 Don't know 2 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

50 Responsive Management

2 Always 3

6 Often 2

7 Sometimes 12 Coastal resident (n=383) Non-coastal resident (n=135)

20 Rarely 26

63 Never 56

2 Don't know 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 51

Q177. How often would you say your saltwater fishing lasts all day, that is from early morning hours to evening hours; for example, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

14 Always 15 14

20 Often 20 20

20 Sometimes 23 Resident (n=518) 21 Non-resident (n=94) Total (n=612) 23 Rarely 20 22

22 Never 21 22

1 Don't know 0 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

52 Responsive Management

14 Always 16

19 Often 26

22 Sometimes 16 Coastal resident (n=383) Non-coastal resident (n=135)

22 Rarely 25

23 Never 18

1 Don't know 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 53

Fishing Locations Ø Most commonly, active saltwater anglers saltwater fish from a private boat in estuarine waters. · 68% of active saltwater anglers indicated that they always or often saltwater fish from a private boat in estuarine waters, far exceeding the percentages who always or often saltwater fish from a private boat near ocean shore waters up to 3 miles from shore (46%); a bank, bridge, dock, pier, or the surf (19%); a private boat in the ocean more than 3 miles from shore (18%); a charter boat in the ocean more than 3 miles from shore (4%); a charter boat near ocean shore waters up to 3 miles from shore (3%); a charter boat in estuarine waters (2%). · There was little variation of fishing locations between active resident and non-resident saltwater anglers. · There was little variation of fishing locations between active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers.

Ø The majority (64%) of active saltwater anglers currently own a boat from which they saltwater fish in South Carolina. · Among active saltwater anglers, residents are much more likely than are non-residents to own a boat from which they saltwater fish in South Carolina (68% of residents compared to 43% of non-residents). · Among active resident saltwater anglers, coastal residents are more likely than are non-coastal residents to own a boat from which they saltwater fish in South Carolina (71% of coastal residents compared to 60% of non-coastal residents).

Ø A substantial percentage (32%) of active saltwater anglers indicated that they always, often, or sometimes saltwater fish on the state’s permitted marine artificial reefs. Most commonly, however, active saltwater anglers indicated that the never saltwater fish on the state’s permitted marine artificial reefs (41% gave this response), followed by rarely (24%). · Among active saltwater anglers, residents are more likely than are non-residents to always, often, or sometimes (35% of residents compared to 21% of non-residents) saltwater fish on the state’s permitted marine artificial reefs. 54 Responsive Management

· Among active resident saltwater anglers, coastal residents are more likely than are non-coastal residents to always, often, or sometimes saltwater fish on the state’s permitted marine artificial reefs (36% of coastal residents compared to 31% of non-coastal residents).

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 55

Q29. How often do you saltwater fish from a bank, bridge, dock, pier, or the surf? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

6 Always 4 6

13 Often 14 13

21 Resident (n=523) Sometimes 22 Non-resident (n=95) 21 Total (n=618)

30 Rarely 21 28

30 Never 39 31

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

56 Responsive Management

Q29. How often do you saltwater fish from a bank, bridge, dock, pier, or the surf? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

6 Always 7

12 Often 18

Coastal resident (n=385) 19 Sometimes Non-coastal resident (n=138) 25

30 Rarely 28

32 Never 22

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 57

Q30. How often do you saltwater fish from a private boat in estuarine waters? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

42 Always 45 43

25 Often 21 25

19 Resident (n=1076) Sometimes 18 Non-resident (n=213) 19 Total (n=1289)

8 Rarely 8 8

5 Never 8 6

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

58 Responsive Management

Q30. How often do you saltwater fish from a private boat in estuarine waters? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

42 Always 43

27 Often 21

Coastal resident (n=789) 19 Sometimes Non-coastal resident (n=287) 19

7 Rarely 9

5 Never 8

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 59

Q31. How about a private boat near shore ocean waters, up to 3 miles from the shore? (How often do you saltwater fish from it?) (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

26 Always 26 26

21 Often 15 20

Resident (n=1076) 20 Non-resident (n=213) Sometimes 17 Total (n=1289) 19

16 Rarely 14 16

17 Never 28 19

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

60 Responsive Management

26 Always 25

22 Often 19

20 Sometimes 21 Coastal resident (n=789) Non-coastal resident (n=287)

15 Rarely 19

17 Never 15

0 Don't know 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 61

Q32. How about a private boat in the ocean more than 3 miles from the shore? (How often do you saltwater fish from it?) (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

7 Always 8 7

11 Often 7 11

Resident (n=1076) 16 Non-resident (n=213) Sometimes 15 Total (n=1289) 15

24 Rarely 18 23

42 Never 53 44

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

62 Responsive Management

7 Always 8

11 Often 11

Coastal resident (n=789) 17 Sometimes Non-coastal resident (n=287) 13

23 Rarely 24

42 Never 44

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 63

Q33. How often do you saltwater fish from a charter boat in estuarine waters? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

1 Always 2 1

1 Often 2 1

5 Resident (n=1076) Sometimes 7 Non-resident (n=213) 6 Total (n=1289)

19 Rarely 16 18

73 Never 74 73

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

64 Responsive Management

Q33. How often do you saltwater fish from a charter boat in estuarine waters? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

1 Always 0

2 Often 0

5 Sometimes 7 Coastal resident (n=789) Non-coastal resident (n=287)

18 Rarely 22

74 Never 70

0 Don't know 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 65

Q34. How about a charter boat near shore ocean waters, up to 3 miles from the shore? (How often do you saltwater fish from it?) (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

2 Always 2 2

1 Often 1 1

Resident (n=1076) 4 Non-resident (n=213) Sometimes 2 Total (n=1289) 3

13 Rarely 15 13

80 Never 78 80

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

66 Responsive Management

2 Always 1

1 Often 1

3 Sometimes 5 Coastal resident (n=789) Non-coastal resident (n=287)

12 Rarely 16

82 Never 77

0 Don't know 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 67

Q35. How about a charter boat in the ocean more than 3 miles from the shore? (How often do you saltwater fish from it?) (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

3 Always 2 2

2 Often 1 2

Resident (n=1076) 5 Non-resident (n=213) Sometimes 6 Total (n=1289) 5

17 Rarely 12 16

74 Never 79 75

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

68 Responsive Management

2 Always 3

2 Often 2

Coastal resident (n=789) 4 Sometimes Non-coastal resident (n=287) 6

17 Rarely 16

74 Never 72

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 69

Q36. Do you currently own a boat from which you regularly saltwater fish in South Carolina? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

Yes 43

Resident (n=1076) Non-resident (n=213) Total (n=1289)

No 57

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

70 Responsive Management

Q36. Do you currently own a boat from which you regularly saltwater fish in South Carolina? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

Yes

Coastal resident (n=789) Non-coastal resident (n=287)

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 71

Q40. How often do you saltwater fish on the state's permitted marine artificial reefs? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

4 Always 2 3

10 Often 4 9

21 Sometimes 15 20 Resident (n=1076) Non-resident (n=213) 24 Total (n=1289) Rarely 23 24

39 Never 51 41

2 Don't know 5 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

72 Responsive Management

Q40. How often do you saltwater fish on the state's permitted marine artificial reefs? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

3 Always 4

10 Often 11

23 Sometimes 16 Coastal resident (n=789) Non-coastal resident (n=287)

24 Rarely 23

37 Never 44

2 Don't know 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 73

Saltwater Access for Fishing Ø Most commonly, active saltwater anglers most often accessed the water for saltwater fishing in South Carolina in the past 2 years in Charleston County (36%), followed by Beaufort (18%), Georgetown (17%), and Horry (12%) Counties. · A quarter (25%) of active non-resident saltwater anglers did not know in which county they most often accessed the water while saltwater fishing in South Carolina in the past 2 years. However, among active saltwater anglers, non-residents were more likely than were residents to most often access the water in Horry County (20% of non-residents compared to 11% of residents) and less likely to most often access the water in Georgetown County (8% of non-residents compared to 18% of residents). · Among active resident saltwater anglers, coastal residents were more likely than were non-coastal residents to most often access the water in Charleston County (43% of coastal residents compared to 32% of non-coastal residents).

Ø Recall that a majority (64%) of active saltwater anglers currently own a boat from which they regularly saltwater fish in South Carolina, with residents and coastal residents being more likely to own a boat. Of active saltwater anglers who currently own a boat from which they regularly saltwater fish in South Carolina, the large majority (79%) typically access saltwater in South Carolina for fishing using public boat ramps. Substantial percentages use private boat ramps (19%), marinas (15%), or private docks (12%). · There is little variation between active resident and non-resident saltwater anglers regarding how they typically access saltwater in South Carolina. · There is also little variation between active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers regarding how they access saltwater in South Carolina.

74 Responsive Management

Q47. In which county did you most often access the water while saltwater fishing in South Carolina during the past 2 years? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

38.4 Charleston 23.5 35.9

18.7 Beaufort 17.4 18.5

18.2 Georgetown 8.0 16.5

10.5 Horry 19.7 12.0 Resident (n=1076) 3.8 Colleton 2.8 Non-resident (n=213) 3.6 Total (n=1289)

3.3 Berkeley 0.0 2.7

1.1 Jasper 1.9 1.2

0.4 Dorchester 0.0 0.3

4.3 Don't know 25.4 7.8

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 75

43.0 Charleston 31.5

18.6 Beaufort 22.3

18.8 Georgetown 19.6

10.6 Horry 11.9 Coastal resident (n=770) Non-coastal resident (n=260) 2.5 Colleton 8.5

3.8 Berkeley 2.3

1.2 Jasper 1.2

0.4 Dorchester 0.4

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

76 Responsive Management

Q38. How do you typically access saltwater in South Carolina for fishing? Do you typically access saltwater in South Carolina for fishing by using public boat ramps, private boat ramps, private docks, or marinas? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years and who own a boat from which they regularly saltwater fish in SC.)

79 Public boat 73 ramps 79

19 Private boat 13 ramps 19 Resident (n=730) Non-resident (n=91) 15 Total (n=821) Marinas 15 15

Multiple Responses Allowed Private docks 10 12

1 Other 7 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 77

Public boat 78 ramps 83

Private boat 20 ramps 19 Coastal resident (n=558) Non-coastal resident (n=172) 16 Marinas 13

Private 13 Multiple Responses Allowed docks 13

0 Other 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

78 Responsive Management

Amount of Travel to Fish Ø A large majority (87%) of active saltwater anglers take day trips to saltwater fish in South Carolina. · Among active saltwater anglers, residents are more likely to take day trips to saltwater fish in South Carolina than are non-residents (92% of residents compared to 78% of non-residents). · Among active resident saltwater anglers, coastal residents are more likely to take day trips to saltwater fish in South Carolina than are non-coastal residents (94% of coastal residents compared to 84% of non-coastal residents).

Ø Most commonly, active saltwater anglers who take day trips to saltwater fish in South Carolina usually travel less than 1 hour one-way on the road for a day of saltwater fishing in South Carolina (37% gave this response), followed by 1 hour (26%). The mean number of hours that active saltwater anglers who take day trips usually travel one-way on the road for a day of saltwater fishing in South Carolina is 1.5 hours. · Among active saltwater anglers who take day trips to saltwater fish in South Carolina, non-residents have a higher mean of hours (2.3 hours) usually spent traveling one-way on the road for a day of saltwater fishing in South Carolina than active resident saltwater anglers (1.4 hours). · Among active resident saltwater anglers who take day trips to saltwater fish in South Carolina, non-coastal residents were likely to spend more time traveling for a day of saltwater fishing in South Carolina than were coastal residents: non-coastal residents were much more likely than were coastal residents to travel 2 hours (37% of non-coastal residents compared to 12% of coastal residents) or 3 hours (25% compared to 2%) for a day trip, and they have a higher mean of hours (2.5 hours) usually spent traveling one-way on the road than active coastal resident saltwater anglers (1.0 hours).

Ø A majority (60%) of active saltwater anglers take overnight trips for the primary purpose of saltwater fishing in South Carolina. South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 79

· Among active saltwater anglers, non-residents are more likely to take overnight trips to saltwater fish in South Carolina than are residents (76% of non-residents compared to 59% of residents). · Among active resident saltwater anglers, non-coastal residents are much more likely to take overnight trips to saltwater fish in South Carolina than are coastal residents (80% of non-coastal residents compared to 49% of coastal residents).

Ø Most commonly, active saltwater anglers who take overnight trips for the primary purpose of saltwater fishing in South Carolina usually travel less than one hour (22% gave this response) or 2 hours (22%) one-way on the road. The mean number of hours that active saltwater anglers usually travel one-way on the road for an overnight trip for the primary purpose of saltwater fishing in South Carolina is 2.7 hours. · Among active saltwater anglers who take overnight trips for saltwater fishing in South Carolina, non-residents have a much higher mean of hours (5.3 hours) usually spent traveling one-way on the road for an overnight trip than residents (1.9 hours). · About a third (32%) of active non-resident saltwater anglers who take overnight trips for saltwater fishing in South Carolina travel 6 hours or more one-way on the road for an overnight trip. · Among active saltwater anglers who take overnight trips for saltwater fishing in South Carolina, non-coastal residents have a higher mean of hours (3.0 hours) usually spent traveling one-way on the road for an overnight trip than coastal residents (1.3 hours).

80 Responsive Management

Q164. How long, in terms of hours, do you usually travel one-way on the road for a day of saltwater fishing in South Carolina? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

2 6 hours or more 6 2

1 5 hours 8 2

3 4 hours 6 3

8 3 hours 6 7 Resident (n=558) 17 Non-resident (n=119) 2 hours 13 Total (n=677) 16

24 1 hour 19 23

Less than 1 37 20 hour 34

2 Don't know 4 3

Doesn't take 7 18 day trips 9

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 81

6 hours or 1 more 3

0 5 hours 3

1 4 hours 8

2 3 hours 22

Coastal resident (n=406) 11 2 hours Non-coastal resident (n=152) 32

31 1 hour 8

Less than 1 48 hour 8

2 Don't know 3

Doesn't take 5 day trips 12

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

82 Responsive Management

Q164. How long, in terms of hours, do you usually travel one-way on the road for a day of saltwater fishing in South Carolina? (Among those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years and who take day trips.)

2 6 hours or more 7 3 Resident Mean = 1.4 hours Non-resident Mean = 2.3 hours 1 5 hours 9 Total Mean = 1.5 hours 3

3 4 hours 7 4

8 Resident (n=521) 3 hours 7 8 Non-resident (n=97) Total (n=618) 18 2 hours 15 18

26 1 hour 24 26

Less than 1 39 25 hour 37

2 Don't know 5 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 83

6 hours or 1 more 4 Coastal Resident Mean = 1.0 hours Non-coastal Resident Mean = 2.5 hours 1 5 hours 4

1 4 hours 9

2 3 hours 25 Coastal resident (n=387) Non-coastal resident (n=134)

12 2 hours 37

32 1 hour 9

Less than 1 50 hour 9

2 Don't know 4

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

84 Responsive Management

Q162. How long, in terms of hours, do you usually travel one-way on the road for an overnight trip for the primary purpose of saltwater fishing in South Carolina? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

2 6 hours or more 26 6

2 5 hours 11 3

4 4 hours 12 5

10 3 hours 8 Resident (n=558) 9 Non-resident (n=119) 15 Total (n=677) 2 hours 10 14

10 1 hour 4 9

Less than 1 16 5 hour 14

3 Don't know 4 4

Doesn't take 39 19 overnight trips 35

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 85

6 hours or 1 more 2

0 5 hours 5

0 4 hours 13

1 3 hours 32 Coastal resident (n=406) 10 2 hours Non-coastal resident (n=152) 28

14 1 hour 2

Less than 1 22 hour 0

4 Don't know 2

Doesn't take 47 overnight trips 18

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

86 Responsive Management

Q162. How long, in terms of hours, do you usually travel one-way on the road for an overnight trip for the primary purpose of saltwater fishing in South Carolina? (Among those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years and who take overnight trips.)

3 6 hours or more 32 9 Resident Mean = 1.9 hours 3 Non-resident Mean = 5.3 hours 5 hours 14 Total Mean = 2.7 hours 5

6 4 hours 15 8 Resident (n=341) 16 3 hours 10 Non-resident (n=96) 15 Total (n=437)

24 2 hours 13 22

17 1 hour 5 14

Less than 1 26 6 hour 22

6 Don't know 5 5

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 87

6 hours or 3 more 2 Coastal Resident Mean = 1.3 hours 1 Non-coastal Resident Mean = 3.0 hours 5 hours 6

1 4 hours 15

3 3 hours Coastal resident (n=216) 38 Non-coastal resident (n=125)

19 2 hours 34

25 1 hour 2

Less than 1 41 hour 0

7 Don't know 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

88 Responsive Management

Size of Fishing Parties Ø The mean number of people who go on a typical saltwater fishing trip in South Carolina with active saltwater anglers is 2.6 people. Most commonly, active saltwater anglers go on a saltwater fishing trip with one other person (23% gave this response), two other people (28%) or three other people (24%). · A very small percentage (2%) of active saltwater anglers fish alone. · There is little variation between active resident and non-resident saltwater anglers regarding the number people who go with active saltwater anglers on a typical saltwater fishing trip. · Among active resident saltwater anglers, coastal residents are slightly more likely than are non-coastal residents to go on a saltwater fishing trip with only one person (25% of coastal residents compared to 18% of non-coastal residents).

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 89

Q166. How many people go with you on a typical saltwater fishing trip in South Carolina? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

4 6 people or 7 more 4 Resident Mean = 2.6 people 4 Non-resident Mean = 3.0 people 5 people 3 Total Mean = 2.6 people 4

15 4 people 17 16

24 Resident (n=558) 3 people 24 Non-resident (n=119) 24 Total (n=677)

28 2 people 28 28

23 1 person 21 23

2 Fishes alone 1 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

90 Responsive Management

Q166. How many people go with you on a typical saltwater fishing trip in South Carolina? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

6 people or 4 more 3 Coastal Resident Mean = 2.5 people Non-coastal Resident Mean = 2.7 people 3 5 people 5

15 4 people 16

Coastal resident (n=406) 23 3 people Non-coastal resident (n=152) 26

27 2 people 31

25 1 person 18

2 Fishes alone 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 91

Species Typically Fished for and Species Preferred Ø The most commonly fished-for saltwater species in South Carolina in the past 2 years were red drum (48% named this species as one of the top three saltwater species they fished for most often) and flounder (southern and summer varieties) (41%). · Other saltwater species commonly fished for in South Carolina were spotted seatrout (18%), trout (non-specific) (17%), spot (13%), and king mackerel (11%). · There was little variation of species most commonly fished for between active resident and non-resident saltwater anglers. · There was also little variation of species most commonly fished for between active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers.

Ø A slightly different question than the species typically fished for is the species the angler prefers to fish for. Nonetheless, the results are similar: the most preferred species are red drum (42% gave this response) and flounder (39%), and, to a lesser extent, spotted seatrout (16%), trout (non-specific) (14%), spot (10%), and dolphin (10%). · There is little variation of preferred species between active resident and non-resident saltwater anglers. · There is little variation of preferred species between active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers.

92 Responsive Management

Q48, 54, and 60. In South Carolina during the past 2 years, what top three saltwater species did you fish for most often? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.) (Part 1)

48 Red drum 49 48 Flounder (southern and 42 37 summer) 41 17 Spotted seatrout 18 18 16 Trout (non-specific) 17 17 13 13 Spot 13 11 King mackerel 9 11 10 5 Resident (n=1076) Dolphin / mahi mahi 9 Non-resident (n=213) 9 Whiting 3 8 Total (n=1289) 7 Black seabass 6 7 7 Sheepshead 6 6 4 Spanish mackerel 4 4 4 Wahoo 2 4 4 Striped bass 4 4 3 6 Black drum 3 3 Grouper (non-specific) 2 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 93

Q48, Q54, Q60. In South Carolina during the past 2 years, what top three saltwater species did you fish for most often? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.) (Part 2)

3 Croaker 1 3 3 Cobia 3 3 3 Yellowfin tuna 2 3 Snapper (non- 2 1 specific) 2 2 Bluefish 4 2 Sharks (non- 2 2 specific) 2 Large coastal 2 Resident (n=1076) 1 sharks 2 Non-resident (n=213) 2 Total (n=1289) Dogfish shark 0 2 1 Spadefish 0 1 1 Bonnethead shark 1 1 1 Tarpon 0 1 Atlantic sharpnose 1 0 shark 1 0 Catfish 1 1 1 Blue marlin 0 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

94 Responsive Management

0 Gag grouper 1 0 0 Red porgy 0 0 0 Scamp grouper 0 0 0 Vermillion snapper 0 0 0 Bluefin tuna 0 0 0 Crevalle jack 0 0 Speckled hind 0 Resident (n=1076) 0 grouper 0 Non-resident (n=213) 0 Total (n=1289) Hogfish 0 0 0 Sailfish 0 0 0 White marlin 0 0 0 American shad 0 0 0 White porgy 0 0 3 Other 3 3 Don't know / no 8 11 preference / none 8

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 95

Q48, Q54, and Q60. In South Carolina during the past 2 years, what top three saltwater species did you fish for most often? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.) (Part 1)

48 Red drum 48 42 Flounder (southern and summer) 39 19 Spotted seatrout 14 17 Trout (non-specific) 14 15 Spot 9 11 King mackerel 11 10 Dolphin / mahi mahi 11 8 Whiting 11 7 Black seabass 7 Sheepshead 7 6 Coastal resident (n=789) 4 Spanish mackerel 6 Non-coastal resident (n=287) 4 Wahoo 5 4 Striped bass 3 4 Black drum 2 4 Grouper (non-specific) 3 3 Croaker 3 3 Cobia 2 3 Yellowfin tuna 2 3 Snapper (non-specific) 2 1 Bluefish 3 1 Sharks (non-specific) 4 2 Large coastal sharks 3 2 Dogfish shark 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

96 Responsive Management

1 Spadefish 1 1 Bonnethead shark 1 2 Tarpon 1 1 Atlantic sharpnose shark 2 1 Catfish 0 1 Blue marlin 0 1 Gag grouper 0 0 Red porgy 1 0 Scamp grouper 0 Coastal resident (n=789) 0 Vermillion snapper 0 Non-coastal resident (n=287) 0 Bluefin tuna 1 0 Crevalle jack 0 0 Speckled hind grouper 0 0 Hogfish 0 0 Sailfish 0 0 White marlin 0 0 American shad 0 0 White porgy 0 3 Other 5 7 Don't know / no preference / none 9

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 97

Q65, 68, and 71. In South Carolina, what top three saltwater species do you most prefer to fish for? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.) (Part 1)

43 Red drum 38 42 Flounder (southern and 39 35 summer) 39 16 Spotted seatrout 16 16 14 Trout (non-specific) 15 14 10 Spot 10 10 11 Dolphin / mahi mahi 5 10 9 King mackerel 9 Resident (n=1076) 9 Non-resident (n=213) 6 Black seabass 6 6 Total (n=1289) 6 Sheepshead 3 6 6 Whiting 2 6 4 Wahoo 3 4 4 Spanish mackerel 5 4 3 Grouper (non-specific) 2 3 3 Striped bass 3 3 3 Yellowfin tuna 2 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

98 Responsive Management

Q65, 68, and 71. In South Carolina, what top three saltwater species do you most prefer to fish for? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.) (Part 2)

3 Black drum 5 3

3 Cobia 3 3

3 Croaker 2 2 Sharks (non- 2 2 specific) 2 1 Bluefish 3 2 Snapper (non- 2 1 specific) 2 Resident (n=1076) Large coastal 1 1 Non-resident (n=213) sharks 1 Total (n=1289) 1 Dogfish shark 0 1

1 Tarpon 0 1

1 Spadefish 0 1

1 Blue marlin 0 1 1 Sailfish 0 1 Atlantic sharpnose 1 0 shark 1 1 Bonnethead shark 1 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 99

Q65, 68, and 71. In South Carolina, what top three saltwater species do you most prefer to fish for? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.) (Part 3)

1 Bluefin tuna 0 1

0 White marlin 0 0

0 Red porgy 0 0 0 Gag grouper 0 0 0 Scamp grouper 0 0 0 American shad 0 0 Resident (n=1076) 0 Crevalle jack 0 Non-resident (n=213) 0 Total (n=1289) Speckled hind 0 0 grouper 0

0 Warsaw grouper 0 0

0 Hogfish 0 0

0 Vermillion snapper 0 0 0 Catfish 0 0 4 Other 6 4 Don't know / no 18 24 preference / none 19

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

100 Responsive Management

Q65, Q68, and Q71. In South Carolina, what top three saltwater species do you most prefer to fish for? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.) (Part 1)

42 Red drum 44 39 Flounder (southern and summer) 41 17 Spotted seatrout 15 15 Trout (non-specific) 13 11 Spot 6 11 Dolphin / mahi mahi 11 9 King mackerel 10 6 Black seabass 6 7 Sheepshead 5 6 Whiting 8 Coastal resident (n=789) Wahoo 4 5 Non-coastal resident (n=287) 3 Spanish mackerel 6 4 Grouper (non-specific) 2 3 Striped bass 2 3 Yellowfin tuna 3 3 Black drum 1 3 Cobia 2 2 Croaker 3 1 Sharks (non-specific) 4 1 Bluefish 2 2 Snapper (non-specific) 1 1 Large coastal sharks 2 1 Dogfish shark 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 101

Q65, Q68, and Q71. In South Carolina, what top three saltwater species do you most prefer to fish for? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.) (Part 2)

2 Tarpon 1 1 Spadefish 1 1 Blue marlin 1 1 Sailfish 1 1 Atlantic sharpnose shark 2 1 Bonnethead shark 1 1 Bluefin tuna 2 0 White marlin 1 0 Red porgy 1 Coastal resident (n=789) 0 Gag grouper 0 Non-coastal resident (n=287) 0 Scamp grouper 0 0 American shad 0 0 Crevalle jack 0 0 Speckled hind grouper 0 0 Warsaw grouper 0 0 Hogfish 0 0 Vermillion snapper 0 0 Catfish 0 3 Other 7 18 Don't know / no preference / none 16

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

102 Responsive Management

Catch and Release Behaviors Ø Active saltwater anglers’ catch and release practices were fairly evenly distributed among the three possibilities to mostly keep, mostly release, and equally keep and release the fish they catch. · Among active saltwater anglers, non-residents were slightly more likely than were residents to mostly release the fish they catch while residents were slightly more likely to mostly keep or to equally keep and release the fish they catch.

Ø An overwhelming majority (98%) of active saltwater anglers who mostly release or equally keep and release the fish they catch indicated that they take special precautions not to injure the fish that are to be released. · There was little variation between active resident and non-resident saltwater anglers. · There was also little variation between active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers. · The most common precautions are to carefully remove hooks, not handling fish by the gills, using circle hooks, using dipnets, and cutting the line.

Ø The majority (63%) of active saltwater anglers strongly or moderately agree that circle hooks could reduce the potential for gut-hooking and severely injuring fish when using natural baits, with most of those strongly agreeing; only 6% disagree. · There was little variation of levels of agreement between active resident and non-resident saltwater anglers. · There was also little variation of levels of agreement between active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers.

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 103

Q130. When saltwater fishing in South Carolina, would you say you mostly keep the fish you catch, mostly release the fish you catch, or do you do both about the same? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

33 Mostly keep 28 32

27 Mostly release 34 Resident (n=562) 28 Non-resident (n=103) Total (n=665)

40 Equally keep 35 and release 39

1 Don't know 3 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

104 Responsive Management

33 Mostly keep 31

28 Mostly release 25 Coastal resident (n=422) Non-coastal resident (n=140)

38 Equally keep and release 44

1 Don't know 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 105

Q132. Do you take special precautions not to injure fish that are to be released? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 yeras and who mostly release or equally keep and release the fish they catch.)

Yes 99

Resident (n=376) Non-resident (n=71) Total (n=447)

No 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

106 Responsive Management

Q132. Do you take special precautions not to injure fish that are to be released? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years and who mostly release or equally keep and release the fish they catch.)

Yes

Coastal resident (n=279) Non-coastal resident (n=97)

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 107

Q134. What precautions do you use? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years, who mostly release or equally keep and release they fish they catch, and who take special precautions not to injure fish to be released.)

Carefully remove hooks (includes use 60 59 of hook remover) 60 37 Do not handle fish by the gills 43 38 19 Use circle hooks 16 19 19 Use dipnet 10 18 13 Cut the line 19 14 16 Other 6 14 6 Resident (n=367) Use boga grip 4 6 Non-resident (n=70) 5 Total (n=437) Don't know 4 5 4 Get fish back in water quickly 6 4 4 Multiple Responses Allowed Revive / resuscitate fish 6 4 Keep fish in water / release fish while 3 4 still in water 3 3 Release quickly 1 3 2 Barbless hooks 1 2 1 Pliers 0 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

108 Responsive Management

Carefully remove hooks (includes 61 use of hook remover) 57 37 Do not handle fish by the gills 38

18 Use circle hooks 23

19 Use dipnet 20

14 Cut the line 13

16 Other 14

6 Coastal resident (n=273) Use boga grip 7 Non-coastal resident (n=94) 4 Don't know 7

4 Get fish back in water quickly 3

5 Multiple Responses Allowed Revive/resusitate fish 1

Keep fish in water/release fish 2 while still in water 4 3 Release quickly 3

2 Barbless hooks 1

1 Pliers 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 109

Q136. Do you agree or disagree that circle hooks could reduce the potential for gut-hooking and severely injuring fish when using natural baits? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

45 Strongly agree 41 44

18 Moderately 24 agree 19

3 Neither agree 3 nor disagree 3 Resident (n=562) Non-resident (n=103) Total (n=665) 4 Moderately 2 disagree 4

2 Strongly 1 disagree 2

27 Don't know 29 28

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

110 Responsive Management

45 Strongly agree 45

Moderately 19 agree 17

Neither agree 3 nor disagree 4 Coastal resident (n=422) Non-coastal resident (n=140)

Moderately 3 disagree 6

Strongly 3 disagree 2

28 Don't know 26

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 111

SATISFACTION WITH FISHING FOR VARIOUS SPECIES Ø Active saltwater anglers were asked how satisfied they were with their fishing for the three species they most often fished for in South Carolina in the past 2 years. For nearly every species, satisfaction exceeds dissatisfaction. Additionally, satisfaction with fishing for various species in general is higher among residents than non-residents. · Satisfaction among active saltwater anglers is highest with fishing for whiting, dogfish shark, tarpon, wahoo, and sheepshead. · Recall that the top two species most often fished for among respondents were red drum and flounder. A large majority (86%) of active saltwater anglers who fished mostly for red drum are very or somewhat satisfied with their fishing for red drum, with more than half of those being very satisfied. · A majority (72%) of active saltwater anglers who fished mostly for flounder are also very or somewhat satisfied with their fishing for flounder; however, flounder also had the second highest percentage (25%) of active saltwater anglers who are very or somewhat dissatisfied with fishing for that species. · Among active saltwater anglers, satisfaction with fishing for trout is higher among non-residents (88%) than residents (77%). · Among active resident saltwater anglers, satisfaction with fishing for king mackerel and spot is higher among non-coastal residents than coastal residents. · Dissatisfaction among active saltwater anglers is highest with fishing for cobia, flounder, and spadefish.

Ø Active saltwater anglers were asked how satisfied they are with the current fishing regulations for the three species they most often fished for in South Carolina. For nearly every species, satisfaction with current fishing regulations for the species exceeds dissatisfaction. · Satisfaction with current fishing regulations among active saltwater anglers is highest for whiting, wahoo, spadefish, tarpon, and sheepshead. · Among active saltwater anglers, satisfaction with current fishing regulations for trout is higher among non-residents (97%) than residents (83%). 112 Responsive Management

· Substantial percentages of active saltwater anglers are dissatisfied with the current fishing regulations for large coastal sharks (30%) and red drum (20%).

Ø Active saltwater anglers were asked how satisfied they are with the quantity of fish they catch during a typical saltwater fishing trip for the three species they most often fished for in South Carolina in the past 2 years. For nearly every species, satisfaction exceeds dissatisfaction. · Satisfaction with the quantity of fish caught among active saltwater anglers is highest for dogfish shark, followed by whiting and dolphin. · Among active saltwater anglers, satisfaction with the quantity of fish caught when fishing for trout is higher among non-residents (82%) than residents (66%). · Dissatisfaction with the quantity of fish caught among active saltwater anglers is highest for cobia, flounder, yellowfin tuna, and spadefish.

Ø Active saltwater anglers were asked to rate the health and quality of the three species they most often fish for in the areas in which they go saltwater fishing in South Carolina. For nearly every species, a large majority of active saltwater anglers rate the health and quality of species as excellent or good. · All 19 active saltwater anglers who often fished for dogfish shark rate the health and quality for that species as excellent or good. · The species with the highest percentages of excellent or good ratings are dogfish shark (100%), wahoo (94%), whiting (93%), bonnethead shark (93%), and sheepshead (93%). · Among active resident saltwater anglers, non-coastal residents are more likely to rate the health and quality of dolphin as excellent or good than are coastal residents (100% of non-coastal residents compared to 87% of coastal residents). · The species with the highest percentages of fair or poor ratings are spadefish (19%) and snapper (17%).

Ø Please see Volume 2 of this report for graphs depicting the satisfaction results and ratings discussed above for each individual species. South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 113

Q73, 77, and 81. Percent who were very satisfied with their fishing of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years.

Wahoo (n=52) 71 Whiting (n=105) 65

Tarpon (n=15) 60 Dogfish shark (n=19) 58 Spanish mackerel (n=53) 57 Snapper (non-specific) (n=29) 55 Dolphin (n=120) 54 Sheepshead (n=83) 53 Croaker (n=38) 53 Large coastal sharks (n=23) 52 Spot (n=171) 51 Black seabass (n=86) 51 Bonnethead shark (n=14) 50 Spadefish (n=16) 50 Active saltwater angler Red drum (n=612) 49 Black drum (n=45) 47 Cobia (n=35) 46 Striped bass (n=46) 46 Trout (non-specific) (n=203) 44

Yellowfin tuna (n=35) 40 King mackerel (n=136) 39 Flounder (n=526) 38 Bluefish (n=28) 36 Grouper (non-specific) (n=41) 34 Spotted seatrout (n=225) 30

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

114 Responsive Management

Q73, 77, and 81. Percent who were very satisfied with their fishing of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Residents.)

Wahoo (n=48) 71 Whiting (n=98) 64 Dogfish shark (n=18) 61 Spanish mackerel (n=44) 59 Snapper (non-specific) (n=26) 58 Tarpon (n=14) 57 Dolphin (n=110) 56 Sheepshead (n=71) 55 Croaker (n=35) 54 Black seabass (n=74) 54 Spadefish (n=15) 53 Black drum (n=33) 52

Spot (n=143) 51 Resident Red drum (n=509) 49 Large coastal sharks (n=21) 48 Cobia (n=29) 45 Trout (non-specific) (n=169) 43 Yellowfin tuna (n=31) 42 King mackerel (n=117) 42 Bonnethead shark (n=12) 42 Striped bass (n=38) 39 Flounder (n=447) 38 Bluefish (n=19) 37 Grouper (non-specific) (n=37) 35 Spotted seatrout (n=187) 32

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 115

Q73, 77, and 81. Percent who were very satisfied with their fishing of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Non-residents.)

Spot (n=28) 54

Trout (non-specific) 53 (n=34)

Red drum (n=103) 48

Sheepshead (n=12) 42

Flounder (n=79) 37

Non-resident Black seabass 33 (n=12)

Black drum (n=12) 33

Dolphin (n=10) 30

King mackerel 21 (n=19)

Spotted seatrout 21 (n=38)

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

116 Responsive Management

Q73, 77, and 81. Percent who were very satisfied with their fishing of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Coastal Residents.)

Dogfish shark (n=12) 75

Wahoo (n=33) 70

Whiting (n=66) 65

Spanish mackerel (n=28) 61

Tarpon (n=12) 58

Snapper (non-specific) (n=21) 57

Sheepshead (n=55) 56

Croaker (n=25) 56

Spadefish (n=11) 55

Black seabass (n=54) 54

Spot (n=116) 53

Dolphin (n=78) 50 Coastal resident Red drum (n=373) 49

Black drum (n=28) 46

Trout (non-specific) (n=130) 46

King mackerel (n=85) 41

Yellowfin tuna (n=25) 40

Cobia (n=23) 39

Striped bass (n=30) 37

Flounder (n=334) 36

Grouper (non-specific) (n=28) 36

Large coastal sharks (n=12) 33

Spotted seatrout (n=146) 33

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 117

Q73, 77, and 81. Percent who were very satisfied with their fishing of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Non-coastal Residents.)

Wahoo (n=15) 73

Dolphin (n=32) 72

Whiting (n=32) 63

Spanish mackerel 56 (n=16)

Black seabass 55 (n=20)

Croaker (n=10) 50

Sheepshead (n=16) 50 Non-coastal resident Red drum (n=136) 48

King mackerel 44 (n=32)

Flounder (n=113) 43

Spot (n=27) 41

Bluefish (n=10) 40

Trout (non-specific) 31 (n=39)

Spotted seatrout 27 (n=41)

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

118 Responsive Management

Q73, 77, and 81. Percent who were very or somewhat satisfied with their fishing of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years.

Whiting (n=105) 96 Dogfish shark (n=19) 95 Tarpon (n=15) 93 Wahoo (n=52) 92 Sheepshead (n=83) 90 Dolphin (n=120) 88 Snapper (non-specific) (n=29) 86 Red drum (n=612) 86 Bonnethead shark (n=14) 86 Spot (n=171) 85 Black seabass (n=86) 85 King mackerel (n=136) 85 Black drum (n=45) 84 Active saltwater angler Striped bass (n=46) 80 Spanish mackerel (n=53) 79 Trout (non-specific) (n=203) 79 Grouper (non-specific) (n=41) 78 Yellowfin tuna (n=35) 77 Croaker (n=38) 76 Spotted seatrout (n=225) 75 Spadefish (n=16) 75 Flounder (n=526) 72 Cobia (n=35) 71 Large coastal sharks (n=23) 70 Bluefish (n=28) 68

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 119

Q73, 77, and 81. Percent who were very or somewhat satisfied with their fishing of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Residents.)

Dogfish shark (n=18) 100 Whiting (n=98) 96 Tarpon (n=14) 93 Snapper (non-specific) (n=26) 92 Wahoo (n=48) 92 Sheepshead (n=71) 92 Dolphin (n=110) 89 Red drum (n=509) 86 King mackerel (n=117) 85 Spot (n=143) 85 Black seabass (n=74) 85 Black drum (n=33) 85 Bonnethead shark (n=12) 83 Resident Spadefish (n=15) 80 Spanish mackerel (n=44) 80 Striped bass (n=38) 79 Grouper (non-specific) (n=37) 78 Yellowfin tuna (n=31) 77 Croaker (n=35) 77 Trout (non-specific) (n=169) 77 Spotted seatrout (n=187) 75 Flounder (n=447) 73 Cobia (n=29) 72 Large coastal sharks (n=21) 67 Bluefish (n=19) 63

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

120 Responsive Management

Q73, 77, and 81. Percent who were very or somewhat satisfied with their fishing of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Non-residents.)

Red drum (n=103) 88

Trout (non-specific) (n=34) 88

Spot (n=28) 86

Sheepshead (n=12) 83

Black drum (n=12) 83 Non-resident

Black seabass (n=12) 83

King mackerel (n=19) 79

Spotted seatrout 74 (n=38)

Dolphin (n=10) 70

Flounder (n=79) 70

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 121

Q73, 77, and 81. Percent who were very or somewhat satisfied with their fishing of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Coastal Residents.)

Dogfish shark (n=12) 100 Wahoo (n=33) 97 Whiting (n=66) 95

Tarpon (n=12) 92 Sheepshead (n=55) 91

Spadefish (n=11) 91

Snapper (non-specific) (n=21) 90

Dolphin (n=78) 87

Black seabass (n=54) 87

Red drum (n=373) 86

Spot (n=116) 84 King mackerel (n=85) 82 Coastal resident Black drum (n=28) 82

Grouper (non-specific) (n=28) 82

Spanish mackerel (n=28) 82

Spotted seatrout (n=146) 78

Trout (non-specific) (n=130) 76

Croaker (n=25) 76

Yellowfin tuna (n=25) 76

Striped bass (n=30) 73

Flounder (n=334) 72

Cobia (n=23) 70 Large coastal sharks (n=12) 50

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

122 Responsive Management

Q73, 77, and 81. Percent who were very or somewhat satisfied with their fishing of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Non-coastal Residents.)

Whiting (n=32) 97

Dolphin (n=32) 94

King mackerel 94 (n=32)

Sheepshead (n=16) 94

Spot (n=27) 93

Red drum (n=136) 85

Black seabass 80 (n=20) Non-coastal resident

Croaker (n=10) 80

Wahoo (n=15) 80

Trout (non-specific) 79 (n=39)

Flounder (n=113) 76

Spanish mackerel 75 (n=16)

Bluefish (n=10) 70

Spotted seatrout 66 (n=41)

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 123

Q73, 77, and 81. Percent who were very or somewhat dissatisfied with their fishing of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years.

Cobia (n=35) 29 Flounder (n=526) 25 Spadefish (n=16) 25 Yellowfin tuna (n=35) 23 Grouper (non-specific) (n=41) 22 Spotted seatrout (n=225) 22 Large coastal sharks (n=23) 22 Bluefish (n=28) 21 Spanish mackerel (n=53) 21 Trout (non-specific) (n=203) 18 Croaker (n=38) 16 King mackerel (n=136) 14 Black seabass (n=86) 14 Active saltwater angler Snapper (non-specific) (n=29) 14 Black drum (n=45) 13 Striped bass (n=46) 13 Spot (n=171) 12 Red drum (n=612) 12 Dolphin (n=120) 9 Sheepshead (n=83) 8 Wahoo (n=52) 8 Tarpon (n=15) 7 Whiting (n=105) 4 Bonnethead shark (n=14) 0 Dogfish shark (n=19) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

124 Responsive Management

Q73, 77, and 81. Percent who were very or somewhat dissatisfied with their fishing of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Residents.)

Cobia (n=29) 28 Bluefish (n=19) 26 Flounder (n=447) 25 Large coastal sharks (n=21) 24 Yellowfin tuna (n=31) 23 Spotted seatrout (n=187) 22 Grouper (non-specific) (n=37) 22 Spanish mackerel (n=44) 20 Spadefish (n=15) 20 Trout (non-specific) (n=169) 20 Striped bass (n=38) 16 Croaker (n=35) 14 Black seabass (n=74) 14 Resident Spot (n=143) 13 Red drum (n=509) 13 King mackerel (n=117) 13 Black drum (n=33) 12 Wahoo (n=48) 8 Dolphin (n=110) 8 Snapper (non-specific) (n=26) 8 Tarpon (n=14) 7 Sheepshead (n=71) 7 Whiting (n=98) 4 Bonnethead shark (n=12) 0 Dogfish shark (n=18) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 125

Q73, 77, and 81. Percent who were very or somewhat dissatisfied with their fishing of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Non-residents.)

Flounder (n=79) 27

King mackerel (n=19) 21

Spotted seatrout 21 (n=38)

Dolphin (n=10) 20

Black drum (n=12) 17 Non-resident Black seabass (n=12) 17

Sheepshead (n=12) 17

Trout (non-specific) 12 (n=34)

Red drum (n=103) 8

Spot (n=28) 7

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

126 Responsive Management

Q73, 77, and 81. Percent who were very or somewhat dissatisfied with their fishing of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Coastal Residents.)

Large coastal sharks (n=12) 33

Cobia (n=23) 30

Flounder (n=334) 26

Yellowfin tuna (n=25) 24

Trout (non-specific) (n=130) 21

Striped bass (n=30) 20

Spotted seatrout (n=146) 19

Grouper (non-specific) (n=28) 18

Spanish mackerel (n=28) 18

Croaker (n=25) 16

King mackerel (n=85) 15

Spot (n=116) 15 Coastal resident

Black drum (n=28) 14

Red drum (n=373) 13

Black seabass (n=54) 11

Snapper (non-specific) (n=21) 10

Spadefish (n=11) 9

Dolphin (n=78) 9

Tarpon (n=12) 8

Sheepshead (n=55) 7

Whiting (n=66) 5

Wahoo (n=33) 3

Dogfish shark (n=12) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 127

Q73, 77, and 81. Percent who were very or somewhat dissatisfied with their fishing of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Non-coastal Residents.)

Spotted seatrout 32 (n=41)

Spanish mackerel 25 (n=16)

Flounder (n=113) 20

Black seabass 20 (n=20)

Bluefish (n=10) 20

Wahoo (n=15) 20

Trout (non-specific) 15 (n=39) Non-coastal resident Red drum (n=136) 14

Croaker (n=10) 10

Spot (n=27) 7

Dolphin (n=32) 6

King mackerel 6 (n=32)

Sheepshead (n=16) 6

Whiting (n=32) 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

128 Responsive Management

Q73, 77, and 81. Percent who were very dissatisfied with their fishing of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years.

Yellowfin tuna (n=35) 11 Flounder (n=526) 9 Large coastal sharks (n=23) 9 Cobia (n=35) 9 Black seabass (n=86) 8 Spanish mackerel (n=53) 8 Grouper (non-specific) (n=41) 7 Bluefish (n=28) 7 Snapper (non-specific) (n=29) 7 Spadefish (n=16) 6 Spotted seatrout (n=225) 5 Black drum (n=45) 4 King mackerel (n=136) 4 Active saltwater angler Striped bass (n=46) 4 Spot (n=171) 4 Red drum (n=612) 4 Trout (non-specific) (n=203) 3 Croaker (n=38) 3 Wahoo (n=52) 2 Sheepshead (n=83) 1 Whiting (n=105) 1 Dolphin (n=120) 0 Bonnethead shark (n=14) 0 Dogfish shark (n=19) 0 Tarpon (n=15) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 129

Q73, 77, and 81. Percent who were very dissatisfied with their fishing of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Residents.)

Yellowfin tuna (n=31) 13 Bluefish (n=19) 11 Cobia (n=29) 10 Large coastal sharks (n=21) 10 Flounder (n=447) 9 Black seabass (n=74) 8 Snapper (non-specific) (n=26) 8 Spanish mackerel (n=44) 7 Grouper (non-specific) (n=37) 5 Striped bass (n=38) 5 Spot (n=143) 5 Spotted seatrout (n=187) 5

Red drum (n=509) 4 Resident King mackerel (n=117) 4 Trout (non-specific) (n=169) 4 Black drum (n=33) 3 Croaker (n=35) 3 Wahoo (n=48) 2 Sheepshead (n=71) 1 Whiting (n=98) 1 Dolphin (n=110) 0 Bonnethead shark (n=12) 0 Dogfish shark (n=18) 0 Spadefish (n=15) 0 Tarpon (n=14) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

130 Responsive Management

Q73, 77, and 81. Percent who were very dissatisfied with their fishing of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Non-residents.)

Black seabass 8 (n=12)

Black drum (n=12) 8

Flounder (n=79) 6

King mackerel 5 (n=19)

Spotted seatrout 5 (n=38)

Non-resident Red drum (n=103) 1

Dolphin (n=10) 0

Spot (n=28) 0

Trout (non-specific) 0 (n=34)

Sheepshead (n=12) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 131

Q73, 77, and 81. Percent who were very dissatisfied with their fishing of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Coastal Residents.)

Large coastal sharks (n=12) 17

Yellowfin tuna (n=25) 16

Cobia (n=23) 13

Flounder (n=334) 10

Snapper (non-specific) (n=21) 10

Black seabass (n=54) 9

Grouper (non-specific) (n=28) 7

Spanish mackerel (n=28) 7

Striped bass (n=30) 7

King mackerel (n=85) 6

Red drum (n=373) 6 Spotted seatrout (n=146) 5 Coastal resident Trout (non-specific) (n=130) 5

Spot (n=116) 5

Croaker (n=25) 4

Black drum (n=28) 4

Sheepshead (n=55) 2

Whiting (n=66) 2

Dolphin (n=78) 0

Dogfish shark (n=12) 0

Spadefish (n=11) 0

Tarpon (n=12) 0

Wahoo (n=33) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

132 Responsive Management

Q73, 77, and 81. Percent who were very dissatisfied with their fishing of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Non-coastal Residents.)

Bluefish (n=10) 10

Flounder (n=113) 8

Wahoo (n=15) 7

Spanish mackerel 6 (n=16)

Black seabass 5 (n=20)

Spot (n=27) 4

Spotted seatrout 2 (n=41) Non-coastal resident Red drum (n=136) 1

Dolphin (n=32) 0

King mackerel 0 (n=32)

Whiting (n=32) 0

Trout (non-specific) 0 (n=39)

Croaker (n=10) 0

Sheepshead (n=16) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 133

Q74, 78, and 82. Percent who are very satisfied with the current fishing regulations of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years.

Tarpon (n=15) 80 Sheepshead (n=83) 69 Croaker (n=38) 66 Whiting (n=105) 66 Wahoo (n=52) 65 Bluefish (n=28) 64 Spadefish (n=16) 63 Dolphin (n=120) 62 King mackerel (n=136) 58 Dogfish shark (n=19) 58 Cobia (n=35) 57 Yellowfin tuna (n=35) 57

Spanish mackerel (n=53) 57 Active saltwater angler Flounder (n=526) 54 Black drum (n=45) 53 Spot (n=171) 53 Snapper (non-specific) (n=29) 52 Grouper (non-specific) (n=41) 51 Trout (non-specific) (n=203) 51 Striped bass (n=46) 50 Black seabass (n=86) 49 Red drum (n=612) 44 Spotted seatrout (n=225) 44 Bonnethead shark (n=14) 43 Large coastal sharks (n=23) 35

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

134 Responsive Management

Q74, 78, and 82. Percent who are very satisfied with the current fishing regulations of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Residents.)

Tarpon (n=14) 79 Sheepshead (n=71) 75 Croaker (n=35) 69 Bluefish (n=19) 68 Whiting (n=98) 67 Wahoo (n=48) 67 Dolphin (n=110) 65 Dogfish shark (n=18) 61 Spadefish (n=15) 60 Cobia (n=29) 59 King mackerel (n=117) 58 Yellowfin tuna (n=31) 58 Black drum (n=33) 55 Resident Spanish mackerel (n=44) 55 Flounder (n=447) 54 Grouper (non-specific) (n=37) 54 Snapper (non-specific) (n=26) 54 Spot (n=143) 52 Black seabass (n=74) 51 Trout (non-specific) (n=169) 51 Striped bass (n=38) 50 Spotted seatrout (n=187) 45 Red drum (n=509) 44 Large coastal sharks (n=21) 38 Bonnethead shark (n=12) 33

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 135

Q74, 78, and 82. Percent who are very satisfied with the current fishing regulations of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Non-residents.)

Spot (n=28) 61

King mackerel 58 (n=19)

Flounder (n=79) 51

Trout (non-specific) 50 (n=34)

Black drum (n=12) 50

Non-resident

Red drum (n=103) 45

Spotted seatrout 34 (n=38)

Black seabass 33 (n=12)

Sheepshead (n=12) 33

Dolphin (n=10) 30

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

136 Responsive Management

Q74, 78, and 82. Percent who are very satisfied with the current fishing regulations of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Coastal Residents.)

Sheepshead (n=55) 78

Tarpon (n=12) 75

Croaker (n=25) 68

Whiting (n=66) 67

Spadefish (n=11) 64

Cobia (n=23) 61

Wahoo (n=33) 61

Yellowfin tuna (n=25) 60

Dogfish shark (n=12) 58 Dolphin (n=78) 58

King mackerel (n=85) 58

Black drum (n=28) 57 Coastal resident

Striped bass (n=30) 57

Flounder (n=334) 54

Black seabass (n=54) 54

Grouper (non-specific) (n=28) 54

Spanish mackerel (n=28) 54

Spot (n=116) 53 Snapper (non-specific) (n=21) 52

Trout (non-specific) (n=130) 50 Spotted seatrout (n=146) 49

Bonnethead shark (n=8) 38

Large coastal sharks (n=12) 25

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 137

Q74, 78, and 82. Percent who are very satisfied with the current fishing regulations of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Non-coastal Residents.)

Dolphin (n=32) 81

Wahoo (n=15) 80

Croaker (n=10) 70

Whiting (n=32) 69

Sheepshead (n=16) 63

King mackerel 59 (n=32)

Spanish mackerel 56 (n=16) Non-coastal resident Flounder (n=113) 54

Trout (non-specific) 54 (n=39)

Bluefish (n=10) 50

Spot (n=27) 48

Black seabass 45 (n=20)

Red drum (n=136) 44

Spotted seatrout 34 (n=41)

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

138 Responsive Management

Q74, 78, and 82. Percent who are very or somewhat satisfied with the current fishing regulations of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years.

Whiting (n=105) 94 Wahoo (n=52) 94 Spadefish (n=16) 94 Tarpon (n=15) 93 Sheepshead (n=83) 93 Spanish mackerel (n=53) 92 King mackerel (n=136) 92 Black drum (n=45) 91 Dolphin (n=120) 91 Yellowfin tuna (n=35) 89 Spotted seatrout (n=225) 87 Striped bass (n=46) 87

Croaker (n=38) 87 Active saltwater angler Snapper (non-specific) (n=29) 86 Flounder (n=526) 86 Bluefish (n=28) 86

Grouper (non-specific) (n=41) 85 Trout (non-specific) (n=203) 85 Spot (n=171) 85 Dogfish shark (n=19) 84 Black seabass (n=86) 84 Cobia (n=35) 83 Red drum (n=612) 76 Bonnethead shark (n=14) 71 Large coastal sharks (n=23) 57

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 139

Q74, 78, and 82. Percent who are very or somewhat satisfied with the current fishing regulations of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Residents.)

Sheepshead (n=71) 96 Spanish mackerel (n=44) 95 King mackerel (n=117) 94 Whiting (n=98) 94 Wahoo (n=48) 94 Spadefish (n=15) 93 Tarpon (n=14) 93 Dolphin (n=110) 93 Black drum (n=33) 91 Dogfish shark (n=18) 89 Croaker (n=35) 89 Snapper (non-specific) (n=26) 88 Spotted seatrout (n=187) 88 Resident Yellowfin tuna (n=31) 87 Striped bass (n=38) 87 Grouper (non-specific) (n=37) 86

Flounder (n=447) 86 Spot (n=143) 85 Bluefish (n=19) 84 Black seabass (n=74) 84 Trout (non-specific) (n=169) 83 Cobia (n=29) 83 Red drum (n=509) 76 Bonnethead shark (n=12) 67 Large coastal sharks (n=21) 52

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

140 Responsive Management

Q74, 78, and 82. Percent who are very or somewhat satisfied with the current fishing regulations of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Non-residents.)

Trout (non-specific) 97 (n=34)

Black drum (n=12) 92

Spot (n=28) 86

Flounder (n=79) 85

Spotted seatrout 84 (n=38) Non-resident

Black seabass 83 (n=12)

King mackerel 79 (n=19)

Red drum (n=103) 78

Sheepshead 75 (n=12)

Dolphin (n=10) 70

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 141

Q74, 78, and 82. Percent who are very or somewhat satisfied with the current fishing regulations of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Coastal Residents.)

Spadefish (n=11) 100

Spanish mackerel (n=28) 96

Sheepshead (n=55) 95

Whiting (n=66) 94

Dolphin (n=78) 94

King mackerel (n=85) 93

Dogfish shark (n=12) 92

Tarpon (n=12) 92

Wahoo (n=33) 91

Snapper (non-specific) (n=21) 90

Spotted seatrout (n=146) 90 Coastal resident Black drum (n=28) 89

Yellowfin tuna (n=25) 88

Striped bass (n=30) 87

Flounder (n=334) 85

Croaker (n=25) 84

Spot (n=116) 84

Cobia (n=23) 83

Grouper (non-specific) (n=28) 82

Trout (non-specific) (n=130) 81

Black seabass (n=54) 80

Red drum (n=373) 74

Large coastal sharks (n=12) 42

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

142 Responsive Management

Q74, 78, and 82. Percent who are very or somewhat satisfied with the current fishing regulations of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Non-coastal Residents.)

Croaker (n=10) 100

Sheepshead (n=16) 100

Wahoo (n=15) 100

King mackerel 97 (n=32)

Black seabass (n=20) 95

Spanish mackerel 94 (n=16)

Whiting (n=32) 94 Non-coastal resident

Dolphin (n=32) 91

Flounder (n=113) 90

Trout (non-specific) 90 (n=39)

Spot (n=27) 89

Red drum (n=136) 82

Spotted seatrout (n=41) 80

Bluefish (n=10) 80

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 143

Q74, 78, and 82. Percent who are very or somewhat dissatisfied with the current fishing regulations of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years.

Large coastal sharks (n=23) 30 Red drum (n=612) 20 Cobia (n=35) 14 Bonnethead shark (n=14) 14 Snapper (non-specific) (n=29) 14 Grouper (non-specific) (n=41) 12 Black seabass (n=86) 12 Spot (n=171) 10 Trout (non-specific) (n=203) 10 Spotted seatrout (n=225) 9 Flounder (n=526) 9 Black drum (n=45) 9 Yellowfin tuna (n=35) 9 Active saltwater angler Tarpon (n=15) 7 Dogfish shark (n=19) 5 Dolphin (n=120) 5 Striped bass (n=46) 4 Wahoo (n=52) 4 Spanish mackerel (n=53) 4 Bluefish (n=28) 4 King mackerel (n=136) 3 Whiting (n=105) 2 Sheepshead (n=83) 1 Croaker (n=38) 0 Spadefish (n=16) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

144 Responsive Management

Q74, 78, and 82. Percent who are very or somewhat dissatisfied with the current fishing regulations of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Residents.)

Large coastal sharks (n=21) 33 Red drum (n=509) 21

Bonnethead shark (n=12) 17 Cobia (n=29) 14 Spot (n=143) 12 Snapper (non-specific) (n=26) 12 Trout (non-specific) (n=169) 11 Black seabass (n=74) 11 Grouper (non-specific) (n=37) 11 Yellowfin tuna (n=31) 10 Flounder (n=447) 10 Spotted seatrout (n=187) 9 Resident Black drum (n=33) 9 Tarpon (n=14) 7 Dogfish shark (n=18) 6 Bluefish (n=19) 5 Striped bass (n=38) 5 Dolphin (n=110) 5 Wahoo (n=48) 4 King mackerel (n=117) 3 Spanish mackerel (n=44) 2 Whiting (n=98) 2 Sheepshead (n=71) 1 Croaker (n=35) 0 Spadefish (n=15) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 145

Q74, 78, and 82. Percent who are very or somewhat dissatisfied with the current fishing regulations of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Non-residents.)

Black seabass 17 (n=12)

Red drum (n=103) 17

Spotted seatrout 11 (n=38)

Dolphin (n=10) 10

Black drum (n=12) 8 Non-resident

Flounder (n=79) 6

King mackerel 5 (n=19)

Trout (non- 3 specific) (n=34)

Sheepshead 0 (n=12)

Spot (n=28) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

146 Responsive Management

Q74, 78, and 82. Percent who are very or somewhat dissatisfied with the current fishing regulations of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Coastal Residents.)

Large coastal sharks (n=12) 33

Red drum (n=373) 23

Cobia (n=23) 17

Grouper (non-specific) (n=28) 14

Trout (non-specific) (n=130) 14

Black seabass (n=54) 13

Spot (n=116) 13

Flounder (n=334) 11

Black drum (n=28) 11

Snapper (non-specific) (n=21) 10

Tarpon (n=12) 8 Coastal resident Yellowfin tuna (n=25) 8

Spotted seatrout (n=146) 8

Wahoo (n=33) 6

Dolphin (n=78) 5

Spanish mackerel (n=28) 4

King mackerel (n=85) 4

Striped bass (n=30) 3

Sheepshead (n=55) 2

Whiting (n=66) 2

Croaker (n=25) 0

Dogfish shark (n=12) 0

Spadefish (n=11) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 147

Q74, 78, and 82. Percent who are very or somewhat dissatisfied with the current fishing regulations of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Non-coastal Residents.)

Red drum (n=136) 17

Spotted seatrout (n=41) 15

Bluefish (n=10) 10

Spot (n=27) 7

Flounder (n=113) 5

Black seabass (n=20) 5

Dolphin (n=32) 3 Non-coastal resident

Whiting (n=32) 3

Trout (non-specific) 3 (n=39)

Croaker (n=10) 0

King mackerel (n=32) 0

Sheepshead (n=16) 0

Spanish mackerel 0 (n=16)

Wahoo (n=15) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

148 Responsive Management

Q74, 78, and 82. Percent who are very dissatisfied with the current fishing regulations of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years.

Large coastal sharks (n=23) 13 Snapper (non-specific) (n=29) 10 Red drum (n=612) 8 Grouper (non-specific) (n=41) 7 Black drum (n=45) 7 Tarpon (n=15) 7 Spot (n=171) 5 Flounder (n=526) 4 Wahoo (n=52) 4 Bluefish (n=28) 4 Black seabass (n=86) 3 Trout (non-specific) (n=203) 3 Cobia (n=35) 3 Active saltwater angler Yellowfin tuna (n=35) 3 Spotted seatrout (n=225) 2 Striped bass (n=46) 2 Dolphin (n=120) 2 Whiting (n=105) 0 King mackerel (n=136) 0 Croaker (n=38) 0 Bonnethead shark (n=14) 0 Dogfish shark (n=19) 0 Sheepshead (n=83) 0 Spadefish (n=16) 0 Spanish mackerel (n=53) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 149

Q74, 78, and 82. Percent who are very dissatisfied with the current fishing regulations of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Residents.)

Large coastal sharks (n=21) 14 Snapper (non-specific) (n=26) 12 Red drum (n=509) 9 Tarpon (n=14) 7 Black drum (n=33) 6 Spot (n=143) 6 Grouper (non-specific) (n=37) 5 Bluefish (n=19) 5 Wahoo (n=48) 4 Flounder (n=447) 4 Trout (non-specific) (n=169) 4 Cobia (n=29) 3 Yellowfin tuna (n=31) 3 Resident Black seabass (n=74) 3 Spotted seatrout (n=187) 3 Striped bass (n=38) 3 Dolphin (n=110) 1 Whiting (n=98) 0 King mackerel (n=117) 0 Croaker (n=35) 0 Bonnethead shark (n=12) 0 Dogfish shark (n=18) 0 Sheepshead (n=71) 0 Spadefish (n=15) 0 Spanish mackerel (n=44) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

150 Responsive Management

Q74, 78, and 82. Percent who are very dissatisfied with the current fishing regulations of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Non-residents.)

Dolphin (n=10) 10

Black seabass 8 (n=12)

Black drum (n=12) 8

Flounder (n=79) 4

Red drum (n=103) 1

Non-resident King mackerel 0 (n=19)

Spot (n=28) 0

Spotted seatrout 0 (n=38)

Trout (non-specific) 0 (n=34)

Sheepshead (n=12) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 151

Q74, 78, and 82. Percent who are very dissatisfied with the current fishing regulations of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Coastal Residents.)

Large coastal sharks (n=12) 17

Red drum (n=373) 10

Snapper (non-specific) (n=21) 10

Tarpon (n=12) 8

Black drum (n=28) 7

Grouper (non-specific) (n=28) 7

Wahoo (n=33) 6

Spot (n=116) 6

Flounder (n=334) 5

Trout (non-specific) (n=130) 5

Cobia (n=23) 4

Yellowfin tuna (n=25) 4 Coastal resident

Black seabass (n=54) 4

Spotted seatrout (n=146) 3

Striped bass (n=30) 3

Dolphin (n=78) 1

Whiting (n=66) 0

King mackerel (n=85) 0

Croaker (n=25) 0

Dogfish shark (n=12) 0

Sheepshead (n=55) 0

Spadefish (n=11) 0

Spanish mackerel (n=28) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

152 Responsive Management

Q74, 78, and 82. Percent who are very dissatisfied with the current fishing regulations of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Non-coastal Residents.)

Bluefish (n=10) 10

Red drum (n=136) 8

Spot (n=27) 4

Flounder (n=113) 1

Whiting (n=32) 0

Wahoo (n=15) 0

Trout (non-specific) 0 (n=39) Non-coastal resident Spotted seatrout 0 (n=41)

Spanish mackerel 0 (n=16)

Sheepshead (n=16) 0

King mackerel 0 (n=32)

Dolphin (n=32) 0

Croaker (n=10) 0

Black seabass 0 (n=20)

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 153

Q75, 79, and 83. Percent who are very satisfied with the quantity of fish they catch during a typical saltwater fishing trip of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years.

Dogfish shark (n=19) 63 Tarpon (n=15) 60 Whiting (n=105) 59 Snapper (non-specific) (n=29) 55 Spanish mackerel (n=53) 53 Black seabass (n=86) 52 Dolphin (n=120) 51 Sheepshead (n=83) 51 Bonnethead shark (n=14) 50 Black drum (n=45) 49 Large coastal sharks (n=23) 48 Spot (n=171) 47 Croaker (n=38) 45 Active saltwater angler Wahoo (n=52) 44 Striped bass (n=46) 43 Bluefish (n=28) 43 Red drum (n=612) 40 Yellowfin tuna (n=35) 40 King mackerel (n=136) 39 Spadefish (n=16) 38 Flounder (n=526) 36 Grouper (non-specific) (n=41) 34 Trout (non-specific) (n=203) 34 Cobia (n=35) 31 Spotted seatrout (n=225) 28

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

154 Responsive Management

Q75, 79, and 83. Percent who are very satisfied with the quantity of fish they catch during a typical saltwater fishing trip of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Residents.)

Dogfish shark (n=18) 67 Whiting (n=98) 59 Snapper (non-specific) (n=26) 58 Tarpon (n=14) 57 Dolphin (n=110) 54 Black seabass (n=74) 53 Black drum (n=33) 52 Spanish mackerel (n=44) 50 Sheepshead (n=71) 49 Croaker (n=35) 46 Spot (n=143) 44 Large coastal sharks (n=21) 43 Bluefish (n=19) 42 Resident King mackerel (n=117) 42 Bonnethead shark (n=12) 42 Wahoo (n=48) 42 Red drum (n=509) 40 Spadefish (n=15) 40 Striped bass (n=38) 39 Flounder (n=447) 36 Yellowfin tuna (n=31) 35 Grouper (non-specific) (n=37) 35 Trout (non-specific) (n=169) 34 Cobia (n=29) 31 Spotted seatrout (n=187) 29

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 155

Spot (n=28) 61

Sheepshead (n=12) 58

Black seabass 50 (n=12)

Black drum (n=12) 42

Red drum (n=103) 40 Non-resident

Trout (non-specific) 35 (n=34)

Flounder (n=79) 33

King mackerel 21 (n=19)

Spotted seatrout 21 (n=38)

Dolphin (n=10) 20

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

156 Responsive Management

Dogfish shark (n=12) 67 Whiting (n=66) 59

Tarpon (n=12) 58 Snapper (non-specific) (n=21) 57

Black seabass (n=54) 54 Black drum (n=28) 54

Croaker (n=25) 52 Sheepshead (n=55) 51 Spanish mackerel (n=28) 50 Dolphin (n=78) 50 Spadefish (n=11) 45 Spot (n=116) 44 Coastal resident Red drum (n=373) 42 King mackerel (n=85) 41 Striped bass (n=30) 40 Wahoo (n=33) 39 Grouper (non-specific) (n=28) 39 Trout (non-specific) (n=130) 37 Flounder (n=334) 35

Yellowfin tuna (n=25) 32 Spotted seatrout (n=146) 29

Cobia (n=23) 26 Large coastal sharks (n=12) 25

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 157

Dolphin (n=32) 63

Whiting (n=32) 59

Black seabass 50 (n=20)

Bluefish (n=10) 50

Spanish mackerel (n=16) 50

Wahoo (n=15) 47

Spot (n=27) 44 Non-coastal resident King mackerel 44 (n=32)

Sheepshead (n=16) 44

Flounder (n=113) 40

Red drum (n=136) 36

Croaker (n=10) 30

Spotted seatrout 29 (n=41)

Trout (non-specific) 23 (n=39)

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

158 Responsive Management

Q75, 79, and 83. Percent who are very or somewhat satisfied with the quantity of fish they catch during a typical saltwater fishing trip of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years.

Dogfish shark (n=19) 95 Whiting (n=105) 89 Dolphin (n=120) 87 Bonnethead shark (n=14) 86 Wahoo (n=52) 85 Spanish mackerel (n=53) 83 Black seabass (n=86) 83 Black drum (n=45) 82 Spot (n=171) 82 Sheepshead (n=83) 80 Snapper (non-specific) (n=29) 79 Croaker (n=38) 76 Active saltwater angler Striped bass (n=46) 76 Grouper (non-specific) (n=41) 76 Red drum (n=612) 75 King mackerel (n=136) 74 Tarpon (n=15) 73 Bluefish (n=28) 71 Spotted seatrout (n=225) 71 Yellowfin tuna (n=35) 69 Trout (non-specific) (n=203) 68 Large coastal sharks (n=23) 65 Flounder (n=526) 64 Cobia (n=35) 63 Spadefish (n=16) 63

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 159

Dogfish shark (n=18) 100 Whiting (n=98) 89 Dolphin (n=110) 87 Wahoo (n=48) 85 Black seabass (n=74) 84 Bonnethead shark (n=12) 83 Black drum (n=33) 82 Spanish mackerel (n=44) 82 Snapper (non-specific) (n=26) 81 Spot (n=143) 80 Striped bass (n=38) 79 Sheepshead (n=71) 79 Croaker (n=35) 77 Resident King mackerel (n=117) 76 Grouper (non-specific) (n=37) 76 Red drum (n=509) 75 Tarpon (n=14) 71 Spotted seatrout (n=187) 71 Bluefish (n=19) 68 Spadefish (n=15) 67 Trout (non-specific) (n=169) 66 Flounder (n=447) 65 Yellowfin tuna (n=31) 65 Large coastal sharks (n=21) 62 Cobia (n=29) 59

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

160 Responsive Management

Spot (n=28) 89

Black drum (n=12) 83

Sheepshead (n=12) 83

Trout (non-specific) 82 (n=34)

Dolphin (n=10) 80 Non-resident

Red drum (n=103) 77

Black seabass 75 (n=12)

Spotted seatrout (n=38) 74

Flounder (n=79) 62

King mackerel (n=19) 58

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 161

Dogfish shark (n=12) 100 Wahoo (n=33) 91

Whiting (n=66) 86 Dolphin (n=78) 86

Black seabass (n=54) 83 Black drum (n=28) 82

Spanish mackerel (n=28) 82 Spot (n=116) 82 Snapper (non-specific) (n=21) 81 Croaker (n=25) 80 Sheepshead (n=55) 80 King mackerel (n=85) 79 Coastal resident Grouper (non-specific) (n=28) 79 Striped bass (n=30) 77 Tarpon (n=12) 75 Red drum (n=373) 74 Spadefish (n=11) 73 Trout (non-specific) (n=130) 69 Spotted seatrout (n=146) 69

Flounder (n=334) 64 Cobia (n=23) 57

Yellowfin tuna (n=25) 56 Large coastal sharks (n=12) 50

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

162 Responsive Management

Whiting (n=32) 94

Dolphin (n=32) 91

Bluefish (n=10) 90

Black seabass 85 (n=20)

Spanish mackerel 81 (n=16)

Red drum (n=136) 77

Spotted seatrout 76 (n=41) Non-coastal resident

Sheepshead (n=16) 75

Spot (n=27) 74

Wahoo (n=15) 73

Croaker (n=10) 70

King mackerel 69 (n=32)

Flounder (n=113) 68

Trout (non-specific) 54 (n=39)

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 163

Q75, 79, and 83. Percent who are very or somewhat dissatisfied with the quantity of fish they catch during a typical saltwater fishing trip of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years.

Cobia (n=35) 37 Flounder (n=526) 33 Yellowfin tuna (n=35) 31 Spadefish (n=16) 31 Trout (non-specific) (n=203) 29 Tarpon (n=15) 27 Spotted seatrout (n=225) 26 Large coastal sharks (n=23) 26 Bluefish (n=28) 25 Grouper (non-specific) (n=41) 24 Croaker (n=38) 24 King mackerel (n=136) 23 Active saltwater angler Red drum (n=612) 22 Snapper (non-specific) (n=29) 21 Sheepshead (n=83) 18 Black seabass (n=86) 16 Striped bass (n=46) 15 Spanish mackerel (n=53) 15 Spot (n=171) 14 Wahoo (n=52) 13 Black drum (n=45) 13 Whiting (n=105) 10 Dolphin (n=120) 9 Bonnethead shark (n=14) 7 Dogfish shark (n=19) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

164 Responsive Management

Cobia (n=29) 41 Yellowfin tuna (n=31) 35 Flounder (n=447) 32 Bluefish (n=19) 32 Trout (non-specific) (n=169) 31 Large coastal sharks (n=21) 29 Tarpon (n=14) 29 Spotted seatrout (n=187) 27 Spadefish (n=15) 27 Grouper (non-specific) (n=37) 24 Croaker (n=35) 23 Red drum (n=509) 23 King mackerel (n=117) 21 Resident Snapper (non-specific) (n=26) 19 Sheepshead (n=71) 18 Spanish mackerel (n=44) 16 Spot (n=143) 15 Black seabass (n=74) 15 Wahoo (n=48) 15 Striped bass (n=38) 13 Black drum (n=33) 12 Whiting (n=98) 10 Dolphin (n=110) 9 Bonnethead shark (n=12) 8 Dogfish shark (n=18) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 165

King mackerel 37 (n=19)

Flounder (n=79) 37

Black seabass 25 (n=12)

Spotted seatrout 21 (n=38)

Red drum (n=103) 18 Non-resident

Trout (non- 18 specific) (n=34)

Black drum (n=12) 17

Sheepshead 17 (n=12)

Dolphin (n=10) 10

Spot (n=28) 7

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

166 Responsive Management

Yellowfin tuna (n=25) 44 Cobia (n=23) 43

Large coastal sharks (n=12) 33 Flounder (n=334) 33

Trout (non-specific) (n=130) 28 Spotted seatrout (n=146) 28

Tarpon (n=12) 25 Red drum (n=373) 23 Grouper (non-specific) (n=28) 21 Croaker (n=25) 20 Snapper (non-specific) (n=21) 19 King mackerel (n=85) 19 Coastal resident Spadefish (n=11) 18 Spanish mackerel (n=28) 18 Sheepshead (n=55) 16 Black seabass (n=54) 15 Spot (n=116) 14 Striped bass (n=30) 13 Whiting (n=66) 12

Dolphin (n=78) 12 Black drum (n=28) 11

Wahoo (n=33) 9 Dogfish shark (n=12) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 167

Trout (non-specific) 38 (n=39)

Croaker (n=10) 30

Flounder (n=113) 28

Wahoo (n=15) 27

King mackerel 25 (n=32)

Sheepshead (n=16) 25

Spotted seatrout 24 (n=41) Non-coastal resident Spot (n=27) 22

Red drum (n=136) 22

Black seabass 15 (n=20)

Spanish mackerel 13 (n=16)

Bluefish (n=10) 10

Whiting (n=32) 6

Dolphin (n=32) 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

168 Responsive Management

Q75, 79, and 83. Percent who are very dissatisfied with the quantity of fish they catch during a typical saltwater fishing trip of species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years.

Spadefish (n=16) 19 Cobia (n=35) 17 Tarpon (n=15) 13 Large coastal sharks (n=23) 13 Flounder (n=526) 12 Spotted seatrout (n=225) 9 Black drum (n=45) 9 Yellowfin tuna (n=35) 9 Croaker (n=38) 8 Trout (non-specific) (n=203) 8 Red drum (n=612) 8 Whiting (n=105) 8 King mackerel (n=136) 7 Active saltwater angler Grouper (non-specific) (n=41) 7 Bluefish (n=28) 7 Spot (n=171) 7 Snapper (non-specific) (n=29) 7 Black seabass (n=86) 6 Wahoo (n=52) 6 Spanish mackerel (n=53) 6 Sheepshead (n=83) 5 Dolphin (n=120) 3 Striped bass (n=46) 2 Bonnethead shark (n=14) 0 Dogfish shark (n=19) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 169

Cobia (n=29) 17 Large coastal sharks (n=21) 14 Tarpon (n=14) 14 Spadefish (n=15) 13 Flounder (n=447) 12 Bluefish (n=19) 11 Yellowfin tuna (n=31) 10 Trout (non-specific) (n=169) 9 Croaker (n=35) 9 Spotted seatrout (n=187) 9 Red drum (n=509) 8 Grouper (non-specific) (n=37) 8 Spot (n=143) 8 Resident Snapper (non-specific) (n=26) 8 Whiting (n=98) 7 Black seabass (n=74) 7 Wahoo (n=48) 6 Black drum (n=33) 6 King mackerel (n=117) 6 Spanish mackerel (n=44) 5 Sheepshead (n=71) 3 Dolphin (n=110) 3 Striped bass (n=38) 3 Bonnethead shark (n=12) 0 Dogfish shark (n=18) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

170 Responsive Management

Black drum (n=12) 17

Sheepshead (n=12) 17

King mackerel (n=19) 16

Flounder (n=79) 13

Spotted seatrout (n=38) 11 Non-resident

Red drum (n=103) 5

Spot (n=28) 4

Dolphin (n=10) 0

Trout (non-specific) (n=34) 0

Black seabass 0 (n=12)

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 171

Large coastal sharks (n=12) 17

Cobia (n=23) 13 Flounder (n=334) 13 Croaker (n=25) 12 Yellowfin tuna (n=25) 12 Trout (non-specific) (n=130) 10 Snapper (non-specific) (n=21) 10 Spadefish (n=11) 9 Whiting (n=66) 9

Red drum (n=373) 9 Spot (n=116) 9 Coastal resident Tarpon (n=12) 8 Spotted seatrout (n=146) 8 Black seabass (n=54) 7 Black drum (n=28) 7

Spanish mackerel (n=28) 7 King mackerel (n=85) 6 Sheepshead (n=55) 4 Grouper (non-specific) (n=28) 4 Wahoo (n=33) 3

Bonnethead shark (n=8) 0 Dogfish shark (n=12) 0 Striped bass (n=30) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

172 Responsive Management

Wahoo (n=15) 13

Flounder (n=113) 11

Bluefish (n=10) 10

Spotted seatrout 10 (n=41)

Trout (non-specific) (n=39) 8

Red drum (n=136) 7

King mackerel 6 (n=32) Non-coastal resident Black seabass 5 (n=20)

Spot (n=27) 4

Dolphin (n=32) 3

Whiting (n=32) 3

Croaker (n=10) 0

Sheepshead (n=16) 0

Spanish mackerel 0 (n=16)

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 173

Q76, 80, and 84. Percent who rate the health and quality of species as excellent in the areas they go saltwater fishing, among species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years.

Bonnethead shark (n=14) 64 Black drum (n=45) 62 Wahoo (n=52) 62 Tarpon (n=15) 60 Yellowfin tuna (n=35) 57 Large coastal sharks (n=23) 57 Sheepshead (n=83) 55 Dolphin (n=120) 53 Whiting (n=105) 51 Red drum (n=612) 51 Croaker (n=38) 47 Grouper (non-specific) (n=41) 46

Black seabass (n=86) 45 Active saltwater angler Spanish mackerel (n=53) 45 Snapper (non-specific) (n=29) 45 King mackerel (n=136) 43 Striped bass (n=46) 41 Cobia (n=35) 40 Spot (n=171) 39 Flounder (n=526) 37 Trout (non-specific) (n=203) 36 Bluefish (n=28) 36 Spotted seatrout (n=225) 36 Dogfish shark (n=19) 32 Spadefish (n=16) 31

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

174 Responsive Management

Q76, 80, and 84. Percent who rate the health and quality of species as excellent in the areas they go saltwater fishing, among species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Residents.)

Black drum (n=33) 67 Tarpon (n=14) 64 Wahoo (n=48) 60 Bonnethead shark (n=12) 58 Large coastal sharks (n=21) 57 Yellowfin tuna (n=31) 55 Sheepshead (n=71) 54 Red drum (n=509) 53 Grouper (non-specific) (n=37) 51 Whiting (n=98) 51 Dolphin (n=110) 51 Black seabass (n=74) 47 Snapper (non-specific) (n=26) 46 Resident Croaker (n=35) 46 King mackerel (n=117) 45 Spanish mackerel (n=44) 43 Bluefish (n=19) 42 Cobia (n=29) 38 Spotted seatrout (n=187) 37 Flounder (n=447) 37 Spot (n=143) 37 Striped bass (n=38) 37 Trout (non-specific) (n=169) 36 Spadefish (n=15) 33 Dogfish shark (n=18) 28

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 175

Dolphin (n=10) 70

Sheepshead (n=12) 67

Spot (n=28) 50

Black drum (n=12) 50

Red drum (n=103) 43 Non-resident

Trout (non-specific) 38 (n=34)

Flounder (n=79) 37

Black seabass 33 (n=12)

King mackerel 32 (n=19)

Spotted seatrout 26 (n=38)

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

176 Responsive Management

Tarpon (n=12) 67 Black drum (n=28) 64

Wahoo (n=33) 61

Whiting (n=66) 56 Yellowfin tuna (n=25) 56 Sheepshead (n=55) 55

Red Drum (n=373) 54

Grouper (non-specific) (n=28) 54 Black seabass (n=54) 50

Large coastal sharks (n=12) 50

Dolphin (n=78) 49 Coastal resident Croaker (n=25) 48

Snapper (non-specific) (n=21) 48

King Mackerel (n=85) 47 Spanish Mackerel (n=28) 46 Striped Bass (n=30) 40

Cobia (n=23) 39

Spotted Seatrout (n=146) 38 Spadefish (n=11) 36

Spot (n=116) 35

Flounder (n=334) 35 Trout (non-specific) (n=130) 35 Dogfish shark (n=12) 33

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 177

Wahoo (n=15) 60

Dolphin (n=32) 56

Sheepshead (n=16) 50

Red Drum (n=136) 49

Spot (n=27) 44

Flounder (n=113) 43

King Mackerel 41 (n=32) Non-coastal resident

Whiting (n=32) 41

Black seabass 40 (n=20)

Croaker (n=10) 40

Trout (non-specific) 38 (n=39)

Spanish Mackerel 38 (n=16)

Spotted Seatrout (n=41) 37

Bluefish (n=10) 30

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

178 Responsive Management

Q76, 80, and 84. Percent who rate the health and quality of species as excellent or good in the areas they go saltwater fishing, among species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years.

Dogfish shark (n=19) 100 Wahoo (n=52) 94 Whiting (n=105) 93 Bonnethead shark (n=14) 93 Sheepshead (n=83) 93 Spot (n=171) 91 Black drum (n=45) 91 Red drum (n=612) 91 Black seabass (n=86) 90 Dolphin (n=120) 89 King mackerel (n=136) 89 Spanish mackerel (n=53) 89 Active saltwater angler Yellowfin tuna (n=35) 86 Spotted seatrout (n=225) 84 Flounder (n=526) 83 Snapper (non-specific) (n=29) 83 Bluefish (n=28) 82 Spadefish (n=16) 81 Grouper (non-specific) (n=41) 80 Striped bass (n=46) 80 Cobia (n=35) 80 Tarpon (n=15) 80 Trout (non-specific) (n=203) 80 Large coastal sharks (n=23) 78 Croaker (n=38) 76

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 179

Dogfish shark (n=18) 100 Wahoo (n=48) 96 Sheepshead (n=71) 93 Whiting (n=98) 93 Bonnethead shark (n=12) 92 Spot (n=143) 92 King mackerel (n=117) 91 Red drum (n=509) 91 Black drum (n=33) 91 Dolphin (n=110) 91 Black seabass (n=74) 89 Spanish mackerel (n=44) 86 Snapper (non-specific) (n=26) 85 Resident Bluefish (n=19) 84 Flounder (n=447) 84 Yellowfin tuna (n=31) 84 Grouper (non-specific) (n=37) 84 Spotted seatrout (n=187) 83 Spadefish (n=15) 80 Cobia (n=29) 79 Striped bass (n=38) 79 Tarpon (n=14) 79 Trout (non-specific) (n=169) 78 Croaker (n=35) 77 Large coastal sharks (n=21) 76

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

180 Responsive Management

Spotted seatrout 92 (n=38)

Black drum (n=12) 92

Black seabass 92 (n=12)

Sheepshead 92 (n=12)

Red drum (n=103) 89 Non-resident

Spot (n=28) 89

Trout (non- 88 specific) (n=34)

Flounder (n=79) 77

King mackerel 74 (n=19)

Dolphin (n=10) 70

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 181

Dogfish shark (n=12) 100 Wahoo (n=33) 97

Red drum (n=373) 91

Spot (n=116) 91 Sheepshead (n=55) 91 Spadefish (n=11) 91

Whiting (n=66) 91

Black seabass (n=54) 91 King mackerel (n=85) 89

Black drum (n=28) 89

Dolphin (n=78) 87 Coastal resident Cobia (n=23) 87

Grouper (non-specific) (n=28) 86

Spanish mackerel (n=28) 86 Snapper (non-specific) (n=21) 86 Flounder (n=334) 84

Yellowfin tuna (n=25) 84

Tarpon (n=12) 83 Spotted seatrout (n=146) 83

Striped bass (n=30) 80

Trout (non-specific) (n=130) 79 Croaker (n=25) 72 Large coastal sharks (n=12) 67

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

182 Responsive Management

Dolphin (n=32) 100

Sheepshead (n=16) 100

King mackerel (n=32) 97

Whiting (n=32) 97

Wahoo (n=15) 93

Spot (n=27) 93

Red drum (n=136) 90 Non-coastal resident

Croaker (n=10) 90

Spanish mackerel (n=16) 88

Black seabass (n=20) 85

Spotted seatrout 83 (n=41)

Flounder (n=113) 82

Bluefish (n=10) 80

Trout (non-specific) 74 (n=39)

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 183

Q76, 80, and 84. Percent who rate the health and quality of species as fair or poor in the areas they go saltwater fishing, among species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years.

Spadefish (n=16) 19 Snapper (non-specific) (n=29) 17 Cobia (n=35) 14 Large coastal sharks (n=23) 13 Bluefish (n=28) 11 Grouper (non-specific) (n=41) 10 Yellowfin tuna (n=35) 9 Bonnethead shark (n=14) 7 Spotted seatrout (n=225) 7 Black drum (n=45) 7 Tarpon (n=15) 7 Trout (non-specific) (n=203) 6 King mackerel (n=136) 6 Active saltwater angler Croaker (n=38) 5 Flounder (n=526) 4 Striped bass (n=46) 4 Wahoo (n=52) 4 Spanish mackerel (n=53) 4 Black seabass (n=86) 3 Red drum (n=612) 3 Sheepshead (n=83) 2 Dolphin (n=120) 2 Spot (n=171) 1 Dogfish shark (n=19) 0 Whiting (n=105) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

184 Responsive Management

Q76, 80, and 84. Percent who rate the health and quality of species as fair or poor in the areas they go saltwater fishing, among species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Residents.)

Spadefish (n=15) 20 Cobia (n=29) 17 Snapper (non-specific) (n=26) 15 Large coastal sharks (n=21) 14 Bluefish (n=19) 11 Yellowfin tuna (n=31) 10 Bonnethead shark (n=12) 8 Grouper (non-specific) (n=37) 8 Spotted seatrout (n=187) 8 Trout (non-specific) (n=169) 8 Tarpon (n=14) 7 Black drum (n=33) 6 Croaker (n=35) 6 Resident Spanish mackerel (n=44) 5 Flounder (n=447) 4 King mackerel (n=117) 4 Wahoo (n=48) 4 Black seabass (n=74) 4 Red drum (n=509) 4 Sheepshead (n=71) 3 Striped bass (n=38) 3 Dolphin (n=110) 1 Spot (n=143) 1 Dogfish shark (n=18) 0 Whiting (n=98) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 185

King mackerel 16 (n=19)

Dolphin (n=10) 10

Black drum (n=12) 8

Flounder (n=79) 4

Spot (n=28) 4 Non-resident

Spotted seatrout 3 (n=38)

Red drum (n=103) 2

Black seabass 0 (n=12)

Sheepshead 0 (n=12)

Trout (non- 0 specific) (n=34)

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

186 Responsive Management

Croaker (n=25) 28 Trout (non-specific) (n=130) 17

Large coastal sharks (n=12) 17

Striped bass (n=30) 17 Tarpon (n=12) 17 Spanish mackerel (n=28) 14

Flounder (n=334) 13

Spotted seatrout (n=146) 12 Dolphin (n=78) 12

Black drum (n=28) 11

Grouper (non-specific) (n=28) 11 Coastal resident Spadefish (n=11) 9

Whiting (n=66) 9

Spot (n=116) 9 King mackerel (n=85) 8 Red drum (n=373) 6

Black seabass (n=54) 6

Sheepshead (n=55) 5 Cobia (n=23) 4

Yellowfin tuna (n=25) 4

Dogfish shark (n=12) 0 Snapper (non-specific) (n=21) 0 Wahoo (n=33) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 187

Trout (non-specific) 18 (n=39)

Black seabass 15 (n=20)

Flounder (n=113) 14

Bluefish (n=10) 10

Croaker (n=10) 10

Spotted seatrout (n=41) 10

Spot (n=27) 7 Non-coastal resident

Red drum (n=136) 7

Spanish mackerel (n=16) 6

King mackerel (n=32) 3

Whiting (n=32) 3

Dolphin (n=32) 0

Sheepshead (n=16) 0

Wahoo (n=15) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

188 Responsive Management

Q76, 80, and 84. Percent who rate the health and quality of species as poor in the areas they go saltwater fishing, among species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years.

Snapper (non-specific) (n=29) 7 Spadefish (n=16) 6

Cobia (n=35) 6 Croaker (n=38) 5 Black drum (n=45) 4 Large coastal sharks (n=23) 4 King mackerel (n=136) 4 Bluefish (n=28) 4

Trout (non-specific) (n=203) 2 Grouper (non-specific) (n=41) 2 Spotted seatrout (n=225) 2 Spanish mackerel (n=53) 2 Flounder (n=526) 1 Active saltwater angler Black seabass (n=86) 1 Red drum (n=612) 1 Spot (n=171) 1 Dolphin (n=120) 0 Whiting (n=105) 0 Bonnethead shark (n=14) 0 Dogfish shark (n=19) 0 Sheepshead (n=83) 0 Striped bass (n=46) 0 Tarpon (n=15) 0 Wahoo (n=52) 0 Yellowfin tuna (n=35) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 189

Q76, 80, and 84. Percent who rate the health and quality of species as poor in the areas they go saltwater fishing, among species they most often fished in South Carolina in the past 2 years. (Residents.)

Cobia (n=29) 7 Spadefish (n=15) 7 Black drum (n=33) 6 Croaker (n=35) 6 Bluefish (n=19) 5 Large coastal sharks (n=21) 5 Snapper (non-specific) (n=26) 4 Trout (non-specific) (n=169) 3 Spotted seatrout (n=187) 3 King mackerel (n=117) 3 Spanish mackerel (n=44) 2 Black seabass (n=74) 1 Flounder (n=447) 1 Resident Red drum (n=509) 1 Spot (n=143) 1 Dolphin (n=110) 0 Whiting (n=98) 0 Grouper (non-specific) (n=37) 0 Bonnethead shark (n=12) 0 Dogfish shark (n=18) 0 Sheepshead (n=71) 0 Striped bass (n=38) 0 Tarpon (n=14) 0 Wahoo (n=48) 0 Yellowfin tuna (n=31) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

190 Responsive Management

King mackerel (n=19) 11

Flounder (n=79) 1

Dolphin (n=10) 0

Red drum (n=103) 0

Spot (n=28) 0 Non-resident

Spotted seatrout 0 (n=38)

Trout (non-specific) 0 (n=34)

Black seabass 0 (n=12)

Black drum (n=12) 0

Sheepshead (n=12) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 191

Spadefish (n=11) 9 Croaker (n=25) 8

Black drum (n=28) 7 Cobia (n=23) 4

Spanish mackerel (n=28) 4 King mackerel (n=85) 4

Trout (non-specific) (n=130) 3 Spotted seatrout (n=146) 3 Flounder (n=334) 1 Spot (n=116) 1 Red drum (n=373) 1 Black seabass (n=54) 0 Coastal resident Dogfish shark (n=12) 0 Dolphin (n=78) 0 Grouper (non-specific) (n=28) 0 Large coastal sharks (n=12) 0 Sheepshead (n=55) 0 Snapper (non-specific) (n=21) 0 Striped bass (n=30) 0

Tarpon (n=12) 0 Wahoo (n=33) 0

Whiting (n=66) 0 Yellowfin tuna (n=25) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

192 Responsive Management

Bluefish (n=10) 10

Black seabass (n=20) 5

Trout (non-specific) (n=39) 3

Spotted seatrout 2 (n=41)

Flounder (n=113) 1

Red drum (n=136) 1

Croaker (n=10) 0 Non-coastal resident

Dolphin (n=32) 0

King mackerel 0 (n=32)

Sheepshead (n=16) 0

Spanish mackerel (n=16) 0

Spot (n=27) 0

Wahoo (n=15) 0

Whiting (n=32) 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 193

OPINIONS ON MULLET AND MENHADEN POPULATIONS Ø Most commonly, active saltwater anglers do not know if the mullet populations have increased, remained the same, or decreased over the past 2 years; otherwise, they most commonly say that mullet populations have remained the same. · Among active saltwater anglers, non-residents were slightly more likely than were residents to say that they did not know (42% of non-residents compared to 34% of residents). · Resident active saltwater anglers were slightly more likely than were active non-resident saltwater anglers to say that the mullet populations had increased over the past 2 years (18% of residents compared to 11% of non-residents). · Among active resident saltwater anglers, non-coastal residents were slightly more likely than were coastal residents to say that they did not know if the mullet populations had increased, remained the same, or decreased over the past 2 years (42% of non-coastal residents compared to 31% of coastal residents), while coastal residents were slightly more likely to say that the mullet populations had decreased (19% of coastal residents compared to 10% of non-coastal residents).

Ø Most commonly, active saltwater anglers do not know if the menhaden populations have increased, remained the same, or decreased over the past 2 years; otherwise, they most commonly say that menhaden populations have remained the same. · Active non-resident saltwater anglers and non-coastal active resident saltwater anglers were more likely to say that they did not know if the menhaden populations have increased, remained the same, or decreased over the past 2 years. · Among active saltwater anglers, residents were more likely than were non-residents to say that they menhaden populations have remained the same (30% of residents compared to 20% of non-residents). · Among active resident saltwater anglers, coastal residents were slightly more likely than were non-coastal residents to say that the menhaden populations had decreased (20% of coastal residents compared to 12% of non-coastal residents). 194 Responsive Management

Q96. Over the past 2 years, would you say that the mullet populations have increased, remained the same, or decreased? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

Increased 11

31 Remained the 27 same 30 Resident (n=506) Non-resident (n=112) Total (n=618) 16

Decreased 21

Don't know 42

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 195

18 Increased 17

31 Remained the same 31 Coastal resident (n=356) Non-coastal resident (n=150)

19 Decreased 10

31 Don't know 42

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

196 Responsive Management

Q97. Over the past 2 years, would you say that the menhaden populations have increased, remained the same, or decreased? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

Increased 7

30 Remained the 20 same 29 Resident (n=570) Non-resident (n=101) Total (n=671) 18

Decreased 16

Don't know 57

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 197

13 Increased 8

30 Remained the same 29 Coastal resident (n=433) Non-coastal resident (n=137)

20 Decreased 12

37 Don't know 51

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

198 Responsive Management

OPINIONS ON SALTWATER FISHING REGULATIONS Ø The large majority (88%) of active saltwater anglers agree that South Carolina’s saltwater fishing regulations are clear and easy to understand, with 58% who strongly agree. · There is little variation of levels of agreement between active resident and non-resident saltwater anglers. · There is also little variation of levels of agreement between active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers.

Ø The large majority (82%) of active saltwater anglers are satisfied with the current saltwater fishing regulations in South Carolina, with 46% who are very satisfied. · There is little variation of levels of satisfaction with current saltwater fishing regulations in South Carolina between active resident and non-resident saltwater anglers. · There is also little variation of levels of satisfaction with current saltwater fishing regulations in South Carolina between active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers. · A small percentage (12%) of active saltwater anglers are very or somewhat dissatisfied with the current saltwater fishing regulations in South Carolina. Of those who are dissatisfied, active resident saltwater anglers most commonly (44%) say they are dissatisfied because current regulations are too strict, while active non-resident saltwater anglers most commonly say they are dissatisfied because current regulations are not strict enough (23%) and current regulations are not clear or are difficult to understand (23%). · Active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers most commonly say they are dissatisfied because current regulations are too strict.

Ø The following species had the highest percentage of respondents (those who had fished for the species) indicate that they are very or somewhat satisfied with current fishing regulations for the species: whiting, wahoo, spadefish, tarpon, and sheepshead. Please see the section entitled, “Satisfaction with Fishing for Various Species,” for graphs and a discussion of satisfaction with current fishing regulations for various species. Please also see the graphs for the results for individual species of saltwater fish in Volume 2 of this report. South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 199

Q20. Do you agree or disagree that South Carolina's saltwater fishing regulations are clear and easy to understand? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

59 Strongly agree 57 58

30 Somewhat 28 agree 30

Resident (n=553) 3 Neither agree Non-resident (n=118) 8 nor disagree Total (n=671) 3

7 Somewhat 4 disagree 6

2 Strongly 3 disagree 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

200 Responsive Management

Q20. Do you agree or disagree that South Carolina's saltwater fishing regulations are clear and easy to understand? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

59 Strongly agree 58

Somewhat 29 agree 32

Coastal resident (n=404) Neither agree 2 Non-coastal resident (n=149) nor disagree 3

Somewhat 7 disagree 6

2 Strongly disagree 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 201

Q21. Overall, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the current saltwater fishing regulations in South Carolina? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

46 Very satisfied 46 46

37 Somewhat 31 satisfied 36

Neither 2 satisfied nor 9 dissatisfied 3 Resident (n=553) Non-resident (n=118) 9 Total (n=671) Somewhat 8 dissatisfied 9

4 Very 3 dissatisfied 3

2 Don't know 3 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

202 Responsive Management

Q21. Overall, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the current saltwater fishing regulations in South Carolina? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

46 Very satisfied 46

Somewhat 36 satisfied 40

Neither 2 satisfied nor 3 dissatisfied Coastal resident (n=404) Non-coastal resident (n=149)

Somewhat 10 dissatisfied 8

Very 4 dissatisfied 2

2 Don't know 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 203

Q23. Why are you dissatisfied with current saltwater fishing regulations in South Carolina? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years and who are dissatisfied with the current saltwater fishing regulations.)

Current regulations are too 44 8 strict 39

Current regulations are not 18 23 strict enough 19

Current regulations are not 14 23 clear / difficult to understand 15

10 Other 23 12

8 Don't like current limits 15 Resident (n=72) 9 Non-resident (n=13) Current regulations are not 10 Total (n=85) 0 enforced properly 8

Current regulations do not 7 0 address important issues 6 Multiple Responses Allowed 3 Don't know 8 4

4 Costs 0 4

Current regulations too difficult 1 8 to obtain 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

204 Responsive Management

Current regulations are too 46 strict 40

Current regulations are not 21 strict enough 7

Current regulations are not 12 clear / difficult to understand 20

7 Other 20 Coastal resident (n=57) 7 Non-coastal resident (n=15) Don't like current limits 13

Current regulations are not 7 enforced properly 20

Current regulations do not 9 address important issues 0 Multiple Responses Allowed

4 Don't know 0

4 Cost-related issues 7

Current regulations too 2 difficult to obtain 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 205

SUPPORT FOR AND OPPOSITION TO VARIOUS BAG LIMIT CHANGES Ø After being informed that the current bag limit for flounder is 20 fish per day, a majority (72%) of active saltwater anglers say they would strongly or moderately support a change in the bag limit for flounder to 15 fish per day. Although support is not as high, the majority (64%) of active saltwater anglers also would support a change in the bag limit for flounder to 10 fish per day. · There is little variation of levels of support for and opposition to the bag limit changes for flounder between active resident and non-resident saltwater anglers. · There is also little variation of levels of support for and opposition to the bag limit changes for flounder between active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers.

Ø After being informed that the current bag limit for sheepshead is 20 fish per day, a majority (68%) of active saltwater anglers say they would strongly or moderately support a change in the bag limit for sheepshead to 15 fish per day. A slightly smaller majority (60%) of active saltwater anglers would support a change in the bag limit for sheepshead to 10 fish per day. · There is little variation of levels of support for and opposition to the bag limit changes for sheepshead between active resident and non-resident saltwater anglers. · There is also little variation of levels of support for and opposition to the bag limit changes for sheepshead between active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers.

Ø After being informed that the current bag limit for red drum is two fish per day, a majority (69%) of active saltwater anglers say they would strongly or moderately support a change in the bag limit for red drum to three fish per day. · Among active saltwater anglers, residents are more likely than are non-residents to strongly support a change in the bag limit for red drum to three fish per day. · A majority (64%) of active saltwater anglers would support a change in the bag limit for red drum to three fish per day if the change also required a one-inch increase in the minimum size limit. · Among active resident saltwater anglers, coastal residents are more likely than are non-coastal residents to strongly support the bag limit change if it also required a one-inch increase in the minimum size limit (41% of active coastal resident saltwater 206 Responsive Management

anglers gave this response compared to 31% of non-coastal active resident saltwater anglers). · Although support is not as high, a slight majority of active saltwater anglers (54%) would support a change in the bag limit for red drum to three fish per day if the change also required a one-inch decrease in the maximum size limit.

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 207

Q87. The current bag limit for flounder is 20 fish per day. Would you support or oppose a change in the bag limit for flounder to 15 fish per day? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

45 Strongly 46 support 45

29 Moderately 19 support 27

7 Neither support 9 nor oppose Resident (n=532) 7 Non-resident (n=109) Total (n=641) 6 Moderately 5 oppose 6

10 Strongly 10 oppose 10

3 Don't know 11 5

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

208 Responsive Management

Strongly 45 support 43

Moderately 29 support 31

Neither support 6 nor oppose 8 Coastal resident (n=400) Non-coastal resident (n=132)

Moderately 7 oppose 5

Strongly 11 oppose 8

3 Don't know 5

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 209

Q88. The current bag limit for flounder is 20 fish per day. Would you support or oppose a change in the bag limit for flounder to 10 fish per day? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

40 Strongly 42 support 40

24 Moderately 24 support 24

7 Neither support 10 nor oppose Resident (n=544) 7 Non-resident (n=104) Total (n=648) 10 Moderately 6 oppose 10

14 Strongly 8 oppose 13

5 Don't know 11 6

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

210 Responsive Management

Strongly 40 support 40

Moderately 24 support 26

Neither support 7 Coastal resident (n=389) nor oppose 7 Non-coastal resident (n=155)

Moderately 10 oppose 11

Strongly 15 oppose 10

4 Don't know 6

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 211

Q89. The current bag limit for sheepshead is 20 fish per day. Would you support or oppose a change in the bag limit to 15 fish per day? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

43 Strongly 40 support 43

27 Moderately 17 support 25

8 Neither support 13 nor oppose Resident (n=532) 9 Non-resident (n=109) Total (n=641) 7 Moderately 5 oppose 7

8 Strongly 12 oppose 9

6 Don't know 13 7

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

212 Responsive Management

Strongly 44 support 41

Moderately 27 support 26

Neither support 8 nor oppose 10 Coastal resident (n=400) Non-coastal resident (n=132)

Moderately 7 oppose 7

Strongly 8 oppose 9

6 Don't know 8

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 213

Q90. The current bag limit for sheepshead is 20 fish per day. Would you support or oppose a change in the bag limit to 10 fish per day? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

37 Strongly 39 support 37

23 Moderately 22 support 23

10 Neither support 10 nor oppose 10 Resident (n=544) Non-resident (n=104) Total (n=648) 12 Moderately 10 oppose 12

12 Strongly 9 oppose 11

7 Don't know 11 8

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

214 Responsive Management

Strongly 38 support 32

Moderately 23 support 23

Neither support 9 nor oppose 13 Coastal resident (n=389) Non-coastal resident (n=155)

Moderately 12 oppose 12

Strongly 12 oppose 12

7 Don't know 9

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 215

Q91. The current bag limit for red drum is 2 fish per day. Would you support or oppose a change in the bag limit to 3 fish per day? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

52 Strongly 39 support 50

18 Moderately 19 support 19

4 Neither support 6 nor oppose 4 Resident (n=1076) Non-resident (n=213) Total (n=1289) 8 Moderately 10 oppose 8

14 Strongly 20 oppose 15

4 Don't know 6 4

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

216 Responsive Management

Strongly 54 support 48

Moderately 18 support 21

Neither support 4 nor oppose 4 Coastal resident (n=789) Non-coastal resident (n=287)

Moderately 8 oppose 7

Strongly 13 oppose 15

3 Don't know 5

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 217

Q93. If changing the red drum bag limit from 2 fish per day to 3 fish per day also required a one-inch increase in the minimum size limit, would you support or oppose the change?

38 Strongly 36 support 38

27 Moderately 21 support 26

4 Neither support 9 nor oppose 5 Resident (n=562) Non-resident (n=107) 10 Total (n=669) Moderately 12 oppose 11

16 Strongly 18 oppose 17

4 Don't know 4 4

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

218 Responsive Management

Q93. If changing the red drum bag limit from 2 fish per day to 3 fish per day also required a one-inch increase in the minimum size limit, would you support or oppose the change?

Strongly 41 support 31

Moderately 25 support 30

Neither support 4 nor oppose 5 Coastal resident (n=398) Non-coastal resident (n=164)

Moderately 10 oppose 11

Strongly 16 oppose 17

3 Don't know 5

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 219

Q94. If changing the red drum bag limit from 2 fish per day to 3 fish per day also required a one-inch decrease in the maximum size limit, would you support or oppose the change?

30 Strongly 35 support 31

23 Moderately 26 support 23

4 Neither support 4 nor oppose 4 Resident (n=514) Non-resident (n=106) 13 Total (n=620) Moderately 11 oppose 13

25 Strongly 19 oppose 24

5 Don't know 5 5

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

220 Responsive Management

Q94. If changing the red drum bag limit from 2 fish per day to 3 fish per day also required a one-inch decrease in the maximum size limit, would you support or oppose the change?

Strongly 29 support 33

Moderately 22 support 24

Neither support 5 nor oppose 2 Coastal resident (n=391) Non-coastal resident (n=123)

Moderately 15 oppose 10

Strongly 25 oppose 24

4 Don't know 8

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 221

CONSTRAINTS TO PARTICIPATING IN SALTWATER FISHING Ø Not enough time is the top factor that active saltwater anglers say takes away from their satisfaction or causes them not to fish as much as they would like. Please see the graphs and the discussion in the section entitled, “Satisfaction with and Opinions on the Quality of Saltwater Fishing in South Carolina.”

Ø Nearly half (48%) of lapsed anglers said the main reason they did not go saltwater fishing in the past 2 years is that there was not enough time. Recall that lapsed anglers are defined as respondents who did not go saltwater fishing for finfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years. · Among lapsed anglers, non-residents were less likely than were residents to say not enough time and were more likely to say the main reason they did not go saltwater fishing was distance or travel time.

Ø Of those who said that time is a constraint to their saltwater fishing in South Carolina (both active and lapsed anglers), a large majority (74%) say work is a specific reason they do not have enough time to go saltwater fishing. Family obligations is the second top reason that respondents did not have enough time to go saltwater fishing (31%).

Ø Of those who said that crowding is a constraint to their saltwater fishing in South Carolina, boats (not including jet skis) (52%) and too crowded in general (32%) are the most common problems.

Ø Of the 17 saltwater anglers who said that poor behavior of others was a constraint to their saltwater fishing in South Carolina, nearly half (47%) said boaters (excluding jet skiers) were a problem, followed by 29% who said other anglers were a problem. Nearly a quarter (24%) said jet skiers were a problem. A majority (71%) said the poor behavior exhibited was operating motorized watercraft too fast, followed by rude behavior (35%) and loud behavior or scaring the fish away (35%).

222 Responsive Management

Ø Of the eight saltwater anglers who said that difficulty of catching fish was a constraint to their saltwater fishing in South Carolina, five respondents say not enough fish is the specific problem with difficulty catching fish.

Ø Oof the 16 saltwater anglers who said that lack of enough fish was a constraint to their saltwater fishing in South Carolina, nine say over-fishing in general is the reason there are not enough fish, followed by four who say under-stocking of fish is a problem.

Ø Of the four saltwater anglers who said that quality of water or pollution was a constraint to their saltwater fishing in South Carolina, three say litter in the water is a problem and two saltwater anglers say litter on land was a problem regarding the quality of water or pollution.

Ø Of those who said that costs were a constraint to their saltwater fishing in South Carolina, a slight majority (54%) say gas prices is the specific problem related to costs. Other common problems related to costs are that the equipment is too expensive (25%) and that fishing is too expensive in general (14%).

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 223

Q183. What are the main reasons you have not gone saltwater fishing in the past 2 years? (Asked of those who have NOT saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.) (Part 1)

49 Not enough time 38 48

14 Other 17 15

No desire / loss of 5 interest / tried it, 8 but didn't like it 6

Prefer freshwater 6 0 fishing 6 Resident (n=201) Non-resident (n=24) 5 Total (n=225) Health / age 4 5

5 Multiple Responses Allowed Boat problems / 0 no boat 4

Distance / travel 2 21 time 4

Costs (too 3 expensive or 0 more expensive) 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

224 Responsive Management

Q183. What are the main reasons you have not gone saltwater fishing in the past 2 years? (Asked of those who have NOT saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.) (Part 2)

3 Don't know 0 3

I only buy a license to support the 2 4 SCDNR / MRD 2

2 No one to fish with 0 2

2 Fish in another state 0 2 Resident (n=201) Non-resident (n=24) Total (n=225) Don't know where to go / hard to find 1 4 good location 2

1 Multiple Responses Allowed Weather 4 2

No access or poor access to fishing 1 0 areas 1

1 Moved away 0 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 225

Q183. What are the main reasons you have not gone saltwater fishing in the past two years? (Asked of those who have NOT saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.) (Part 1)

47 Not enough time 54

14 Other 16

No desire / loss of interest / tried it, 7 but didn't like it 2

7 Prefer freshwater fishing 6

6 Health / age 4 Coastal resident (n=151) Non-coastal resident (n=50) 7 Boat problems / no boat 0

2 Distance / travel time 2 Multiple Responses Allowed

Costs (too expensive or more 3 expensive) 4

4 Don't know 0

I only buy a license to support the 3 SCDNR / MRD 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

226 Responsive Management

Q183. What are the main reasons you have not gone saltwater fishing in the past two years? (Asked of those who have NOT saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.) (Part 2)

3 No one to fish with 2

1 Fish in another state 8

Don't know where to go / Hard to 1 find good location 2

1 Weather 2

No access or poor access to 1 fishing areas 2 Coastal resident (n=151) Non-coastal resident (n=50) 0 Moved away 6

1 Too crowded 0 Multiple Responses Allowed

1 Fish too small to keep 0

Not enough fish (includes over- 1 fishing, under-stocking) 0

Don't like seasons (start / end date 1 of seasons 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 227

Q186. What are the specific reasons you do not have enough time to go saltwater fishing? (Asked of those who responded that time was an issue in regards to their saltwater fishing in SC.)

75 Work 68 74

32 Family obligations 21 31

7 Other 5 7

Education / schoolwork-related 5 5 (additional classes, etc.) 5 Resident (n=168) 2 Other sports / hobbies 11 Non-resident (n=19) 3 Total (n=187)

Too much time involved with a 4 0 fishing trip 3 Multiple Responses Allowed No place nearby / too much travel 2 5 time 3

Buying a license takes too much 1 0 time 1

1 Don't know 0 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

228 Responsive Management

Q186. What are the specific reasons you do not have enough time to go saltwater fishing? (Asked of those who responded that time was an issue in regards to their saltwater fishing in SC.)

75 Work 76

35 Family obligations 24

7 Other 7

Education / schoolwork-related 5 (additional classes, etc.) 5

3 Coastal resident (n=127) Other sports / hobbies 0 Non-coastal resident (n=41)

Too much time involved with a 3 fishing trip 5 Multiple Responses Allowed No place nearby / Too much travel 0 time 10

Buying a license takes too much 1 time 0

0 Don't know 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 229

Q189. What, specifically, are the problems regarding crowding? (Asked of those who responded that crowding was an issue in regards to their saltwater fishing in SC.)

59 Boats (not 0 including jet skis) 52

30 Too crowded in 50 general 32

15 At boat ramps 25 16

Resident (n=27) 11 Jet skis 25 Non-resident (n=4) 13 Total (n=31)

11 Anglers 0

Multiple Responses Allowed 10

7 Other 0 6

7 Parking 0 6

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

230 Responsive Management

Q189. What, specifically, are the problems regarding crowding? (Asked of those who responded that crowding was an issue in regards to their saltwater fishing in SC.)

Boats (not 61 including jet skis) 50

Too crowded in 30 general 25

13 At boat ramps 25

13 Coastal resident (n=23) Jet skis 0 Non-coastal resident (n=4)

9 Anglers 25 Multiple Responses Allowed

4 Other 25

9 Parking 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 231

Q192. You said poor behavior of others was an issue in regards to your saltwater fishing activity in South Carolina. Who were these people? (Asked of those who responded that poor behavior of others was an issue in regards to their saltwater fishing in SC.)

Boaters, 50 excluding jet 0 skiers 47

31 Other anglers 0 29

19 Jet skiers 100 24

6 Commercial Resident (n=16) 0 anglers Non-resident (n=1) 6 Total (n=17) Multiple Responses Allowed 6 Commercial 0 fishing gear 6

6 Don't know 0 6

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

232 Responsive Management

Boaters, 62 excluding jet skiers 0

23 Other anglers 67

23 Jet skiers 0 Coastal resident (n=13) Non-coastal resident (n=3)

Commercial 0 anglers 33 Multiple Responses Allowed

Commercial 0 fishing gear 33

8 Don't know 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 233

Q195. What type of behavior were these people exhibiting? (Asked of those who responded that poor behavior of others was an issue in regards to their saltwater fishing in SC.)

Operating 69 motorized 100 watercraft too 71 fast

31 Rude behavior 100 35

38 Loud / scaring 0 away fish 35

19 Resident (n=16) Littering 0 Non-resident (n=1) 18 Total (n=17)

19 Other 0

Multiple Responses Allowed 18

19 Not following 0 regulations 18

6 Destroying 0 shoreline 6

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

234 Responsive Management

Q195. What type of behavior were these people exhibiting? (Asked of those who responded that poor behavior of others was an issue in regards to their saltwater fishing in SC.)

Operating motorized 77 watercraft too 33 fast

31 Rude behavior 33

Loud / scaring 46 away fish 0

15 Coastal resident (n=13) Littering 33 Non-coastal resident (n=3)

15 Other 33 Multiple Responses Allowed

Not following 15 regulations 33

Destroying 8 shoreline 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 235

Q198. Specifically, what do you feel are the reasons for the difficulty of catching fish? (Asked of those who responded that difficulty of catching fish was an issue in regards to their saltwater fishing in SC.)

60 Not enough fish (includes over- 67 fishing, under- stocking) 63

60 Resident (n=5) Non-resident (n=3) Fish not biting 0 Total (n=8)

38 Multiple Responses Allowed

Fish too hard to 33 catch

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

236 Responsive Management

67 Not enough fish (includes over- fishing, under- stocking) 50

Coastal resident (n=3) Non-coastal resident (n=2)

Multiple Responses Allowed 33

Fish not biting

100

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 237

Q201. Specifically, what do you feel are the reasons why there are not enough fish? (Asked of those who responded that lack of enough fish was an issue in regards to their saltwater fishing in SC.)

50 Over-fishing in 75 general 56

33 Under-stocking of 0 fish 25

Too much 25 commercial 0 fishing 19 Resident (n=12) Non-resident (n=4) Total (n=16) 17 Too much sport 0 fishing 13 Multiple Responses Allowed

17 Other 0 13

0 Don't know 25 6

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

238 Responsive Management

Q201. Specifically, what do you feel are the reasons why there are not enough fish? (Asked of those who responded that lack of enough fish was an issue in regards to their saltwater fishing in SC.)

Over-fishing in 50 general 50

30 Under-stocking of fish 50

Too much 30 Coastal resident (n=10) commercial Non-coastal resident (n=2) fishing 0

Multiple Responses Allowed 20 Too much sport fishing 0

20 Other 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 239

Q204. Specifically, what are the problems regarding the quality of water or pollution? (Asked of those who said that quality of water or pollution was an issue in regards to their saltwater fishing in SC.)

67 Litter in water 100 75

67 Litter on land 0 50

33 0 Muddy water Resident (n=3) 25 Non-resident (n=1) Total (n=4) Quality of water / 33 pollution in 0 general 25 Multiple Responses Allowed Quality of fish / 33 bad for fish / sick 0 fish 25

33 Other 0 25

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

240 Responsive Management

67 Litter in water 0

67 Litter on land 0

33 Muddy water 0 Coastal resident (n=3) Non-coastal resident (n=0) Quality of water / 33 pollution in general 0 Multiple Responses Allowed

Quality of fish / 33 bad for fish / sick fish 0

33 Other 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 241

Q207. What, specifically, are the problems relating to costs? (Asked of those who said costs were an issue in regards to their saltwater fishing in SC.)

52 Gas prices 60 54

Equipment is too 30 expensive (e.g., 0 bait, boat launch) 25

Fishing is too 17 expensive in 0 general 14 Resident (n=23) Non-resident (n=5) 9 Total (n=28) Other 20 11 Multiple Responses Allowed

4 Don't know 20 7

0 Licenses are too 20 expensive 4

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

242 Responsive Management

Q207. What, specifically, are the problems relating to costs? (Asked of those who said costs were an issue in regards to their saltwater fishing in SC.)

44 Gas prices 71

Equipment is too 44 expensive (e.g., bait, boat launch) 0

Fishing is too 13 Coastal resident (n=16) expensive in Non-coastal resident (n=7) general 29

Multiple Responses Allowed 13 Other 0

6 Don't know 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 243

SURF FISHING PARTICIPATION Ø The majority (69%) of respondents have not been surf fishing in South Carolina in the past 2 years; however, nearly a third (31%) have been surf fishing. · There was little variation in surf fishing participation between residents and non-residents. · Non-coastal residents were more likely than were coastal residents to have been surf fishing in South Carolina in the past 2 years (38% of non-coastal residents compared to 28% of coastal residents).

Ø Over half (54%) of those who have been surf fishing in South Carolina in the past 2 years went surf fishing in South Carolina for a total of 1 to 4 days in the past 12 months, and a large majority (86%) went surf fishing from 1 to 14 days. The mean number of days saltwater anglers spent surf fishing in South Carolina in the past 2 years was 6.8 days. · Of those who have been surf fishing in South Carolina in the past 2 years, residents had a higher mean number of days spent surf fishing in South Carolina in the past 12 months than non-residents (7.0 days for residents compared to 5.9 days for non-residents). · Of residents who have been surf fishing in South Carolina in the past 2 years, coastal residents had a higher mean number of days spent surf fishing in South Carolina in the past 12 months than non-coastal residents (7.8 days for coastal residents compared to 5.4 days for non-coastal residents).

244 Responsive Management

Q98. Have you been surf fishing in South Carolina in the past 2 years?

Yes 32

Resident (n=1277) Non-resident (n=237) Total (n=1514)

No 68

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 245

Q98. Have you been surf fishing in South Carolina in the past 2 years?

Yes

Coastal resident (n=940) Non-coastal resident (n=337)

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

246 Responsive Management

Q99. How many days did you go surf fishing in South Carolina in the past 12 months? (Asked of those who have been surf fishing in SC in the past 2 years.)

4 30 days or more 4 4 Resident Mean = 7.0 days 1 25-29 days 0 Non-resident Mean = 5.9 days 1 Total Mean = 6.8 days

2 20-24 days 1 2

3 15-19 days 3 3

10 Resident (n=392) 10-14 days 14 Non-resident (n=77) 10 Total (n=469) 24 5-9 days 14 22

52 1-4 days 61 54

4 0 days 3 3

1 Don't know 0 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 247

Q99. How many days did you go surf fishing in South Carolina in the past 12 months? (Asked of those who have been surf fishing in SC in the past 2 years.)

5 30 days or more 2

Coastal Resident Mean = 7.8 days 1 25-29 days 1 Non-coastal Resident Mean = 5.4 days

3 20-24 days 2

3 15-19 days 1 Coastal resident (n=264) 9 10-14 days Non-coastal resident (n=128) 10

23 5-9 days 27

51 1-4 days 55

4 0 days 2

1 Don't know 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

248 Responsive Management

GIGGING PARTICIPATION

Ø The large majority (87%) of respondents have not been gigging for flounder in South Carolina in the past 2 years. · Residents were slightly more likely than were non-residents to have been gigging for flounder in South Carolina in the past 2 years (14% of residents compared to 8% of non-residents). · Coastal residents were twice as likely as were non-coastal residents to have been gigging for flounder in South Carolina in the past 2 years (17% of coastal residents compared to 8% of non-coastal residents).

Ø The majority (62%) of those who have been gigging for flounder in South Carolina in the past 2 years went gigging in South Carolina for a total of 1 to 4 days in the past 12 months, distantly followed by 5 to 9 days (17%). The mean number of days spent gigging for flounder in South Carolina in the past 12 months was 5.6 days. · Of those who have been gigging in South Carolina in the past 2 years, residents had a higher mean number of days spent gigging for flounder in South Carolina in the past 12 months than non-residents (6.0 days for residents compared to 2.4 days for non-residents). · Among residents who have been gigging in South Carolina in the past 2 years, coastal residents had a higher mean number of days spent gigging for flounder in South Carolina in the past 12 months than non-coastal residents (6.3 days for coastal residents compared to 3.9 days for non-coastal residents).

Ø The majority (66%) of those who have been gigging for flounder in South Carolina in the past 2 years never gigged for red drum in the past 12 months. · 15% indicated that they rarely also gigged for red drum in the past 12 months while gigging for flounder in South Carolina. · Coastal residents were more likely than were non-coastal residents to have also gigged for red drum always, often, or sometimes (20% of coastal residents compared to 8% of non-coastal residents) in the past 12 months while gigging for flounder in South Carolina.

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 249

Q102. Have you been gigging for flounder in South Carolina in the past 2 years?

Yes 8

Resident (n=1277) Non-resident (n=237) Total (n=1514)

No 92

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

250 Responsive Management

Q102. Have you been gigging for flounder in South Carolina in the past 2 years?

Yes

Coastal resident (n=940) Non-coastal resident (n=337)

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 251

Q103. How many days did you go gigging for flounder in South Carolina in the past 12 months? (Asked of those who have been gigging for flounder in SC in the past 2 years.)

4 30 days or more 0 4 Resident Mean = 6.0 days 0 Non-resident Mean = 2.4 days 25-29 days 0 Total Mean = 5.6 days 0

4 20-24 days 0 3

3 15-19 days 0 2 Resident (n=183) Non-resident (n=19) 7 Total (n=202) 10-14 days 0 6

17 5-9 days 16 17

61 1-4 days 74 62

3 0 days 11 4

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

252 Responsive Management

Q103. How many days did you go gigging for flounder in South Carolina in the past 12 months? (Asked of those who have been gigging for flounder in SC in the past 2 years.)

4 30 days or more 4 Coastal Resident Mean = 6.3 days Non-coastal Resident Mean = 3.9 days 0 25-29 days 0

4 20-24 days 0

3 15-19 days 0 Coastal resident (n=157) Non-coastal resident (n=26) 8 10-14 days 4

18 5-9 days 15

59 1-4 days 77

4 0 days 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 253

Q106. During your flounder gigging trips in the past 12 months, how often did you also gig for red drum? (Asked of those who have been gigging for flounder in SC.)

6 Always 6 6

6 Often 0 5

6 Sometimes 12 7 Resident (n=177) Non-resident (n=17) 15 Total (n=194) Rarely 18 15

67 Never 65 66

1 Don't know 0 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

254 Responsive Management

Q106. During your flounder gigging trips in the past 12 months, how often did you also gig for red drum? (Asked of those who have been gigging for flounder in SC in the past 2 years.)

6 Always 8

7 Often 0

7 Sometimes 0 Coastal resident (n=151) Non-coastal resident (n=26) 16 Rarely 8

64 Never 85

1 Don't know 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 255

SHELLFISHING Ø Recall that both active and lapsed saltwater anglers were asked about their participation in the shellfishing activities discussed in this section.

RECREATIONAL OYSTERING PARTICIPATION Ø The large majority (88%) of respondents have not been recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 2 years; however, a substantial percentage (12%) have been recreational oystering. · Residents were more likely than were non-residents to have been recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 2 years (13% of residents compared to 6% of residents). · Coastal residents were more likely than were non-coastal residents to have been recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 2 years (14% of coastal residents compared to 8% of non-coastal residents).

Ø The majority (63%) of those who have been recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 2 years went recreational oystering in South Carolina for a total of 1 to 4 days in the past 12 months. The mean number of days spent recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 12 months was 5.1 days. · Of those who have been recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 2 years, residents typically spent more days oystering than non-residents, with a higher mean number of days spent recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 12 months than non-residents (5.2 days for residents compared to 3.4 days for non-residents). · Among residents who have been recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 2 years, coastal residents had a higher mean number of days spent recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 12 months than non-coastal residents (5.5 days for coastal residents compared to 3.3 days for non-coastal residents). 256 Responsive Management

Q107. Have you been recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 2 years?

Yes 6

Resident (n=1277) Non-resident (n=237) Total (n=1514)

No 94

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 257

Q107. Have you been recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 2 years?

Yes

Coastal resident (n=940) Non-coastal resident (n=337)

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

258 Responsive Management

Q108. How many days did you go recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 12 months? (Asked of those who have been oystering in SC in the past 2 years.)

2 30 days or more 0 2 Resident Mean = 5.2 days 1 25-29 days 0 Non-resident Mean = 3.4 days 1 Total Mean = 5.1 days 1 20-24 days 0 1

2 15-19 days 7 3

9 Resident (n=162) 10-14 days 7 Non-resident (n=14) 9 Total (n=176) 18 5-9 days 0 16

62 1-4 days 79 63

2 0 days 7 3

2 Don't know 0 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 259

Q108. How many days did you go recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 12 months? (Asked of those who have been oystering in SC in the past 2 years.)

3 30 days or more 0 Coastal Resident Mean = 5.5 days 1 25-29 days Non-coastal Resident Mean = 3.3 days 0

1 20-24 days 0

3 15-19 days 0

10 Coastal resident (n=136) 10-14 days 8 Non-coastal resident (n=26)

19 5-9 days 12

60 1-4 days 73

3 0 days 0

1 Don't know 8

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

260 Responsive Management

OPINIONS ON OSYTERING AND THE OYSTER POPULATION

Ø The majority (59%) of those who have been recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 2 years rate the quantity of oysters in the areas they go oystering as excellent or good. · Substantial percentages rate the quantity of oysters as fair (27%) or poor (14%). · Of those who have been recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 2 years, residents are more likely than are non-residents to rate the quantity of oysters in the areas they go oystering as excellent (21% of residents compared to 7% of non-residents). · Among residents who have been recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 2 years, non-coastal residents are more likely than are coastal residents to rate the quantity of oysters in the areas they go oystering as excellent (35% of non-coastal residents compared to 18% of coastal residents).

Ø The large majority (74%) of respondents who have been recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 2 years rate the health and quality of oysters in the areas they go oystering as excellent or good. · A substantial percentage (26%) rate the health and quality of oysters as fair or poor. · Of those who have been recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 2 years, non-residents are more likely than are residents to rate the health and quality of oysters as excellent or good (85% of non-residents compared to 73% of residents). · There is little variation between coastal and non-coastal residents who have been recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 2 years.

Ø A majority (65%) of respondents who have been recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 2 years say it is very or somewhat easy to get the two-bushel oyster limit. · Although active non-resident saltwater anglers are more likely than were active resident saltwater anglers to say it is somewhat difficult to get the two-bushel limit (36% of non-residents compared to 18% of residents), there is little variation among active resident and non-resident saltwater anglers when comparing cumulative results, which showed that 36% of active non-resident saltwater anglers say it is very or somewhat difficult to get the two-bushel limit compared to 30% of residents. · There is little variation among active coastal and non-coastal saltwater anglers.

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 261

Q111. How would you rate the quantity of oysters in the areas you go oystering? Would you say the quantity of oysters is excellent, good, fair, or poor? (Asked of those who have been oystering in SC in the past 2 years.)

21 Excellent 7 20

38 Good 50 39

Resident (n=162) 27 Non-resident (n=14) Fair 29 Total (n=176) 27

14 Poor 14 14

1 Don't know 0 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

262 Responsive Management

18 Excellent 35

38 Good 35

28 Coastal resident (n=136) Fair Non-coastal resident (n=26) 19

15 Poor 12

1 Don't know 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 263

Q112. How would you rate the health and quality of oysters in the areas you go oystering? (Asked of those who have been oystering in SC in the past 2 years.)

26 Excellent 21 26

47 Good 64 48

20 Resident (n=162) Fair 14 Non-resident (n=14) 20 Total (n=176)

6 Poor 0 6

1 Don't know 0 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

264 Responsive Management

Q112. How would you rate the health and quality of oysters in the areas you go oystering? (Asked of those who have been oystering in SC in the past 2 years.)

25 Excellent 31

47 Good 46

21 Coastal resident (n=136) Fair 15 Non-coastal resident (n=26)

7 Poor 4

0 Don't know 4

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 265

Q113. In general, would you say it is easy or difficult to get the 2 bushel oyster limit? (Asked of those who have been oystering in SC in the past 2 years.)

28 Very easy 21 27

38 Somewhat easy 36 38

2 Neither easy 7 nor difficult 2 Resident (n=162) Non-resident (n=14) 18 Total (n=176) Somewhat 36 difficult 19

12 Very difficult 0 11

2 Don't know 0 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

266 Responsive Management

Q113. In general, would you say it is easy or difficult to get the 2 bushel oyster limit? (Asked of those who have been oystering in SC in the past 2 years.)

26 Very easy 35

39 Somewhat easy 35

Neither easy 2 nor difficult 0 Coastal resident (n=136) Non-coastal resident (n=26) Somewhat 19 difficult 12

12 Very difficult 15

1 Don't know 4

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 267

RECREATIONAL CLAMMING PARTICIPATION Ø An overwhelming majority (94%) of respondents have not been recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years. · There was little variation of participation in recreational clamming between residents and non-residents. · There was little variation of participation in recreational clamming between coastal and non-coastal residents.

Ø The majority (60%) of those who have been recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years went recreational clamming in South Carolina for a total of 1 to 4 days in the past 12 months, and the large majority (89%) went recreational clamming for 1 to 14 days. The mean number of days spent recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 12 months was 6.4 days. · Residents who have been recreational clamming had a higher mean number of days spent recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 12 months than non-residents (6.9 days for residents compared to 3.3 days for non-residents). Please note, however, that this mean is based on a low number of non-residents who have been recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years. · Among residents who have been recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years, coastal residents had a higher mean number of days spent recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 12 months than non-coastal residents (7.4 days for residents compared to 3.5 days for non-coastal residents). Please note, however, that the mean for non-coastal residents is based on a low number of non-coastal residents who have been recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years.

268 Responsive Management

Q114. Have you been recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years?

Yes 5

Resident (n=1277) Non-resident (n=237) Total (n=1514)

No 95

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 269

Q114. Have you been recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years?

Yes

Coastal resident (n=940) Non-coastal resident (n=337)

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

270 Responsive Management

Q115. How many days did you go recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 12 months? (Asked of those who have been clamming in SC in the past 2 years.)

6 30 days or more 0 5 Resident Mean = 6.9 days Non-resident Mean = 3.3 days 2 25-29 days 0 Total Mean = 6.4 days 2

2 20-24 days 0 2

1 15-19 days 0 1 Resident (n=81) Non-resident (n=11) 9 Total (n=92) 10-14 days 9 9

20 5-9 days 18 20

58 1-4 days 73 60

1 Don't know 0 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 271

Q115. How many days did you go recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 12 months? (Asked of those who have been clamming in SC in the past 2 years.)

7 30 days or more 0 Coastal Resident Mean = 7.4 days 3 Non-coastal Resident Mean = 3.5 days 25-29 days 0

3 20-24 days 0

1 15-19 days 0 Coastal resident (n=70) Non-coastal resident (n=11) 9 10-14 days 9

21 5-9 days 9

54 1-4 days 82

1 Don't know 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

272 Responsive Management

OPINIONS ON CLAMMING AND THE CLAM POPULATION Ø Nearly equal percentages of respondents who have been recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years rate the quantity of clams in the areas they go clamming as excellent (34% gave this response) or good (37%). · A substantial percentage (20%) rate the quantity of clams as fair. · There is little variation of the ratings of the quantity of clams between residents and non-residents who have been recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years. · There is little variation of the ratings of the quantity of clams between coastal and non-coastal residents who have been recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years.

Ø The overwhelming majority (93%) of respondents who have been recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years rate the health and quality of clams in the areas they go clamming as excellent or good. · There is little variation of the ratings of the health and quality of clams between residents and non-residents who have been recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years. · Among residents who have been recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years, coastal residents are more likely than are non-coastal residents to rate the health and quality of clams as excellent (39% of coastal residents compared to 27% of non-coastal residents).

Ø Respondents who have been recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years are fairly evenly distributed among saying it is very easy (26% gave this response), somewhat easy (24%), and somewhat difficult (30%) to get the half-bushel clam limit. · Of those who have been recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years, residents are more likely than are non-residents to say it is very difficult to get the half-bushel clam limit (16% of residents gave this response compared to 0% of non-residents). · Non-residents who have been recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years are more likely than are residents to say it is very or somewhat easy to get the half-bushel South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 273

clam limit (63% of non-residents gave this response compared to 48% of residents). Please note, however, the low n-value of non-residents who have been recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years. · There is little variation between coastal and non-coastal residents who have been recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years.

274 Responsive Management

Q118. How would you rate the quantity of clams in the areas you go clamming? Would you say the quantity of clams is excellent, good, fair, or poor? (Asked of those who have been clamming in SC in the past 2 years.)

33 Excellent 36 34

36 Good 45 37

Resident (n=81) 20 Non-resident (n=11) Fair 18 Total (n=92) 20

10 Poor 0 9

1 Don't know 0 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 275

34 Excellent 27

34 Good 45

20 Coastal resident (n=70) Fair Non-coastal resident (n=11) 18

10 Poor 9

1 Don't know 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

276 Responsive Management

Q119. How would you rate the health and quality of clams in the areas you go clamming? (Asked of those who have been clamming in SC in the past 2 years.)

37 Excellent 45 38

56 Good 55 55

4 Resident (n=81) Fair 0 Non-resident (n=11) 3 Total (n=92)

1 Poor 0 1

2 Don't know 0 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 277

Q119. How would you rate the health and quality of clams in the areas you go clamming? (Asked of those who have been clamming in SC in the past 2 years.)

39 Excellent 27

54 Good 64

4 Coastal resident (n=70) Fair 0 Non-coastal resident (n=11)

1 Poor 0

1 Don't know 9

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

278 Responsive Management

Q120. In general, would you say it is easy or difficult to get the half bushel clam limit? (Asked of those who have been clamming in SC in the past 2 years.)

27 Very easy 18 26

21 Somewhat easy 45 24

5 Neither easy 0 nor difficult 4 Resident (n=81) Non-resident (n=11) 30 Total (n=92) Somewhat 36 difficult 30

16 Very difficult 0 14

1 Don't know 0 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 279

Q120. In general, would you say it is easy or difficult to get the half bushel clam limit? (Asked of those who have been clamming in SC in the past 2 years.)

27 Very easy 27

21 Somewhat easy 18

Neither easy 4 nor difficult 9 Coastal resident (n=70) Non-coastal resident (n=11) Somewhat 30 difficult 27

16 Very difficult 18

1 Don't know 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

280 Responsive Management

RECREATIONAL CRABBING PARTICIPATION Ø Although a large majority (72%) of respondents have not been recreational crabbing in South Carolina in the past 2 years, more than a quarter (28%) have been recreational crabbing. · Residents were more likely than were non-residents to have been recreational crabbing in South Carolina in the past 2 years (30% of residents compared to 19% of non-residents). · Non-coastal residents were slightly more likely than were coastal residents to have been recreational crabbing in South Carolina in the past 2 years (36% of non-coastal residents compared to 28% of coastal residents).

Ø The large majority (82%) of respondents who have been recreational crabbing in South Carolina in the past 2 years went recreational crabbing in South Carolina for 1 to 14 days in the past 12 months. The mean number of days spent recreational crabbing in South Carolina in the past 12 months was 9.3 days. · Of those who have been crabbing in South Carolina in the past 2 years, residents had a higher mean number of days spent recreational crabbing in South Carolina in the past 12 months than non-residents (9.7 days for residents compared to 5.7 days for non-residents). · Among residents who have been crabbing in South Carolina in the past 2 years, coastal residents had a higher mean number of days spent recreational crabbing in South Carolina in the past 12 months than non-coastal residents (11.2 days for coastal residents compared to 6.4 days for non-coastal residents).

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 281

Q123. Have you been recreational crabbing in South Carolina in the past 2 years?

Yes 19

Resident (n=1277) Non-resident (n=237) Total (n=1514)

No 81

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

282 Responsive Management

Q123. Have you been recreational crabbing in South Carolina in the past 2 years?

Yes

Coastal resident (n=940) Non-coastal resident (n=337)

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 283

Q124. How many days did you go recreational crabbing in South Carolina in the past 12 months? (Asked of those who have been crabbing in SC in the past 2 years.)

7 30 days or more 0 6 Resident Mean = 9.7 days 1 25-29 days 0 Non-resident Mean = 5.7 days 1 Total Mean = 9.3 days 4 20-24 days 7 4

3 15-19 days 0 3

14 Resident (n=383) 10-14 days 18 Non-resident (n=44) 15 Total (n=427) 20 5-9 days 16 20

46 1-4 days 59 47

4 0 days 0 4

1 Don't know 0 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

284 Responsive Management

Q124. How many days did you go recreational crabbing in South Carolina in the past 12 months? (Asked of those who have been crabbing in SC in the past 2 years.)

8 30 days or more 3 Coastal Resident Mean = 11.2 days 2 Non-coastal Resident Mean = 6.4 days 25-29 days 1

4 20-24 days 3

3 15-19 days 2

Coastal resident (n=263) 13 10-14 days 17 Non-coastal resident (n=120)

19 5-9 days 23

45 1-4 days 48

4 0 days 4

2 Don't know 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 285

OPINIONS ON CRABBING AND THE CRAB POPULATION Ø Respondents who have been recreational crabbing in South Carolina in the past 2 years are fairly evenly distributed among rating the quantity of crabs in the areas they go crabbing as excellent (22% gave this response), good (33%), and fair (28%). · There is little variation in ratings of the quantity of crabs between residents and non-residents who have been recreational crabbing in South Carolina in the past 2 years. · There is also little variation in ratings of the quantity of crabs between coastal and non-coastal residents who have been recreational crabbing in South Carolina in the past 2 years.

Ø About half (51%) of respondents who have been recreational crabbing in South Carolina in the past 2 years rate the health and quality of crabs in the areas they go crabbing as good, and nearly a quarter (24%) rate the health and quality of crabs as excellent. · There is little variation in ratings of the health and quality of crabs between residents and non-residents who have been recreational crabbing in South Carolina in the past 2 years. · There is also little variation in ratings of the health and quality of crabs between coastal and non-coastal residents who have been recreational crabbing in South Carolina in the past 2 years.

286 Responsive Management

Q127. How would you rate the quantity of crabs in the areas you go crabbing? (Asked of those who have been crabbing in SC in the past 2 years.)

23 Excellent 18 22

34 Good 30 33

28 Resident (n=383) Fair 34 Non-resident (n=44) 28 Total (n=427)

14 Poor 16 14

1 Don't know 2 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 287

Q127. How would you rate the quantity of crabs in the areas you go crabbing? (Asked of those who have been crabbing in SC in the past 2 years.)

23 Excellent 23

34 Good 33

Coastal resident (n=263) 29 Fair Non-coastal resident (n=120) 25

13 Poor 17

1 Don't know 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

288 Responsive Management

Q128. How would you rate the health and quality of crabs in the areas you go crabbing? (Asked of those who have been crabbing in SC in the past 2 years.)

24 Excellent 23 24

51 Good 52 51

18 Resident (n=383) Fair 16 Non-resident (n=44) 18 Total (n=427)

5 Poor 7 5

2 Don't know 2 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 289

Q128. How would you rate the health and quality of crabs in the areas you go crabbing? (Asked of those who have been crabbing in SC in the past 2 years.)

24 Excellent 25

51 Good 51

Coastal resident (n=263) 18 Fair Non-coastal resident (n=120) 18

5 Poor 5

2 Don't know 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

290 Responsive Management

USE OF PUBLIC AND STATE SHELLFISH GROUNDS

Ø Overall, respondents who have been recreational oystering or clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years gather oysters or clams from public shellfish grounds more often than from state shellfish grounds in South Carolina.

Ø Respondents who have been recreational oystering or clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years are fairly evenly distributed among the following categories for the frequency in which they gather oysters or clams from public shellfish grounds in South Carolina: always (27% gave this response), sometimes (25%), and rarely (22%). · In general, residents who have been oystering or clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years gather oysters or clams from public shellfish grounds in South Carolina more frequently than do non-residents. Of those who have been oystering or clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years, residents are more likely than are non-residents to say they gather oysters or clams from public shellfish grounds always (28% of residents compared to 15% of non-residents), often (9% compared to 5%), or sometimes (26% compared to 10%). · Among residents who have been oystering or clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years, coastal residents are more avid than are non-coastal residents: non-coastal residents are more likely than are coastal residents to rarely gather oysters or clams from public shellfish grounds in South Carolina (31% of non-coastal residents compared to 18% of coastal residents).

Ø Half (50%) of respondents rarely or never gather oysters or clams from state shellfish grounds in South Carolina. Nonetheless, a substantial percentage (37%) gather oysters or clams at least sometimes. · Of those who have been oystering or clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years, non-residents are more likely than are residents to indicate that they rarely or never gather oysters or clams from state shellfish grounds (65% of non-residents compared to 49% of residents). · Among residents who have been oystering or clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years, non-coastal residents are more likely than are coastal residents to indicate that they never gather oysters or clams from state shellfish grounds in South Carolina (41% of non-coastal residents compared to 26% of non-coastal residents). South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 291

Q121. How often do you gather oysters or clams from public shellfish grounds in South Carolina? (Asked of those who have been oystering or clamming in SC in the past 2 years.)

28 Always 15 27

9 Often 5 9

26 Sometimes 10 25 Resident (n=190) Non-resident (n=20) 20 Total (n=210) Rarely 45 22

11 Never 20 11

6 Don't know 5 6

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

292 Responsive Management

Q121. How often do you gather oysters or clams from public shellfish grounds in South Carolina? (Asked of those who have been oystering or clamming in SC in the past 2 years.)

28 Always 28

9 Often 6

27 Sometimes 25 Coastal resident (n=158) Non-coastal resident (n=32) 18 Rarely 31

11 Never 6

6 Don't know 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 293

Q122. How often do you gather oysters or clams from state shellfish grounds in South Carolina? (Asked of those who have been oystering or clamming in SC in the past 2 years.)

10 Always 10 10

6 Often 10 7

21 Sometimes 10 20 Resident (n=190) Non-resident (n=20) 21 Total (n=210) Rarely 30 21

28 Never 35 29

14 Don't know 5 13

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

294 Responsive Management

Q122. How often do you gather oysters or clams from state shellfish grounds in South Carolina? (Asked of those who have been oystering or clamming in SC in the past 2 years.)

11 Always 6

8 Often 0

20 Sometimes 22 Coastal resident (n=158) Non-coastal resident (n=32) 20 Rarely 22

26 Never 41

15 Don't know 9

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 295

SIZE OF SHELLFISHING PARTIES Ø The mean number of people who go on a typical shellfishing trip in South Carolina with those who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years is 2.2 people. · Although residents who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years are more likely to have 1 or 2 other people with them and non-residents are more likely to have 3 or 4 other people with them on a typical shellfishing trip, the mean number of people does not vary greatly between residents (with a mean of 2.1 people) and non-residents (2.8 people). · There is little variation of the number of people who go on a typical shellfihing trip between coastal and non-coastal residents who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years.

296 Responsive Management

Q169. How many people do you go with on a typical shellfishing trip in South Carolina? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish and shellfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

6 people or 3 4 more 3 Resident Mean = 2.1 people 3 Non-resident Mean = 2.8 people 5 people 4 3 Total Mean = 2.2 people

8 4 people 19 9

15 3 people 35 17 Resident (n=240) Non-resident (n=26) 30 Total (n=266) 2 people 8 28

28 1 person 15 27

Shellfishes 7 8 alone 7

6 Don't know 8 6

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 297

Q169. How many people do you go with on a typical shellfishing trip in South Carolina? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish and shellfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

6 people or 3 more 3 Coastal Resident Mean = 2.0 people 2 Non-coastal Resident Mean = 2.3 people 5 people 8

10 4 people 3

14 3 people 16 Coastal resident (n=177) Non-coastal resident (n=63) 28 2 people 35

29 1 person 24

Shellfishes 7 alone 6

7 Don't know 5

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

298 Responsive Management

FISH AND SHELLFISH CONSUMPTION SALTWATER FISH CONSUMPTION Ø The majority (59%) of active saltwater anglers always eat the saltwater fish they catch in South Carolina. · Resident active saltwater anglers are more likely than are active non-resident saltwater anglers to always eat the saltwater fish they catch (60% of residents compared to 51% of non-residents). · There was little variation of frequency of fish consumption between active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers.

Ø Keeping fish to eat is very or somewhat important for the saltwater fishing experience for the majority (81%) of the active saltwater anglers who eat some of the fish they catch. · There is little variation of the importance of keeping fish to eat between active resident and non-resident saltwater anglers who eat some of the fish they catch. · Although keeping fish to eat is very or somewhat important to the majority of active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers who eat some of the fish they catch, coastal residents are more likely than are non-coastal residents to say keeping fish to eat is very important for the saltwater fishing experience (58% of coastal residents compared to 49% of non-coastal residents).

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 299

Q137. How often do you eat the saltwater fish that you catch in South Carolina? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

60 Always 51 59

14 Often 16 14

13 Resident (n=514) Sometimes 11 Non-resident (n=110) 12 Total (n=624)

8 Rarely 9 8

5 Never 13 6

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

300 Responsive Management

Q137. How often do you eat the saltwater fish that you catch in South Carolina? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

60 Always 61

13 Often 15

Coastal resident (n=367) 13 Sometimes Non-coastal resident (n=147) 11

8 Rarely 10

6 Never 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 301

Q138. How important or unimportant is keeping fish to eat for your saltwater fishing experience? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years and who eat some of the fish they catch.)

56 Very important 55 56

25 Somewhat 25 important 25

Resident (n=489) 3 Neither Non-resident (n=96) important nor 2 Total (n=585) unimportant 3

12 Somewhat 10 unimportant 12

4 Very 7 unimportant 5

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

302 Responsive Management

Q138. How important or unimportant is keeping fish to eat for your saltwater fishing experience? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

58 Very important 49

Somewhat 22 important 33

Neither 3 important nor 1 unimportant Coastal resident (n=346) Non-coastal resident (n=143)

Somewhat 11 unimportant 13

Very 5 unimportant 3

0 Don't know 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 303

SHELLFISH CONSUMPTION Ø The majority (64%) of respondents who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years always eat the shellfish they harvest in South Carolina. · There is little variation of frequency of shellfish consumption between residents and non-residents who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years. · There is little variation of frequency of shellfish consumption between coastal and non-coastal residents who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years.

304 Responsive Management

Q144. How often do you eat the shellfish you harvest in South Carolina? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for shellfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

65 Always 57 64

11 Often 9 11

9 Resident (n=434) Sometimes 8 Non-resident (n=53) 8 Total (n=487)

6 Rarely 9 6

9 Never 17 10

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 305

Q144. How often do you eat the shellfish you harvest in South Carolina? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for shellfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

67 Always 61

12 Often 8

9 Sometimes 7 Coastal resident (n=312) Non-coastal resident (n=122) 4 Rarely 9

7 Never 15

0 Don't know 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

306 Responsive Management

IMPORTANCE OF SHELLFISH CONSUMPTION Ø Keeping shellfish to eat is very important for the shellfishing experience of the majority (75%) of the respondents who have saltwater fished for shellfish (oysters, clams, or crabs) in South Carolina in the past 2 years and who eat some of the shellfish they harvest. · Of those who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years and who eat some of the shellfish they harvest, residents are more likely than are non-residents to indicate that keeping shellfish to eat is very important for the shellfishing experience (76% of residents compared to 66% of non-residents). · Among residents who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years and who eat some of the shellfish they harvest, coastal residents are more likely than are non-coastal residents to indicate that keeping shellfish to eat is very important for the shellfishing experience (79% of coastal residents compared to 69% of non-coastal residents).

Ø Most commonly, respondents who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years and who eat some of the shellfish they harvest identify shrimp (60%), crabs (55%), or oysters (51%) when asked what two species of shellfish they most prefer to eat. · Of those who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years and who eat some of the shellfish they harvest, non-residents are much more likely than are residents to identify crabs as one of the two species of shellfish they most prefer to eat (73% of non-residents named this species compared to 53% of residents). · Of those who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years and who eat some of the shellfish they harvest, residents are more likely than are non-residents to identify oysters as one of the two species of shellfish they most prefer to eat (52% of residents named this species compared to 34% of non-residents). · Among residents who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years and who eat some of the shellfish they harvest, non-coastal residents are more likely than are coastal residents to identify crabs as one of the two species of shellfish they most prefer to eat (66% of non-coastal residents named this species compared to 48% of coastal residents). South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 307

· Among residents who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years and who eat some of the shellfish they harvest, coastal residents are more likely than are non-coastal residents to identify oysters as one of the two species of shellfish they most prefer to eat (56% of coastal residents named this species compared to 44% of non-coastal residents).

Ø Of those who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years and who eat some of the shellfish they harvest, the overwhelming majority (91%) typically eat the oysters they keep at a personal or family oyster roast. · There is little variation of typical oyster consumption between residents and non-residents who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years and who eat some of the shellfish they harvest. · There is little variation of typical oyster consumption between coastal and non-coastal residents who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years and who eat some of the shellfish they harvest.

308 Responsive Management

Q145. How important or unimportant is keeping shellfish to eat for your shellfishing experience? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for shellfish in SC in the past 2 years and who eat some of the shellfish they harvest.)

76 Very important 66 75

15 Somewhat 18 important 16

Neither 3 important nor 5 unimportant 3 Resident (n=391) Non-resident (n=44) Total (n=435) 5 Somewhat 7 unimportant 5

1 Very 2 unimportant 1

1 Don't know 2 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 309

79 Very important 69

Somewhat 13 important 22

Neither 3 important nor unimportant 2 Coastal resident (n=288) Non-coastal resident (n=103)

Somewhat 4 unimportant 6

Very 0 unimportant 1

1 Don't know 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

310 Responsive Management

Q150. What two species of shellfish do you most prefer to eat? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for shellfish in SC in the past 2 years and who eat some of the shellfish they harvest.)

60 Shrimp 61 60

53 Crabs 73 55

Resident (n=391) 52 Non-resident (n=44) Oysters 34 Total (n=435) 51

14 Multiple Responses Allowed Clams 16 14

1 Other 0 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 311

Q150. What two species of shellfish do you most prefer to eat? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for shellfish in SC in the past 2 years and who eat some of the shellfish they harvest.)

59 Shrimp 62

48 Crabs 66

Coastal resident (n=288) 56 Oysters Non-coastal resident (n=103) 44

Multiple Responses Allowed 17 Clams 6

1 Other 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

312 Responsive Management

Q152. Are the oysters you keep to eat typically eaten at a personal or family oyster roast, a church or social organization's oyster roast, or are they used for another type of consumption? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for shellfish in SC in the past 2 years and who eat some of the oysters they harvest.)

91 Personal or family oyster 93 roast 91

3 Church or social organization's 0 oyster roast Resident (n=205) 3 Non-resident (n=15) Total (n=220)

2 Other type of 7 consumption 3

3 Don't know 0 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 313

Personal or 93 family oyster roast 87

Church or social 4 organization's oyster roast 0 Coastal resident (n=160) Non-coastal resident (n=45)

1 Other type of consumption 9

3 Don't know 4

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

314 Responsive Management

OYSTER PURCHASING BEHAVIOR Ø A large majority (75%) of respondents who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years and who eat some of the shellfish they harvest purchase oysters from seafood vendors. · Of those who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years and who eat some of the shellfish they harvest, residents are more likely than are non-residents to purchase oysters from seafood vendors (76% of residents compared to 60% of non-residents). · Among residents who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years and who eat some of the shellfish they harvest, non-coastal residents are more likely than are coastal residents to purchase oysters from seafood vendors (87% of non-coastal residents compared to 73% of coastal residents).

Ø The majority (73%) of respondents who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years, who eat some of the shellfish they harvest, and who purchase oysters from vendors purchase about 1 to 4 bushels of oysters per year. · The mean number of bushels of oysters purchased per year by respondents who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years is 5.5 bushels. · There is little variation in the mean number of bushels of oysters purchased per year by residents and non-residents who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years. · Among residents who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years, coastal residents have a higher mean number of bushels purchased per year than do non-coastal residents (5.8 bushels for coastal residents compared to 4.4 bushels for non-coastal residents).

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 315

Q154. Do you purchase oysters from seafood vendors? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for shellfish in SC in the past 2 years and who eat some of the oysters they harvest.)

Yes 60

23 Resident (n=205) No 40 Non-resident (n=15) Total (n=220) 25

Don't know 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

316 Responsive Management

Q154. Do you purchase oysters from seafood vendors? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for shellfish in SC in the past 2 years and who eat some of the oysters they harvest.)

73 Yes 87

27 Coastal resident (n=160) No Non-coastal resident (n=45) 11

1 Don't know 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 317

Q155. About how many bushels of oysters do you purchase from seafood vendors per year? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for shellfish in SC in the past 2 years, who eat some of the oysters they harvest, and who purchase oysters from vendors.)

3 20 bushels or 11 more 3 Resident Mean = 5.5 bushels Non-resident Mean = 5.3 bushels Total Mean = 5.5 bushels 2 15-19 bushels 0 2

6 10-14 bushels 0 6 Resident (n=155) Non-resident (n=9) Total (n=164) 16 5-9 bushels 0 15

72 1-4 bushels 89 73

1 Don't know 0 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

318 Responsive Management

20 bushels or 3 more 3 Coastal Resident Mean = 5.8 bushels Non-coastal Resident Mean = 4.4 bushels

3 15-19 bushels 0

7 10-14 bushels 5 Coastal resident (n=116) Non-coastal resident (n=39) 18 5-9 bushels 10

69 1-4 bushels 82

1 Don't know 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 319

OYSTER SHELL RECYCLING BEHAVIOR Ø A slight majority (56%) of respondents who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years and who eat some of the oysters they harvest do not recycle their oyster shells at a SCDNR drop-off site for recycling; nonetheless, a large percentage (43%) do recycle their oyster shells at a SCDNR drop-off site. · Of those who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years and who eat some of the oysters they harvest, non-residents are less likely than are residents to recycle their oyster shells at a SCDNR drop-off site (33% of non-residents compared to 44% of residents). · Among residents who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years and who eat some of the oysters they harvest, non-coastal residents are less likely than are coastal residents to recycle their oyster shells at a SCDNR drop-off site (27% of non-coastal residents compared to 49% of coastal residents).

Ø The majority (65%) of respondents who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years, who eat some of the oysters they harvest, and who recycle oyster shells at a SCDNR drop-off site recycle 100% of their oyster shells. · The mean percentage of oyster shells recycled by respondents who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years, who eat some of the oysters they harvest, and who recycle oyster shells at a SCDNR drop-off site is 84.7%. · Of those who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years, who eat some of the oysters they harvest, and who recycle oyster shells at a SCDNR drop-off site, residents are much more likely than are non-residents to indicate that they recycle 100% of their oyster shells (67% of residents compared to 40% of non-residents); however, a large percentage of non-residents indicate that they recycle 80% to 99% of their oyster shells (40% of non-residents gave a response within this range). · Among residents who have saltwater fished for shellfish in South Carolina in the past 2 years, who eat some of the oysters they harvest, and who recycle oyster shells at a SCDNR drop-off site, coastal residents are more likely than are non-coastal residents to indicate that they recycle 100% of their oyster shells (69% of coastal residents compared to 50% of non-coastal residents). 320 Responsive Management

Q158. Do you recycle your oyster shells at a SCDNR drop-off site for recycling? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for shellfish in SC in the past 2 years and who eat some of the oysters they harvest.)

Yes 33

55 Resident (n=205) Non-resident (n=15) No 67 Total (n=220)

Don't know 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 321

49 Yes 27

51 Coastal resident (n=160) No Non-coastal resident (n=45) 71

1 Don't know 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

322 Responsive Management

Q159. Approximately what percentage of your oyster shells do you recycle? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for shellfish in SC in the past 2 years, who eat some of the oysters they harvest, and who recycle oyster shells.)

67 100% 40 65

6 80%-99% 40 Resident Mean = 85.0% 7 Non-resident Mean = 80.0% Total Mean = 84.7% 7 60-79% 0 6 Resident (n=90) 14 Non-resident (n=5) 40-59% 0 Total (n=95) 14

3 20-39% 20 4

2 1-19% 0 2

1 Don't know 0 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 323

69 100% 50

4 Coastal Resident Mean = 85.7% 80%-99% 17 Non-coastal Resident Mean = 80.4%

6 60-79% 8

14 Coastal resident (n=78) 40-59% 17 Non-coastal resident (n=12)

3 20-39% 8

3 1-19% 0

1 Don't know 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

324 Responsive Management

AWARENESS OF GULF COAST OYSTER SHELL QUARANTINE Ø A large majority (80%) of active saltwater anglers were not at all aware that Gulf Coast oyster shells should not be placed in South Carolina waters. · Among active saltwater anglers, residents were slightly more likely than were non-residents to be very aware that Gulf Coast oyster shells should not be placed in South Carolina waters (13% of residents compared to 6% of non-residents). · There was little variation of levels of awareness between active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers.

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 325

Q160. Prior to this survey, how aware were you that Gulf Coast oyster shells should not be placed in South Carolina waters? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish or shellfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

Very aware 6

7 Somewhat 4 aware 7 Resident (n=1076) Non-resident (n=213) Total (n=1289) 79

Not at all aware 87

Don't know 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

326 Responsive Management

14 Very aware 9

7 Somewhat aware 6 Coastal resident (n=789) Non-coastal resident (n=287)

77 Not at all aware 83

2 Don't know 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 327

OPINIONS ON SALTWATER ACCESS Ø A majority (68%) of active saltwater anglers rate saltwater shoreline access in South Carolina as excellent or good. · A substantial percentage (21%) rate saltwater shoreline access in South Carolina as fair. · There is little variation of ratings of shoreline access between active resident and non-resident saltwater anglers. · Among active saltwater anglers, non-coastal residents are more likely to rate shorelines access in South Carolina as excellent or good (76% of non-coastal residents compared to 65% of coastal residents), while active coastal resident saltwater anglers are more likely to rate shoreline access in South Carolina as fair or poor (34% of coastal residents compared to 21% of non-coastal residents).

Ø A majority (65%) of active saltwater anglers rate the number and size of boat ramps at places where they saltwater fish in South Carolina as excellent or good. · There is little variation of ratings of the number and size of boat ramps between active resident and non-resident saltwater anglers. · There is little variation of ratings of the number and size of boat ramps between active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers.

Ø A majority (77%) of active saltwater anglers rate the maintenance of the public boat ramps in the areas they saltwater fish the most often in South Carolina as excellent or good. · There is little variation of ratings of the maintenance of the public boat ramps in South Carolina between active resident and non-resident saltwater anglers. · There is little variation of ratings of the maintenance of the public boat ramps in South Carolina between active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers.

Ø Most commonly, active saltwater anglers rate the number and size of fishing piers at places where they saltwater fish as good (31% gave this rating). · A substantial percentage (18%) say there are no piers in the area where they saltwater fish. 328 Responsive Management

· There is little variation of ratings of the number and size of fishing piers between active resident and non-resident saltwater anglers. · There is little variation of ratings of the number and size of fishing piers between active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers.

Ø Most commonly, active saltwater anglers rate the maintenance of the piers in the areas where they saltwater fish in South Carolina as good (38% gave this response). · There is little variation of ratings of the maintenance of piers between active resident and non-resident saltwater anglers. · There is little variation of ratings of the maintenance of piers between active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers.

Ø Most commonly, active saltwater anglers say they have never had problems finding available parking at boat launch facilities where they saltwater fish most often (39% gave this response). · A substantial percentage (37%) say they always, often, or sometimes have had problems finding available parking at boat launch facilities in the areas where they saltwater fish most often. · Among active saltwater anglers, non-residents are more likely than are residents to say that they have never had problems finding available parking at boat launch facilities in the areas where they saltwater fish most often (53% of non-residents compared to 36% of residents). · There is little variation of responses regarding problems finding available parking at boat launch facilities between active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers.

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 329

Q209. Overall, do you think that saltwater shoreline access in South Carolina is excellent, good, fair, or poor? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

26 Excellent 29 26

42 Good 42 42

22 Resident (n=552) Fair 18 Non-resident (n=113) 21 Total (n=665)

8 Poor 4 8

2 Don't know 6 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

330 Responsive Management

Q209. Overall, do you think that saltwater shoreline access in South Carolina is excellent, good, fair, or poor? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

26 Excellent 26

39 Good 50

Coastal resident (n=400) 25 Fair Non-coastal resident (n=152) 15

9 Poor 6

2 Don't know 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 331

Q211. Would you say the number and size of boat ramps at places where you saltwater fish in South Carolina are excellent, good, fair, or poor? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

20 Excellent 25 21

45 Good 35 44

Resident (n=373) 22 Non-resident (n=75) Fair 20 Total (n=448) 22

9 Poor 5 8

4 Don't know 15 6

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

332 Responsive Management

19 Excellent 23

46 Good 44

23 Coastal resident (n=285) Fair Non-coastal resident (n=88) 20

9 Poor 7

3 Don't know 6

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 333

Q212. How would you rate the maintenance of the public boat ramps in the area where you saltwater fish most often in South Carolina? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

25 Excellent 29 26

52 Good 48 51

Resident (n=373) 15 Non-resident (n=75) Fair 5 Total (n=448) 13

4 Poor 4 4

4 Don't know 13 6

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

334 Responsive Management

25 Excellent 24

52 Good 52

15 Coastal resident (n=285) Fair Non-coastal resident (n=88) 16

5 Poor 1

3 Don't know 7

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 335

Q213. Would you say the number and size of fishing piers at places where you saltwater fish are excellent, good, fair, or poor, or are there no piers in the area? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

11 Excellent 10 11

30 Good 32 31

19 Fair 13 Resident (n=341) 18 Non-resident (n=79) Total (n=420) 8 Poor 5 8

17 No piers in the 20 area 18

14 Don't know 20 15

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

336 Responsive Management

12 Excellent 8

30 Good 32

20 Fair 18 Coastal resident (n=234) Non-coastal resident (n=107)

9 Poor 6

No piers in the 15 area 23

14 Don't know 13

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 337

Q214. How would you rate the maintenance of the piers in the area where you saltwater fish most often? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

14 Excellent 13 14

38 Good 38 38

15 Resident (n=341) Fair 5 Non-resident (n=79) 13 Total (n=420)

2 Poor 1 2

31 Don't know 43 33

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

338 Responsive Management

Q214. How would you rate the maintenance of the piers in the area where you saltwater fish most often? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

16 Excellent 10

39 Good 36

Coastal resident (n=234) 16 Fair Non-coastal resident (n=107) 13

2 Poor 2

27 Don't know 38

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 339

Q215. How often would you say you have had problems with finding available parking at boat launch facilities in the area where you launch from to saltwater fish most often? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

7 Always 3 6

11 Often 14 11

21 Sometimes 12 Resident (n=362) 20 Non-resident (n=59) Total (n=421) 22 Rarely 17 21

36 Never 53 39

3 Don't know 2 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

340 Responsive Management

6 Always 10

12 Often 8

23 Sometimes 17 Coastal resident (n=270) Non-coastal resident (n=92) 22 Rarely 22

35 Never 41

3 Don't know 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 341

PARTICIPATION IN FISHING-RELATED ACTIVITIES Ø Active saltwater anglers were asked about their participation in a list of fishing-related activities over the past 2 years. A majority of active saltwater anglers had gone saltwater fishing with natural bait (86%), watched a fishing show on television (82%), read a fishing magazine (71%), and fished in freshwater in South Carolina (63%). · Substantial percentages had saltwater fished in a state other than South Carolina (38%) and fished on a marine artificial reef over the past 2 years (34%). · Among active saltwater anglers, residents were much more likely than were non-residents to have fished in freshwater in South Carolina over the past 2 years (71% of residents compared to 24% of non-residents). Residents were also more likely than were non-residents to have gone saltwater fishing with natural bait (88% compared to 77%) and to have fished on a marine artificial reef (36% compared to 25%). · Among active saltwater anglers, non-residents were much more likely than were residents to have saltwater fished in a state other than South Carolina over the past 2 years (59% of non-residents compared to 34% of residents). · Among active resident saltwater anglers, non-coastal residents were more likely than were coastal residents to have fished in freshwater in South Carolina over the past 2 years (82% of non-coastal residents compared to 67% of coastal residents).

342 Responsive Management

Q43. In South Carolina over the past 2 years, have you... (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

Gone saltwater fishing with natural 88 77 bait 86

Watched a fishing show on 83 79 television 82

73 Read a fishing magazine 65 71

Fished in freshwater in South 71 24 Carolina 63

Saltwater fished in a state other 34 59 than South Carolina 38

36 Fished on a marine artificial reef 25 34 Resident (n=553) 14 Went to a fishing club meeting 12 Non-resident (n=118) 13 Total (n=671) 14 Multiple Responses Allowed Participated in any organized 4 saltwater fishing tournaments 12

Gone scuba diving in saltwater off of 10 3 South Carolina 8

8 Saltwater fished in another country 8 8

1 None of the above 8 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 343

Q43. In South Carolina over the past 2 years, have you... (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

Gone saltwater fishing with natural 90 bait 85

Watched a fishing show on 83 television 81

73 Read a fishing magazine 72

Fished in freshwater in South 67 Carolina 82

Saltwater fished in a state other than 34 South Carolina 33

38 Fished on a marine artificial reef 30

15 Went to a fishing club meeting 9 Coastal resident (n=404) Non-coastal resident (n=149) Multiple Responses Allowed Participated in any organized 18 saltwater fishing tournaments 4

Gone scuba diving in saltwater off of 11 South Carolina 7

8 Saltwater fished in another country 9

0 None of the above 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

344 Responsive Management

MEMBERSHIP IN SALTWATER FISHING ORGANIZATIONS Ø The majority (78%) of respondents are not currently members of nor have donated to any saltwater fishing clubs or conservation groups in the past 2 years; however, a fifth (20%) of respondents are currently members of or have donated to a saltwater fishing club or conservation group in the past 2 years. · There was little variation of membership or donations between residents and non-residents. · There was little variation of membership or donations between coastal and non-coastal residents.

Ø Most commonly, respondents who are currently members of or have donated to a saltwater fishing club or conservation group in the past 2 years belong to or have donated to the Coastal Conservation Association (22% gave this response). · 24% are currently members of or have donated to a saltwater club or conservation group not listed in the following graphs; the clubs not listed have only a few members each. · Among respondents who are currently members of or have donated to a saltwater fishing club or conservation group in the past 2 years, non-residents are more likely than are residents to be a member of or to have donated to Ducks Unlimited (17% of non-residents compared to 6% of residents). · There was little variation between coastal and non-coastal residents regarding their membership or donations to saltwater fishing clubs or conservation groups in the past 2 years.

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 345

Q268. Are you currently a member of or have you donated to any saltwater fishing clubs or conservation groups in the past 2 years?

Yes 20

78 Resident (n=1277) No 79 Non-resident (n=237) Total (n=1514) 78

Don't know 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

346 Responsive Management

Q268. Are you currently a member of or have you donated to any saltwater fishing clubs or conservation groups in the past 2 years?

20 Yes 18

78 No 80

Coastal resident (n=940) Non-coastal resident (n=337)

2 Don't know 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 347

Q270/Q273. Which ones? (saltwater fishing clubs or conservation groups of which respondent is currently a member or has donated to in the past 2 years.) (Asked of those who said they are currently a member or have donated to saltwater fishing clubs or conservation groups in the past 2 years.) (Part 1)

22 Other 34 24 Coastal Conservation Association 21 26 (CCA) 22 22 Don't know 13 21 6 Ducks Unlimited 17 8 Beaufort Sportfishing and Diving 4 0 Club 4 Resident (n=249) 3 National Wildlife Federation 4 Non-resident (n=47) 3 Total (n=296) 3 Charleston Coastal Anglers 2 3 Coastal Conservation Association of 3 0 South Carolina (CCASC) 2

Multiple Responses Allowed 3 Nature Conservancy 0 2 2 Trout Unlimited 4 2 2 Charleston Inshore Anglers 0 2 2 Hilton Head Island Sportfishing Club 0 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

348 Responsive Management

B.A.S.S. / BASS Masters / Red Man 1 4 North American 2 2 Carolina Lady Anglers 0 1 1 The Billfish Foundation 0 1 1 National Wild Turkey Federation 0 1 1 Boat U.S. 2 1 Resident (n=249) Greenville Saltwater Sportfishing 1 0 Non-resident (n=47) Club 1 Total (n=296) South Carolina Saltwater Fishing 1 0 Club 1 South Carolina Saltwater 1 0 Sportfishing Association 1

Multiple Responses Allowed 0 Audubon (National Audubon Society) 2 1 0 Greenpeace 2 1 1 North American Fishing Club 0 1 0 SPCA 2 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 349

Q270/Q273. Which ones? (saltwater fishing clubs or conservation groups of which respondent is currently a member or has donated to in the past 2 years.) (Part 1)

21 Other 23

Coastal Conservation Association 20 (CCA) 23 23 Don't know 20

6 Ducks Unlimited 7

Beaufort Sportfishing and Diving 5 Club 3 4 National Wildlife Federation 2

Charleston Coastal Anglers 3 5 Coastal resident (n=188) 2 Non-coastal resident (n=61) Nature Conservancy 5

Coastal Conservation Association of 4 South Carolina (CCASC) 0

Multiple Responses Allowed 2 Trout Unlimited 2

B.A.S.S. / BASS Masters / Red Man 1 North American 2 3 Charleston Inshore Anglers 0

3 Hilton Head Island Sportfishing Club 0

2 Carolina Lady Anglers 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

350 Responsive Management

Q270/Q273. Which ones? (saltwater fishing clubs or conservation groups of which respondent is currently a member or has donated to in the past 2 years.) (Part 2)

2 The Billfish Foundation 0

0 National Wild Turkey Federation 5

1 Boat U.S. 0

Audubon (National Audubon 1 Society) 0

1 Greenpeace 0

1 North American Fishing Club 0 Coastal resident (n=188) SPCA 1 0 Non-coastal resident (n=61) Greenville Saltwater Sportfishing 0 Club 3

South Carolina Saltwater Fishing 1

Multiple Responses Allowed Club 2

South Carolina Saltwater 1 Sportfishing Association 0

1 Sierra Club 0

1 Florence Blue Water Fishing Club 0

Voyagers View Live Bait Fishing 1 Club 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 351

OPINIONS ON ISSUES FACING MARINE FISHERIES RESOURCES IN SOUTH CAROLINA Ø Most commonly, active saltwater anglers feel that the most important issue facing the conservation and management of marine fisheries resources is water quality, pollution, litter, or trash (17% of respondents gave a response in this category). · Among active saltwater anglers, non-residents are more likely than are residents to respond that the most important issue facing the conservation and management of marine fisheries resources is supply or quantity of saltwater fish or shellfish (17% of non-residents compared to 7% of residents). · There is little variation of responses for the most important issue facing the conservation and management of marine fisheries resources between active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers.

352 Responsive Management

Q16. What do you feel is the most important issue facing the conservation and management of marine fisheries resources? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.) (Part 1)

17 Water quality / pollution / litter / trash 13 17

Enforcing saltwater fishing / shellfishing 10 regulations (includes need for more 6 wardens / DNR officers) 9 Supply (quantity) of saltwater fish / 7 17 shellfish (includes overfishing) 8

Properly managing commercial fishing 4 8 activities 4

4 Size limits / creel limits 3 Resident (n=523) 4 Non-resident (n=95) 3 Total (n=618) Habitat restoration / enhancement 3 3

2 Contamination of fish / shellfish 3 2

3 Enforcing boating regulations 1 2

2 Catch and release 1 2

Properly managing recreational fishing 2 1 activities 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 353

Increasing number of anglers (increased 2 2 fishing pressure) 2

2 Commercial fishing 1 1

1 Coastal development 1 1

1 Complicated federal fishery regulations 3 1 Resident (n=523) Shrimping / shrimp boats / baiting 1 Non-resident (n=95) 0 shrimp 1 Total (n=618)

Artificial reefs (includes maintain and 1 0 make more reefs) 1

1 Health of saltwater fish / shellfish 0 1

12 Other 7 11

26 Don't know 28 26

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

354 Responsive Management

18 Water quality / pollution / litter / trash 15 Enforcing saltwater fishing / shellfishing 10 regulations (includes need for more 8 wardens / DNR officers) Supply (quantity) of saltwater fish / 7 shellfish (includes overfishing) 6

Properly managing commercial fishing 3 activities 4

Coastal resident (n=385) Size limits / creel limits 4 3 Non coastal resident (n=138)

3 Habitat restoration / enhancement 4

2 Contamination of fish / shellfish 4

3 Enforcing boating regulations 1

2 Catch and release 2

Properly managing recreational fishing 2 activities 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 355

Increasing number of anglers 2 (increased fishing pressure) 0

2 Commercial fishing 1

1 Coastal development 2

1 Complicated federal fishery regulations 1 Coastal resident (n=385) Shrimping / shrimp boats / baiting 2 Non coastal resident (n=138) shrimp 1

Artificial reefs (includes maintain and 2 make more reefs) 0

1 Health of saltwater fish / shellfish 1

11 Other 17

25 Don't know 27

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

356 Responsive Management

AWARENESS OF AND SATISFACTION WITH THE MARINE RESOURCES DIVISION Ø Prior to this survey, active saltwater anglers most commonly knew a moderate amount (39%) or a little (33%) about the activities of the Marine Resources Division. · Resident active saltwater anglers were more likely than were active non-resident saltwater anglers to say they knew a great deal (18% of residents compared to 11% of non-residents) or a moderate amount (41% of residents compared to 28% of non-residents) about the activities of the Marine Resources Division. · There was little variation of levels of awareness between active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers.

Ø The majority (78%) of active saltwater anglers are very or somewhat satisfied with the Marine Resources Division as a division of a governmental agency in South Carolina. · A third (33%) of active non-resident saltwater anglers do not know if they are satisfied or dissatisfied with the Marine Resources Division as a division of a governmental agency in South Carolina. · There is little variation of levels of satisfaction with the Marine Resources Division between active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers.

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 357

Q216. Before this survey, would you say you knew a great deal, a moderate amount, a little, or nothing about the activities of the Marine Resources Division? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

18 Great deal 11 17

41 Moderate 28 amount 39

Resident (n=552) 32 Non-resident (n=113) A little 36 Total (n=665) 33

8 Nothing 22 11

1 Don't know 3 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

358 Responsive Management

20 Great deal 15

Moderate 41 amount 41

Coastal resident (n=400) 31 A little Non-coastal resident (n=152) 36

9 Nothing 6

0 Don't know 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 359

Q217. Overall, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the Marine Resources Division as a division of a governmental agency in South Carolina, or do you not know? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

41 Very satisfied 30 39

40 Somewhat 35 satisfied 39

Neither 2 satisfied nor 2 dissatisfied 2 Resident (n=552) Non-resident (n=113) Total (n=665) 3 Somewhat 0 dissatisfied 3

2 Very 1 dissatisfied 2

11 Don't know 33 15

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

360 Responsive Management

38 Very satisfied 47

Somewhat 41 satisfied 39

Neither 3 satisfied nor dissatisfied 2 Coastal resident (n=400) Non-coastal resident (n=152)

Somewhat 4 dissatisfied 0

Very 3 dissatisfied 1

12 Don't know 11

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 361

RATINGS OF THE EFFORTS OF THE MARINE RESOURCES DIVISION Ø Active saltwater anglers were asked to rate the efforts of the Marine Resources Division in several different areas. Overall, ratings were fairly positive, and there were very low percentages of poor ratings in each area. · A majority of active saltwater anglers gave ratings of excellent or good in each of the following areas: efforts to provide saltwater fishing opportunities (76%), management of the saltwater fisheries resources in South Carolina (74%), efforts to inform the public about saltwater fishing laws and regulations (69%), and efforts to inform the public about fisheries conservation and ways that the public can help with fisheries conservation in South Carolina (60%). · Among active saltwater anglers, non-residents were slightly less likely than were residents to rate the Division’s efforts as excellent or good in the following two areas: efforts to provide saltwater fishing opportunities (67% of non-residents compared to 78% of residents) and management of the saltwater fisheries resources in South Carolina (67% compared to 76%). · There was little variation of ratings between active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers.

362 Responsive Management

Q219-Q222. Percent who gave an excellent rating for the Marine Resources Division's … (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

28 Q219. Efforts to provide saltwater 21 fishing opportunities 27

25 Q221. Management of the saltwater 26 fisheries resources in South Carolina 25 Resident Non-Resident Q222. Efforts to inform the public Total about fisheries 20 conservation and ways that the public 21 can help with fisheries 20 conservation in South Carolina

Q220. Efforts to 18 inform the public about saltwater 14 fishing laws and regulations 17

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 363

Q219-Q222. Percent who gave an excellent rating for the Marine Resources Division's … (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

28 Q219. Efforts to provide saltwater fishing opportunities 25

Q221. Management 24 of the saltwater fisheries resources in South Carolina 28

Coastal resident Q222. Efforts to Non-coastal resident inform the public about fisheries conservation and 20 ways that the public can help with 18 fisheries conservation in South Carolina

Q220. Efforts to inform the public 18 about saltwater fishing laws and 18 regulations

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

364 Responsive Management

Q219-Q222. Percent who gave an excellent or good rating for the Marine Resources Division's … (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

78 Q219. Efforts to provide saltwater 67 fishing opportunities 76

76 Q221. Management of the saltwater fisheries resources 67 in South Carolina 74 Resident Non-Resident Total

Q220. Efforts to 69 inform the public about saltwater 67 fishing laws and regulations 69

Q222. Efforts to inform the public about fisheries 61 conservation and ways that the public 58 can help with fisheries 60 conservation in South Carolina

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 365

Q219-Q222. Percent who gave an excellent or good rating for the Marine Resources Division's … (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

Q219. Efforts to 78 provide saltwater fishing opportunities 78

Q221. Management 74 of the saltwater fisheries resources in South Carolina 81

Coastal resident Non-coastal resident

Q220. Efforts to inform the public 68 about saltwater fishing laws and 70 regulations

Q222. Efforts to inform the public about fisheries conservation and 61 ways that the public can help with 59 fisheries conservation in South Carolina

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

366 Responsive Management

Q219-Q222. Percent who gave a fair or poor rating for the Marine Resources Division's … (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

Q222. Efforts to inform the public about fisheries 32 conservation and ways that the public 18 can help with fisheries 29 conservation in South Carolina

Q220. Efforts to 26 inform the public about saltwater 17 fishing laws and regulations 24 Resident Non-Resident Total 15 Q221. Management of the saltwater 14 fisheries resources in South Carolina 15

14 Q219. Efforts to provide saltwater 13 fishing opportunities 14

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 367

Q219-Q222. Percent who gave a fair or poor rating for the Marine Resources Division's … (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

Q222. Efforts to inform the public about fisheries 31 conservation and ways that the public can help with 34 fisheries conservation in South Carolina

Q220. Efforts to inform the public 26 about saltwater fishing laws and 23 regulations

Coastal resident Non-coastal resident

Q221. Management 16 of the saltwater fisheries resources in South Carolina 12

Q219. Efforts to 15 provide saltwater fishing opportunities 14

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

368 Responsive Management

Q219-Q222. Percent who gave a poor rating for the Marine Resources Division's … (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

Q222. Efforts to inform the public about fisheries 9 conservation and ways that the public 5 can help with fisheries 8 conservation in South Carolina

Q220. Efforts to 6 inform the public about saltwater 7 fishing laws and regulations 6 Resident Non-Resident Total 3 Q221. Management of the saltwater 2 fisheries resources in South Carolina 2

1 Q219. Efforts to provide saltwater 1 fishing opportunities 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 369

Q219-Q222. Percent who gave a poor rating for the Marine Resources Division's … (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

Q222. Efforts to inform the public about fisheries 7 conservation and ways that the public can help with 15 fisheries conservation in South Carolina

Q220. Efforts to inform the public 6 about saltwater fishing laws and 6 regulations

Coastal resident Non-coastal resident

Q221. Management 3 of the saltwater fisheries resources in South Carolina 2

Q219. Efforts to 1 provide saltwater fishing opportunities 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

370 Responsive Management

Q219. In general, how would you rate the Marine Resources Division's efforts to provide saltwater fishing opportunities? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

28 Excellent 21 27

51 Good 46 50

Resident (n=548) 14 Non-resident (n=97) Fair 12 Total (n=645) 14

1 Poor 1 1

7 Don't know 20 9

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 371

28 Excellent 25

50 Good 53

Coastal resident (n=398) 14 Fair Non-coastal resident (n=150) 13

1 Poor 1

7 Don't know 8

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

372 Responsive Management

Q220. How would you rate the Marine Resources Division's efforts to inform the public about saltwater fishing laws and regulations? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

18 Excellent 14 17

51 Good 53 51

Resident (n=529) 19 Non-resident (n=107) Fair 10 Total (n=636) 18

6 Poor 7 6

6 Don't know 16 7

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 373

18 Excellent 18

50 Good 53

Coastal resident (n=392) 20 Fair Non-coastal resident (n=137) 18

6 Poor 6

5 Don't know 7

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

374 Responsive Management

Q221. How would you rate the Marine Resources Division's management of the saltwater fisheries resources in South Carolina? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

25 Excellent 26 25

50 Good 41 49

Resident (n=528) 12 Non-resident (n=116) Fair 12 Total (n=644) 12

3 Poor 2 2

10 Don't know 19 11

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 375

24 Excellent 28

49 Good 53

Coastal resident (n=391) 13 Fair Non-coastal resident (n=137) 9

3 Poor 2

10 Don't know 7

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

376 Responsive Management

Q222. How would you rate the Marine Resources Division's efforts to inform the public about fisheries conservation and ways that the public can help with fisheries conservation in South Carolina? (Asked of those who have saltwater fished for finfish in SC in the past 2 years.)

20 Excellent 21 20

41 Good 38 40

Resident (n=547) 22 Non-resident (n=106) Fair 13 Total (n=653) 21

9 Poor 5 8

8 Don't know 24 10

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 377

20 Excellent 18

41 Good 41

Coastal resident (n=397)

24 Non-coastal resident (n=150) Fair 19

7 Poor 15

8 Don't know 7

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

378 Responsive Management

RATINGS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF DIVISION PROGRAMS Ø Active saltwater anglers were asked to rate the importance of 17 different program areas for the Marine Resources Division. The program areas were rated on a scale of 0 to 10 where 0 is not at all important and 10 is extremely important (with 5 as the midpoint). It is important to note that the scale starts at 0, not 1.

Ø Overall, ratings were fairly high for most program areas. · Most commonly, active saltwater anglers rated the importance of each of the 17 programs areas as a 10. · Improving water quality was the only program area that had a mean rating of importance of 9.0 or higher among active saltwater anglers. Improving water quality was the top- rated program area for importance among residents and non-residents. · 10 of the 17 program areas had a mean rating of importance of 8.0 or higher. In addition to improving water quality, the 9 programs with a mean rating above 8.0 were enforcing saltwater fishing laws and regulations (8.7), teaching fishing skills to kids (8.6), providing public access areas for fishing (8.5), conducting fisheries-related research (8.4), maintaining fish hatcheries for saltwater fish (8.4), providing marine artificial reefs (8.3), acquiring more land and marsh areas for conserving marine resources (8.1), maintaining state shellfish grounds (8.1), and maintaining public shellfish grounds (8.0). · Among active saltwater anglers, residents were more likely than were non-residents to rate the importance of the following programs as a 10: stocking fish in the saltwaters of South Carolina, maintaining public shellfish grounds, maintaining state shellfish grounds, the oyster shell recycling program, and improving water quality. · Although there was some variation of mean ratings of importance between active resident and non-resident saltwater anglers, the mean ratings of importance varied more than 0.5 points between residents and non-residents for only three program areas: maintaining state shellfish grounds (8.2 mean rating for residents compared to 7.3 for non-residents), the oyster shell recycling program (7.5 for residents compared to 6.5 for non-residents), and teaching fishing skills to adults (6.9 for residents compared to 6.0 for non-residents). · The mean ratings of importance did not vary more than 0.5 points for each area between active coastal and non-coastal resident saltwater anglers. South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 379

Q225-Q241. Mean ratings of importance of programs for the Marine Resources Division. (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

Q240. Improving water quality 9.0

Q226. Enforcing saltwater fishing laws and 8.7 regulations

Q237. Teaching fishing skills to kids 8.6

Q229. Providing public access areas for fishing 8.5

Q233. Conducting fisheries-related research 8.4

Q230. Maintaining fish hatcheries for saltwater 8.4 fish

Q241. Providing marine artificial reefs 8.3

Q235. Acquiring more land and marsh areas for 8.1 conserving marine resources

Q232. Maintaining state shellfish grounds 8.1 Total Q231. Maintaining public shellfish grounds 8.0

Q225. Providing opportunities for catching lots of 7.6 saltwater fish Q227. Stocking fish in the saltwaters of South 7.5 Carolina Q234. Acquiring more public areas to increase 7.4 opportunities to fish and shellfish

Q236. The finfish tagging program 7.4

Q239. The oyster shell recycling program 7.4

Q228. Providing opportunities for catching native 7.3 or wild fish

Q238. Teaching fishing skills to adults 6.7

0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 Mean

380 Responsive Management

Q225-Q241. Mean ratings of importance of programs for the Marine Resources Division. (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important) (Residents.)

Q240. Improving water quality 9.1

Q226. Enforcing saltwater fishing laws and 8.7 regulations

Q237. Teaching fishing skills to kids 8.6

Q229. Providing public access areas for fishing 8.5

Q230. Maintaining fish hatcheries for saltwater 8.5 fish

Q233. Conducting fisheries-related research 8.4

Q241. Providing marine artificial reefs 8.3

Q232. Maintaining state shellfish grounds 8.2

Q235. Acquiring more land and marsh areas for 8.1 conserving marine resources Resident Q231. Maintaining public shellfish grounds 8.0

Q225. Providing opportunities for catching lots of 7.6 saltwater fish Q227. Stocking fish in the saltwaters of South 7.5 Carolina

Q239. The oyster shell recycling program 7.5

Q234. Acquiring more public areas to increase 7.4 opportunities to fish and shellfish

Q236. The finfish tagging program 7.3

Q228. Providing opportunities for catching native 7.3 or wild fish

Q238. Teaching fishing skills to adults 6.9

0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 Mean

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 381

Q225-Q241. Mean ratings of importance of programs for the Marine Resources Division. (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important) (Non-residents.)

Q240. Improving water quality 8.7

Q226. Enforcing saltwater fishing laws and 8.6 regulations Q235. Acquiring more land and marsh areas 8.5 for conserving marine resources

Q233. Conducting fisheries-related research 8.4

Q237. Teaching fishing skills to kids 8.4

Q230. Maintaining fish hatcheries for saltwater 8.2 fish

Q229. Providing public access areas for fishing 8.1

Q241. Providing marine artificial reefs 8.1

Q225. Providing opportunities for catching lots 7.9 of saltwater fish Non-resident Q234. Acquiring more public areas to increase 7.9 opportunities to fish and shellfish

Q236. The finfish tagging program 7.8

Q231. Maintaining public shellfish grounds 7.5

Q227. Stocking fish in the saltwaters of South 7.3 Carolina

Q232. Maintaining state shellfish grounds 7.3

Q228. Providing opportunities for catching 7.2 native or wild fish

Q239. The oyster shell recycling program 6.5

Q238. Teaching fishing skills to adults 6.0

0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 Mean

382 Responsive Management

Q225-Q241. Mean ratings of importance of programs for the Marine Resources Division. (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important) (Coastal Residents.)

Q240. Improving water quality 9.1 Q226. Enforcing saltwater fishing laws 8.7 and regulations Q237. Teaching fishing skills to kids 8.7 Q229. Providing public access areas for 8.5 fishing Q230. Maintaining fish hatcheries for 8.4 saltwater fish Q233. Conducting fisheries-related 8.4 research Q241. Providing marine artificial reefs 8.3

Q232. Maintaining state shellfish grounds 8.3 Q235. Acquiring more land and marsh 8.2 areas for conserving marine resources Q231. Maintaining public shellfish 8.2 grounds Q239. The oyster shell recycling program 7.6 Q227. Stocking fish in the saltwaters of Coastal 7.6 South Carolina resident Q225. Providing opportunities for 7.6 catching lots of saltwater fish Q234. Acquiring more public areas to 7.5 increase opportunities to fish and Q236. The finfish tagging program 7.3 Q228. Providing opportunities for 7.3 catching native or wild fish Q238. Teaching fishing skills to adults 7.0

0 2 4 6 8 10 Mean

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 383

Q225-Q241. Mean ratings of importance of programs for the Marine Resources Division. (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important) (Non-coastal Residents.)

Q240. Improving water quality 9.1 Q226. Enforcing saltwater fishing laws 8.8 and regulations Q233. Conducting fisheries-related 8.5 research Q229. Providing public access areas for 8.5 fishing Q230. Maintaining fish hatcheries for 8.5 saltwater fish Q237. Teaching fishing skills to kids 8.3

Q241. Providing marine artificial reefs 8.3 Q232. Maintaining state shellfish 7.9 grounds Q235. Acquiring more land and marsh 7.9 areas for conserving marine resources Q231. Maintaining public shellfish 7.8 grounds Q225. Providing opportunities for 7.6 catching lots of saltwater fish Q228. Providing opportunities for 7.4 catching native or wild fish Q227. Stocking fish in the saltwaters of 7.3 South Carolina Q236. The finfish tagging program 7.2 Non- coastal Q239. The oyster shell recycling 7.2 resident program Q234. Acquiring more public areas to 7.1 increase opportunities to fish and Q238. Teaching fishing skills to adults 6.6

0 2 4 6 8 10 Mean

384 Responsive Management

Q225. What about providing opportunities for catching lots of saltwater fish? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

2 0 0 2 1 1 1 Resident Mean Rating = 7.6 1 Non-resident Mean Rating = 7.9 1 Total Mean Rating = 7.6 2 0 1 2 3 5 3 1 4 0 1 Resident (n=403) 15 Non-resident (n=75) 5 17 16 Total (n=478) 6 6 1 5 12 7 11 12 19 8 16 18 5 9 7 5 34 10 41 36

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 385

2 0 1

1 1 1 Coastal Resident Mean Rating = 7.6 Non-coastal Resident Mean Rating = 7.6 1 2 1

2 3 4

1 4 2 Coastal resident (n=303) 15 5 16 Non-coastal resident (n=100)

7 6 4

13 7 11

19 8 19

5 9 6

34 10 35

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

386 Responsive Management

Q226. What about enforcing saltwater fishing laws and regulations? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

0 0 1 1 0 1 0 Resident Mean Rating = 8.7 0 Non-resident Mean Rating = 8.6 0 Total Mean Rating = 8.7 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 4 0 0 Resident (n=406) 6 5 11 Non-resident (n=79) 7 Total (n=485) 3 6 6 4 6 7 4 6 20 8 15 19 7 9 8 7 55 10 54 55

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 387

Q226. What about enforcing saltwater fishing laws and regulations? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

0 0 1

1 1 Coastal Resident Mean Rating = 8.7 0 Non-coastal Resident Mean Rating = 8.8 0 2 0

1 3 0

0 4 0

7 Coastal resident (n=311) 5 4 Non-coastal resident (n=95)

3 6 5

7 7 4

19 8 22

7 9 8

55 10 55

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

388 Responsive Management

Q227. What about stocking fish in the saltwaters of South Carolina? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

2 0 2 2 1 1 3 1 Resident Mean Rating = 7.5 Non-resident Mean Rating = 7.3 2 2 3 Total Mean Rating = 7.5 2 3 3 3 3 2 4 2 2 Resident (n=383) 16 5 14 Non-resident (n=66) 16 Total (n=449) 6 6 5 6 10 7 11 10 15 8 20 16 5 9 11 6 38 10 29 36

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 389

Q227. What about stocking fish in the saltwaters of South Carolina? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

2 0 3

1 1 1 Coastal Resident Mean Rating = 7.6 Non-coastal Resident Mean Rating = 7.3 1 2 3

2 3 3

3 4 1

15 Coastal resident (n=291) 5 17 Non-coastal resident (n=92)

5 6 10

12 7 7

16 8 11

6 9 3

37 10 40

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

390 Responsive Management

Q228. What about providing opportunities for catching native or wild fish? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

3 0 2 2 1 1 2 1 Resident Mean Rating = 7.3 1 Non-resident Mean Rating = 7.2 2 2 1 Total Mean Rating = 7.3 2 3 2 2 2 4 5 2 Resident (n=398) 20 Non-resident (n=62) 5 16 19 Total (n=460) 7 6 10 7 11 7 6 10 23 8 24 23 5 9 6 5 27 10 26 27

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 391

3 0 1

1 1 0 Coastal Resident Mean Rating = 7.3 Non-coastal Resident Mean Rating = 7.4 1 2 1

2 3 1

1 4 3

19 Coastal resident (n=301) 5 22 Non-coastal resident (n=97)

7 6 7

11 7 10

23 8 22

5 9 6

27 10 27

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

392 Responsive Management

Q229. What about providing public access areas for fishing? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

0 0 1 0 0 1 1 Resident Mean Rating = 8.5 1 Non-resident Mean Rating = 8.1 1 2 0 Total Mean Rating = 8.5 1 1 3 1 1 0 4 1 0 Resident (n=409) 8 5 10 Non-resident (n=71) 8 Total (n=480) 3 6 3 3 9 7 8 9 20 8 25 21 8 9 6 8 49 10 42 48

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 393

Q229. What about providing public access areas for fishing? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

0 0 0

1 1 0 Coastal Resident Mean Rating = 8.5 1 Non-coastal Resident Mean Rating = 8.5 2 2

1 3 2

0 4 0 Coastal resident (n=302) 9 5 7 Non-coastal resident (n=107)

3 6 4

9 7 11

22 8 16

9 9 6

47 10 53

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

394 Responsive Management

Q230. What about maintaining fish hatcheries for saltwater fish? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

0 0 3 1 0 1 0 0 Resident Mean Rating = 8.5 Non-resident Mean Rating = 8.2 1 2 2 Total Mean Rating = 8.4 1 1 3 0 0 1 4 2 1 Resident (n=390) 9 5 6 Non-resident (n=66) 9 Total (n=456) 4 6 2 4 11 7 11 11 17 8 26 18 7 9 5 7 49 10 45 49

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 395

Q230. What about maintaining fish hatcheries for saltwater fish? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

0 0 0

0 1 1 Coastal Resident Mean Rating = 8.4 Non-coastal Resident Mean Rating = 8.5 1 2 0

1 3 0

1 4 0 Coastal resident (n=284) 9 Non-coastal resident (n=106) 5 9

4 6 6

11 7 9

18 8 16

6 9 9

49 10 49

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

396 Responsive Management

Q231. What about maintaining public shellfish grounds? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

1 0 2 1 1 1 0 Resident Mean Rating = 8.0 1 Non-resident Mean Rating = 7.5 2 2 2 Total Mean Rating = 8.0 2 1 3 2 1 1 4 2 1 Resident (n=397) 12 5 14 Non-resident (n=65) 12 Total (n=462) 3 6 8 4 12 7 12 12 18 8 29 19 6 9 6 6 44 10 25 41

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 397

Q231. What about maintaining public shellfish grounds? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

1 0 1

1 1 1 Coastal Resident Mean Rating = 8.2 1 Non-coastal Resident Mean Rating = 7.8 2 2

0 3 3

2 4 0 Coastal resident (n=286) 10 5 17 Non-coastal resident (n=111)

3 6 4

13 7 9

17 8 19

5 9 7

46 10 38

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

398 Responsive Management

Q232. What about maintaining state shellfish grounds? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

1 0 5 2 1 1 0 0 Resident Mean Rating = 8.2 Non-resident Mean Rating = 7.3 2 2 2 Total Mean Rating = 8.1 2 1 3 2 1 2 4 0 1 Resident (n=392) 9 5 11 Non-resident (n=65) 9 Total (n=457) 5 6 9 5 10 7 18 11 20 8 22 20 6 9 8 6 45 10 25 42

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 399

Q232. What about maintaining state shellfish grounds? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

1 0 1

0 1 1 Coastal Resident Mean Rating = 8.3 2 Non-coastal Resident Mean Rating = 7.9 2 1

0 3 2

1 4 2 Coastal resident (n=288) 7 5 13 Non-coastal resident (n=104)

5 6 4

10 7 12

21 8 16

6 9 8

46 10 40

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

400 Responsive Management

Q233. What about conducting fisheries-related research? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

0 0 0 0

0 Resident Mean Rating = 8.4 1 0 0 Non-resident Mean Rating = 8.4 Total Mean Rating = 8.4 0 3 4 1

1 4 0 1

8 5 3 7 Resident (n=407) Non-resident (n=74) 4 6 7 Total (n=481) 4

10 7 9 10

24 8 28 25

6 9 4 6

45 10 45 45

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 401

Q233. What about conducting fisheries-related research? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

0 0 1

0 1 Coastal Resident Mean Rating = 8.4 0 Non-coastal Resident Mean Rating = 8.5 1 3 0

1 4 3

9 5 5 Coastal resident (n=293) Non-coastal resident (n=114) 4 6 3

10 7 11

24 8 25

7 9 4

44 10 49

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

402 Responsive Management

Q234. What about acquiring more public areas to increase opportunities to fish and shellfish? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

4 0 0 3 1 1 1 Resident Mean Rating = 7.4 1 Non-resident Mean Rating = 7.9 2 2 1 Total Mean Rating = 7.4 2 3 3 0 2 3 4 3 3 Resident (n=394) 13 Non-resident (n=69) 5 14 13 Total (n=463) 7 6 6 7 9 7 9 9 18 8 19 18 8 9 12 9 33 10 35 33

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 403

3 0 5

1 2 0 Coastal Resident Mean Rating = 7.5 Non-coastal Resident Mean Rating = 7.1 1 2 5

3 3 2

2 4 5 Coastal resident (n=283) 12 Non-coastal resident (n=111) 5 14

6 7 7

10 7 6

18 8 16

7 9 10

35 10 30

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

404 Responsive Management

Q235. What about acquiring more land and marsh areas for conserving marine resources? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

3 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 Resident Mean Rating = 8.1 1 Non-resident Mean Rating = 8.5 2 1 1 Total Mean Rating = 8.1 1 3 1 1 2 4 0 2 Resident (n=374) 9 Non-resident (n=68) 5 10 10 Total (n=442) 4 6 3 4 10 7 9 10 17 8 16 17 6 9 10 7 46 10 49 47

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 405

3 0 4

1 0 0 Coastal Resident Mean Rating = 8.2 0 Non-coastal Resident Mean Rating = 7.9 2 1

1 3 1

4 1 4 Coastal resident (n=278) 9 5 9 Non-coastal resident (n=96)

3 6 6

12 7 4

16 8 20

6 9 6

47 10 44

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

406 Responsive Management

Q236. What about the finfish tagging program? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

1 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 Resident Mean Rating = 7.3 Non-resident Mean Rating = 7.8 2 2 4 Total Mean Rating = 7.4 2 2 3 0 2 3 4 0 2 Resident (n=341) 18 5 16 Non-resident (n=56) 17 Total (n=397) 6 6 9 7 14 7 13 14 23 8 16 22 3 9 4 3 28 10 39 29

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 407

Q236. What about the finfish tagging program? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

1 0 2

1 1 1 Coastal Resident Mean Rating = 7.3 2 Non-coastal Resident Mean Rating = 7.2 2 2

2 3 1

3 4 2

18 Coastal resident (n=252) 5 17 Non-coastal resident (n=89)

6 6 7

13 7 16

22 8 25

4 9 1

29 10 26

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

408 Responsive Management

Q237. What about teaching fishing skills to kids? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

1 0 3 1 1 1 2 1 Resident Mean Rating = 8.6 0 Non-resident Mean Rating = 8.4 2 2 Total Mean Rating = 8.6 0 1 3 0 1 1 4 0 1 Resident (n=356) 8 5 9 Non-resident (n=66) 8 Total (n=422) 4 6 5 4 7 7 8 7 15 8 9 14 7 9 3 6 56 10 61 57

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 409

Q237. What about teaching fishing skills to kids? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

1 0 1

0 1 2 Coastal Resident Mean Rating = 8.7 0 Non-coastal Resident Mean Rating = 8.3 2 0

1 3 1

0 4 2

7 Coastal resident (n=260) 5 9 Non-coastal resident (n=96)

4 6 3

8 7 6

15 8 16

6 9 8

58 10 51

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

410 Responsive Management

Q238. What about teaching fishing skills to adults? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

4 0 10 5 1 1 6 Resident Mean Rating = 6.9 2 Non-resident Mean Rating = 6.0 5 Total Mean Rating = 6.7 2 6 5 3 3 3 3 5 4 3 4 Resident (n=352) 18 5 19 Non-resident (n=72) 18 Total (n=424) 6 6 4 5 10 7 11 10 14 8 13 14 4 9 3 4 31 10 24 29

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 411

Q238. What about teaching fishing skills to adults? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

3 0 6

2 1 1 Coastal Resident Mean Rating = 7.0 5 Non-coastal Resident Mean Rating = 6.6 2 4

2 3 5

5 4 5

19 Coastal resident (n=258) 5 15 Non-coastal resident (n=94)

5 6 9

10 7 10

15 8 13

4 9 3

31 10 29

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

412 Responsive Management

Q239. What about the oyster shell recycling program? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

2 0 5 3

2 2 7 Resident Mean Rating = 7.5 3 Non-resident Mean Rating = 6.5 3 Total Mean Rating = 7.4 3 2 3

2 4 5 3

14 5 20 15 Resident (n=336) Non-resident (n=59) 6 6 2 Total (n=395) 5

10 7 20 12

21 8 17 20

7 9 3 7

32 10 19 30

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 413

Q239. What about the oyster shell recycling program? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

3 0 1

2 2 4 Coastal Resident Mean Rating = 7.6 2 Non-coastal Resident Mean Rating = 7.2 3 4

2 4 3

14 5 16 Coastal resident (n=247) Non-coastal resident (n=89) 6 6 6

9 7 13

22 8 18

8 9 7

34 10 27

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

414 Responsive Management

Q240. What about improving water quality? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

1 0 0 1

0 1 1 Resident Mean Rating = 9.1 0 Non-resident Mean Rating = 8.7 0 Total Mean Rating = 9.0 3 0 0

4 5 4 4

2 Resident (n=390) 6 4 Non-resident (n=71) 2 Total (n=461) 4 7 7 5

16 8 21 17

8 9 11 9

64 10 51 62

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 415

Q240. What about improving water quality? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

1 0 1

0 1 0 Coastal Resident Mean Rating = 9.1 Non-coastal Resident Mean Rating = 9.1 0 3 0

4 5 5

Coastal resident (n=282) 1 6 4 Non-coastal resident (n=108)

5 7 2

16 8 15

9 9 7

63 10 67

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

416 Responsive Management

Q241. What about providing marine artificial reefs? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

1 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 Resident Mean Rating = 8.3 1 Non-resident Mean Rating = 8.1 2 1 1 Total Mean Rating = 8.3 1 3 1 1 1 4 2 1 Resident (n=1227) 8 5 10 Non-resident (n=215) 9 Total (n=1442) 5 6 7 5 9 7 11 9 20 8 14 20 9 9 5 8 44 10 47 45

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 417

Q241. What about providing marine artificial reefs? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important)

1 0 1

0 1 0 Coastal Resident Mean Rating = 8.3 Non-coastal Resident Mean Rating = 8.3 1 2 1

1 3 0

1 4 1 Coastal resident (n=903) 9 5 8 Non-coastal resident (n=324)

5 6 5

10 7 8

19 8 25

9 9 8

44 10 44

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

418 Responsive Management

CONTACT WITH THE MARINE RESOURCES DIVISION Ø About half (51%) of all respondents (active and lapsed anglers) have contacted the SCDNR for information or assistance. Please see the section entitled, “Contact with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources,” for a discussion and graphs regarding contact with the SCDNR.

Ø Slightly more than half (52%) of respondents who have contacted the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources have contacted the Marine Resources Division. · Of those who have contacted the SCDNR, non-residents were less likely than were residents to have contacted the Marine Resources Division (36% of non-residents compared to 53% of residents). · Among residents who have contacted the SCDNR, non-coastal residents were slightly more likely than were coastal residents to have contacted the Marine Resources Division (58% of non-coastal residents compared to 52% of coastal residents).

Ø The majority (66%) of respondents who have contacted the Marine Resources Division have done so by telephone. About a third (31%) have contacted the Division in-person, and 18% have contacted the Division by e-mail or the Internet. · A substantial percentage (25%) of non-residents who have contacted the Division did so by mail. · There was little variation of methods of contact between coastal and non-coastal residents who have contacted the Division.

Ø Most commonly, those who have contacted the Marine Resources Division were seeking information about saltwater recreational fishing regulations (37% of respondents gave this response), followed by information about a saltwater recreational fishing license or the license application (19%) and assistance with or information on boat registration (18%). · Please note the low number of non-residents who have contacted the Marine Resources Division. · Among residents who have contacted the Division, non-coastal residents were more likely than were coastal residents to have sought information about places to saltwater South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 419

fish (18% of non-coastal residents compared to 5% of coastal residents) and information about the saltwater recreational fishing season (16% compared to 5%).

Ø The large majority (81%) of those who have contacted the Marine Resources Division were very satisfied with the contact. · There was little variation of levels of satisfaction with the contact with the Division between residents and non-residents who have contacted the Division. · There was little variation of levels of satisfaction with the contact with the Division between coastal and non-coastal residents who have contacted the Division.

Ø Respondents’ likelihood of contacting the Marine Resources Division of the SCDNR in the future was distributed among all three categories: very likely (26%), somewhat likely (36%), and not at all likely (32%). Overall, a majority (62%) are likely to contact the Marine Resources Division of the SCDNR. · A slight majority (56%) of non-residents indicated that they are not at all likely to contact the Division in the future, which is a much higher percentage than residents (28%) who indicated that they are not at all likely to contact the Division in the future. · There was little variation of likelihood to contact the Division in the future between coastal and non-coastal residents.

420 Responsive Management

Q258. Have you ever contacted the Marine Resources Division for information or assistance? (Asked of those who have contacted the SCDNR.)

Yes 36

42 Resident (n=230) No 64 Non-resident (n=22) Total (n=252) 44

Don't know 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 421

Q258. Have you ever contacted the Marine Resources Division for information or assistance? (Asked of those who have contacted the SCDNR.)

52 Yes 58

43 Coastal resident (n=165) No Non-coastal resident (n=65) 38

5 Don't know 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

422 Responsive Management

Q260. How did you contact the Marine Resources Division? (Asked of those who have contacted the Marine Resources Division.)

67 Telephone 63 66

32 In person 25 31

18 E-mail or Internet 25 18 Resident (n=123) Non-resident (n=8) 7 Total (n=131) Mail 25 8 Multiple Responses Allowed

3 Contact with MRD employee at a 0 meeting, show, or presentation 3

1 Other 0 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 423

Q260. How did you contact the Marine Resources Division? (Asked of those who have contacted the Marine Resources Division.)

67 Telephone 66

33 In person 29

16 E-mail or Internet 21 Coastal resident (n=85) Non-coastal resident (n=38) 9 Mail 0 Multiple Responses Allowed

Contact with MRD employee at a 4 meeting, show, or presentation 3

1 Other 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

424 Responsive Management

Q263. What type of assistance or information were you seeking from the Marine Resources Division? (Asked of those who have contacted the Marine Resources Division.)

Information about saltwater recreational 37 50 fishing regulations 37

18 Information about a saltwater recreational 38 fishing license / license application 19

19 Boat registration 13 18

17 Other 0 16 9 Information about places to saltwater fish 0 8 Resident (n=123) Information about the saltwater recreational 8 0 Non-resident (n=8) fishing season 8 Total (n=131) 5 Information about conserving fish and 25 wildlife and/or habitat 6

5 Multiple Responses Allowed Reporting a fishing violation 0 5

5 Don't know 0 5

Educational information / information about 3 the biology or life history of certain 13 resources 4

Information on shrimping / shrimping 4 0 regulations 4

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 425

Q263. What type of assistance or information were you seeking from the Marine Resources Division? (Asked of those who have contacted the Marine Resources Division.)

Information about saltwater recreational 33 fishing regulations 45

Information about a saltwater recreational 19 fishing license / license application 16

24 Boat registration 8

19 Other 13

5 Information about places to saltwater fish 18

Information about the saltwater recreational 5 Coastal resident (n=85) fishing season 16 Non-coastal resident (n=38)

Information about conserving fish and 6 wildlife and/or habitat 3

Multiple Responses Allowed 7 Reporting a fishing violation 0

5 Don't know 5

Educational information / information about 4 the biology or life history of certain 3 resources

Information on shrimping / shrimping 5 regulations 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

426 Responsive Management

Q265. Overall, would you say you were satisfied or dissatisfied with the contact with the Marine Resources Division? (Asked of those who have contacted the Marine Resources Division.)

Very satisfied 88

15 Somewhat 13 satisfied 15 Resident (n=123) Non-resident (n=8) Total (n=131) 4 Somewhat 0 dissatisfied 4

Very dissatisfied 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 427

Q265. Overall, would you say you were satisfied or dissatisfied with the contact with the Marine Resources Division? (Asked of those who have contacted the Marine Resources Division.)

80 Very satisfied 82

15 Somewhat satisfied 13

Coastal resident (n=85) Non-coastal resident (n=38)

5 Somewhat dissatisfied 3

0 Very dissatisfied 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

428 Responsive Management

Q266. How likely are you to contact the Marine Resources Division of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources in the future?

Very likely 20

Somewhat likely 21

36 Resident (n=411) Non-resident (n=81) Total (n=492) 28

Not at all likely 56

Don't know 4

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 429

Q266. How likely are you to contact the Marine Resources Division of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources in the future?

27 Very likely 28

38 Somewhat likely 43 Coastal resident (n=306) Non-coastal resident (n=105)

27 Not at all likely 29

8 Don't know 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

430 Responsive Management

CONTACT WITH THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Ø Nearly half (48%) of all respondents have had their saltwater recreational fisheries license checked by an SCDNR law enforcement officer while saltwater fishing in South Carolina while approximately half (51%) have not had their licenses checked by an SCNR law enforcement officer. · There was little variation between residents and non-residents. · Non-coastal residents were slightly less likely than were coastal residents to have had their saltwater recreational fisheries license checked while saltwater fishing in South Carolina (40% of non-coastal residents compared to 50% of coastal residents).

Ø The majority (69%) of respondents have not had any personal contact with a SCDNR law enforcement officer other than having their saltwater recreational fisheries license checked within in the past 5 years while saltwater fishing; however, a substantial percentage (31%) have had personal contact with a SCDNR law enforcement officer. · Residents were more likely than were non-residents to have had personal contact with a SCDNR law enforcement officer other than having their saltwater recreational fisheries license checked within in the past 5 years while saltwater fishing (33% of residents compared to 18% of non-residents). · Coastal residents were slightly more likely than were non-coastal residents to have had personal contact with a SCDNR law enforcement officer other than having their saltwater recreational fisheries license checked within in the past 5 years while saltwater fishing (35% of coastal residents compared to 28% of non-coastal residents).

Ø The majority (79%) of respondents who have had personal contact with a SCDNR law enforcement officer strongly agreed that the officers they came in contact with were courteous. · Of those who have had personal contact with a SCDNR law enforcement officer, residents were slightly more likely than were non-residents to strongly agree that the officers they came in contact with were courteous (80% of residents compared to 71% of non-residents). South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 431

· There was little variation of levels of agreement between coastal and non-coastal residents who have had personal contact with a SCDNR law enforcement officer.

Ø The majority (79%) of respondents who have had personal contact with a SCDNR law enforcement officer strongly agreed that the officers they came in contact with were knowledgeable. · Of those who have had personal contact with a SCDNR law enforcement officer, residents were more likely than were non-residents to strongly agree that the officers they came in contact with were knowledgeable (81% of residents compared to 64% of non-residents). · There was little variation of levels of agreement between coastal and non-coastal residents who have had personal contact with a SCDNR law enforcement officer.

Ø About half (51%) of all respondents have contacted the SCDNR for information or assistance. · Residents were about twice as likely as non-residents to have contacted the SCDNR for information or assistance (56% of residents compared to 27% of non-residents). · There was little variation of contact with the SCDNR between coastal and non-coastal residents.

432 Responsive Management

Q244. Has your saltwater recreational fisheries license been checked by a South Carolina Department of Natural Resources law enforcement officer while you were saltwater fishing in South Carolina?

Yes 51

52 Resident (n=439) Non-resident (n=80) No 49 Total (n=519)

Don't know 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 433

Q244. Has your saltwater recreational fisheries license been checked by a South Carolina Department of Natural Resources law enforcement officer while you were saltwater fishing in South Carolina?

50 Yes 40

49 Coastal resident (n=319) No Non-coastal resident (n=120) 60

1 Don't know 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

434 Responsive Management

Q245. Within the past 5 years, have you had any other personal contact with a South Carolina Department of Natural Resources law enforcement officer while saltwater fishing?

Yes 18

66 Resident (n=439) No 83 Non-resident (n=80) Total (n=519) 69

Don't know 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 435

Q245. Within the past 5 years, have you had any other personal contact with a South Carolina Department of Natural Resources law enforcement officer while saltwater fishing?

35 Yes 28

64 No 72

Coastal resident (n=319) Non-coastal resident (n=120) 1 Don't know 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

436 Responsive Management

Q246. Would you agree or disagree that the SCDNR law enforcement officers you came in contact with in South Carolina were courteous? (Asked of those who have had personal contact with a SCDNR law enforcement officer.)

80 Strongly agree 71 79

15 Moderately agree 21 16

Resident (n=145) 1 Neither agree nor Non-resident (n=14) 0 disagree Total (n=159) 1

0 Moderately 0 disagree 0

4 Strongly disagree 7 4

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 437

79 Strongly agree 82

Moderately 15 agree 15

Coastal resident (n=112) Neither agree 1 Non-coastal resident (n=33) nor disagree 0

Moderately 0 disagree 0

Strongly 4 disagree 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

438 Responsive Management

Q247. Would you agree or disagree that the SCDNR law enforcement officers you came in contact with in South Carolina were knowledgeable? (Asked of those who have had personal contact with a SCDNR law enforcement officer.)

81 Strongly agree 64 79

15 Moderately 29 agree 16

Resident (n=145) 1 Non-resident (n=14) Neither agree 0 Total (n=159) nor disagree 1

1 Moderately 0 disagree 1

2 Strongly 7 disagree 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 439

81 Strongly agree 79

Moderately 16 agree 12

Coastal resident (n=112) Neither agree 0 Non-coastal resident (n=33) nor disagree 6

Moderately 1 disagree 0

Strongly 2 disagree 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

440 Responsive Management

Q257. Have you ever contacted the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources for information or assistance?

Yes 27

42 Resident (n=411) No 73 Non-resident (n=81) Total (n=492) 47

Don't know 0

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 441

Q257. Have you ever contacted the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources for information or assistance?

54 Yes 62

44 Coastal resident (n=306) No Non-coastal resident (n=105) 36

2 Don't know 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

442 Responsive Management

SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON SALTWATER FISHING Ø Most commonly, respondents receive information about current saltwater fishing regulations in South Carolina from the SCDNR Rules and Regulations handbook or brochure (45% named this source). Other common sources of information are family or friends (21%), personal experience (17%), and the Internet (11%). · Residents were much more likely than were non-residents to receive information about current saltwater fishing regulations in South Carolina from the SCDNR Rules and Regulations handbook or brochure (48% of residents compared to 25% of non-residents). · Non-residents were more likely than were residents to receive information about current saltwater fishing regulations in South Carolina from family or friends (29% of non-residents compared to 20% of residents), personal experience (21% compared to 16%), and the Internet (18% compared to 10%). · There was little variation of the sources of information about current saltwater fishing regulations in South Carolina between coastal and non-coastal residents.

Ø Of those who obtain information about saltwater fishing or saltwater fishing regulations on the Internet, a majority (79%) obtain information from the SCDNR Web site, with most of those obtaining the information from the SCDNR Web site only. Substantial percentages obtain the information from another Web site (17% gave this response) or from both the SCDNR Web site and another Web site (20%). · Of those who obtain information about saltwater fishing or saltwater fishing regulations on the Internet, residents are more likely than are non-residents to obtain the information from another Web site (19% of residents compared to 6% of non-residents). · Among residents who obtain information about saltwater fishing or saltwater fishing regulations on the Internet, coastal residents are more likely than are non-coastal residents to obtain the information from another Web site (24% of coastal residents compared to 12% of non-coastal residents).

· 100% of non-residents who obtain information about saltwater fishing or saltwater fishing regulations from the SCDNR Web site have never used the shellfish maps found on the SCDNR’s Web site. · Among residents who obtain information about saltwater fishing or saltwater fishing regulations from the SCDNR Web site, non-coastal residents were more likely than were coastal residents to have used the shellfish maps found on the SCDNR’s Web site (18% of non-coastal residents compared to 5% of coastal residents).

Ø A large percentage (44%) of respondents who obtain information about saltwater fishing or saltwater fishing regulations from the SCDNR Web site have used the artificial reefs map and location information found on the SCDNR’s Web site; however, the slight majority (56%) have not. · Of those who obtain information about saltwater fishing or saltwater fishing regulations from the SCDNR Web site, residents were more likely than were non-residents to have used the artificial reefs map and location information found on the SCDNR’s Web site (47% of residents compared to 31% of non-residents). · Among residents who obtain information about saltwater fishing or saltwater fishing regulations from the SCNDR Web site, coastal residents were more likely than were non-coastal residents to have used the artificial reefs map and location information found on the SCDNR’s Web site (54% of coastal residents compared to 36% of non-coastal residents).

444 Responsive Management

Q252. From what sources do you receive information about current saltwater fishing regulations in South Carolina?

SCDNR 'Rules and Regulations' 48 25 handbook / brochure 45 20 Family / friends 29 21 16 Personal experience 21 17 10 Internet 18 11 8 Other 8 8 8 Newspapers 3 7 SCDNR publications / brochures 8 3 (not regulations or 'SC Wildlife' 7 6 Resident (n=427) Fishing magazine 8 6 Non-resident (n=76) 5 Total (n=503) Don't know 8 5 4 Outdoors magazine 3 4 Multiple Responses Allowed 4 TV 1 3 4 SC Wildlife' magazine 0 3 Magazines (other than fishing and 2 4 outdoors types) 2 1 SCDNR conservation officers 3 2 SCDNR staff (other than law 1 0 enforcement) 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 445

Q252. From what sources do you receive information about current saltwater fishing regulations in South Carolina?

SCDNR 'Rules and Regulations' 48 handbook / brochure 49 19 Family / friends 21 16 Personal experience 14 9 Internet 12

10 Other 3

7 Newspapers 9

SCDNR publications / brochures 8 (not regulations or 'SC Wildlife' 7 Coastal resident (n=315) 5 Fishing magazine 6 Non-coastal resident (n=112) 4 Don't know 6 4 Outdoors magazine 4 Multiple Responses Allowed 3 TV 5

3 SC Wildlife' magazine 6

Magazines (other than fishing and 2 outdoors types) 3 2 SCDNR conservation officers 0 SCDNR staff (other than law 1 enforcement) 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

446 Responsive Management

Q254. Do you obtain the information from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Web site, another Web site, or both? (Asked of those who obtain information about saltwater fishing or saltwater fishing regulations on the Internet.)

57 SCDNR Web 67 site 59

19 Other Web site 6 Resident (n=77) 17 Non-resident (n=18) Total (n=95)

19 Both 22 20

Don't know 6 4

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 447

55 SCDNR Web site 62

24 Other Web site 12

Coastal resident (n=51) Non-coastal resident (n=26)

18 Both 23

4 Don't know 4

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

448 Responsive Management

Q255. Have you ever used the shellfish maps found on the SCDNR's Web site? (Asked of those who obtain information about saltwater fishing or saltwater fishing regulations from the SCDNR Web site.)

Yes 0

Resident (n=59) Non-resident (n=16) Total (n=75)

No 100

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 449

Q255. Have you ever used the shellfish maps found on the SCDNR's Web site? (Asked of those who obtain information about saltwater fishing or saltwater fishing regulations from the SCDNR Web site.)

Yes

Coastal resident (n=37) Non-coastal resident (n=22)

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

450 Responsive Management

Q256. Have you ever used the artificial reefs map and location information found on the SCDNR's Web site? (Asked of those who obtain information about saltwater fishing or saltwater fishing regulations from the SCDNR Web site.)

Yes 31

Resident (n=59) Non-resident (n=16) Total (n=75)

No 69

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 451

Yes

Coastal resident (n=37) Non-coastal resident (n=22)

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

452 Responsive Management

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA Ø The majority (74%) of residents in the survey have lived in South Carolina for 20 years or more. · The mean number of years residents have lived in South Carolina is 33.1 years. · Most residents have lived those years in South Carolina continuously.

Ø Most commonly, coastal residents live in Charleston County, followed by Beaufort, Horry, and Berkeley Counties. Non-coastal residents commonly live in Lexington, Richland, and Greenville Counties.

Ø Respondents most commonly reside in small cities or towns (35%); otherwise, respondents are fairly evenly distributed among residences in large cities or urban areas (18%), suburban areas (18%), and rural areas not on a farm (17%). · Residents are more likely than are non-residents to reside in a small city or town (37% of residents compared to 25% of non-residents) while non-residents are more likely than are residents to reside in a large city or urban area (26% of non-residents compared to 17% of residents). · There was little variation of residence between coastal and non-coastal residents.

Ø The majority (66%) of respondents attended college, with or without obtaining a degree.

Ø A small percentage (10%) of respondents are currently employed by or own a business related to the South Carolina marine recreational fishing industry.

Ø The total household incomes before taxes of all respondents are widely distributed as shown. · While there is little variation of the distribution of incomes between coastal and non-coastal residents, non-residents are more likely than are residents to have an income of $120,000 or more.

Ø The overwhelming majority of respondents are white or Caucasian and are not of Hispanic descent. South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 453

Ø About a third (35%) of respondents have children age 17 or younger living in the household, with little difference between residents and non-residents or between coastal and non-coastal residents.

Ø The large majority (84%) of residents are currently registered to vote in South Carolina, and most residents (77%) voted in the 2004 election.

Ø The ages of respondents follow a bell curve, with the peak in the 45 to 54 years old and the 55 to 64 years old categories. The mean age of respondents is 46.9 years.

Ø The large majority of respondents are male; however, a substantial percentage (16%) are female.

454 Responsive Management

Q275. How many years have you lived in South Carolina? (Residents.)

50 years or 23 more

Mean = 33.1 years 40-49 years 16

30-39 years 17

20-29 years 18

Resident (n=1277)

10-19 years 11

1-9 years 12

Don't know 1

Refused 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 455

Q275. How many years have you lived in South Carolina?

21 50 years or more 26

16 Coastal Resident Mean = 31.7 years 40-49 years 18 Non-coastal Resident Mean = 36.9 years

15 30-39 years 22

17 20-29 years 20 Coastal resident (n=940) Non-coastal resident (n=337) 13 10-19 years 7

15 1-9 years 5

1 Don't know 1

1 Refused 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

456 Responsive Management

Q278. Have you lived in South Carolina for [number of years respondent has lived in SC] continuously? (Residents.)

Yes 85

Resident (n=1246)

No 15

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 457

Q278. Have you lived in South Carolina for [number of years respondent has lived in SC] continuously?

Yes

Coastal resident (n=916) Non-coastal resident (n=330)

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

458 Responsive Management

Q279. What is your county of residence?

Charleston 20.8 Beaufort 9.8 Horry 9.4 Berkeley 7.9 Florence 4.9 Georgetown 4.9 Dorchester 4.8 Lexington 4.1 Richland 3.0 Greenville 2.9 Colleton 2.3 Aiken 1.9 York 1.7 Orangeburg 1.6 Jasper 1.5 Spartanburg 1.4 Sumter 1.4 Barnwell 1.2 Williamsburg 1.0 Anderson 1.0 Newberry 0.9 Dillon 0.8 Hampton 0.8 Marion 0.7 Darlington 0.6 Resident (n=1259) Pickens 0.6 Calhoun 0.6 Chester 0.6 Clarendon 0.6 Edgefield 0.6 Lancaster 0.6 Oconee 0.6 Chesterfield 0.5 Greenwood 0.5 Kershaw 0.5 Marlboro 0.5 Bamberg 0.3 Saluda 0.3 Allendale 0.2 Laurens 0.2 Lee 0.2 Cherokee 0.1 Fairfield 0.1 Refused 1.4 0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 459

Q279. What is your county of residence? (Coastal residents.) Charleston 28.1 Beaufort 13.3 Horry 12.6 Berkeley 10.6 Georgetown 6.7 Florence 6.6 Dorchester 6.3 Colleton 3.1 Orangeburg 2.1 Jasper 2.1 Williamsburg 1.4 Dillon 1.1 Hampton 1.1 Marion 1.0 Clarendon 0.6 Bamberg 0.4 Greenville 0.3 Allendale 0.3 Chester 0.2 York 0.1 Sumter 0.1 Anderson 0.1 Darlington 0.1 Coastal resident (n=926) Pickens 0.1 Calhoun 0.1 Oconee 0.1 Lexington 0.0 Richland 0.0 Aiken 0.0 Spartanburg 0.0 Barnwell 0.0 Newberry 0.0 Edgefield 0.0 Lancaster 0.0 Chesterfield 0.0 Greenwood 0.0 Kershaw 0.0 Marlboro 0.0 Saluda 0.0 Laurens 0.0 Lee 0.0 Cherokee 0.0 Fairfield 0.0 Refused 1.4 0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

460 Responsive Management

Q279. What is your county of residence? (Non-coastal residents.) Lexington 15.6 Richland 11.4 Greenville 9.9 Aiken 7.2 York 6.3 Spartanbur 5.4 Sumter 4.8 Barnwell 4.5 Anderson 3.3 Newberry 3.3 Darlington 2.1 Pickens 2.1 Edgefield 2.1 Lancaster 2.1 Calhoun 1.8 Oconee 1.8 Chesterfield 1.8 Greenwood 1.8 Kershaw 1.8 Marlboro 1.8 Chester 1.5 Saluda 1.2 Laurens 0.9 Non-coastal resident (n=333) Charleston 0.6 Dorchester 0.6 Lee 0.6 Horry 0.3 Berkeley 0.3 Florence 0.3 Orangeburg 0.3 Clarendon 0.3 Cherokee 0.3 Fairfield 0.3 Beaufort 0.0 Georgetown 0.0 Colleton 0.0 Jasper 0.0 Williamsbur 0.0 Dillon 0.0 Hampton 0.0 Marion 0.0 Bamberg 0.0 Allendale 0.0 Refused 1.5 0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 461

Q280. Do you consider your place of residence to be a large city or urban area, a suburban area, a small city or town, a rural area on a farm or ranch, or a rural area not on a farm or ranch?

17 Large city or 26 urban area 18

18 Suburban area 20 18

37 Small city or 25 town 35

8 Resident (n=1277) Rural area on a 9 Non-resident (n=237) farm 9 Total (n=1514)

17 Rural area not 19 on a farm 17

1 Don't know 0 1

2 Refused 1 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

462 Responsive Management

Q280. Do you consider your place of residence to be a large city or urban area, a suburban area, a small city or town, a rural area on a farm or ranch, or a rural area not on a farm or ranch?

Large city or 16 urban area 18

19 Suburban area 15

Small city or 39 town 32

Coastal resident (n=940) 8 Rural area on a Non-coastal resident (n=337) farm 11

Rural area not 16 on a farm 21

1 Don't know 1

2 Refused 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 463

Q281. What is the highest level of education you have completed?

6 Not a high school graduate 6 6

High school graduate or 25 23 equivalent 25

Some college or trade school, 19 18 no degree 19

Associate's degree or trade 12 8 school degree 11 Resident (n=1277) 24 Bachelor's degree 29 Non-resident (n=237) 25 Total (n=1514) 8 Master's degree 9 8

Professional or doctorate 3 4 degree (e.g., M.D. or Ph.D.) 3

1 Don't know 0 1

4 Refused 1 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

464 Responsive Management

Q281. What is the highest level of education you have completed?

6 Not a high school graduate 4

High school graduate or 27 equivalent 21

Some college or trade school, 19 no degree 19

Associate's degree or trade 12 school degree 11

Coastal resident (n=940) 23 Bachelor's degree 26 Non-coastal resident (n=337)

7 Master's degree 10

Professional or doctorate 2 degree (e.g., M.D. or Ph.D.) 5

1 Don't know 1

4 Refused 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 465

Q282. Are you currently employed by or do you own a business related to the South Carolina marine recreational fishing industry?

Yes 9

88 Resident (n=1277) No 89 Non-resident (n=237) Total (n=1514) 88

Don't know 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

466 Responsive Management

Q282. Are you currently employed by or do you own a business related to the South Carolina marine recreational fishing industry?

11 Yes 7

86 No 91

Coastal resident (n=940) Non-coastal resident (n=337)

2 Don't know 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 467

Q283. Which of these categories best describes your total household income before taxes last year?

11 $120,000 or more 20 12

$100,000- 7 7 $119,999 7

10 $80,000-$99,999 11 10

13 $60,000-$79,999 10 13

14 Resident (n=1277) $40,000-$59,999 13 Non-resident (n=237) 14 Total (n=1514) 11 $20,000-$39,999 9 10

3 Under $20,000 5 4

3 Don't know 3 3

28 Refused 24 27

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

468 Responsive Management

Q283. Which of these categories best describes your total household income before taxes last year?

9 $120,000 or more 15

$100,000- 7 $119,999 9

9 $80,000-$99,999 12

14 $60,000-$79,999 11

Coastal resident (n=940) 15 $40,000-$59,999 11 Non-coastal resident (n=337)

12 $20,000-$39,999 7

3 Under $20,000 4

3 Don't know 2

28 Refused 29

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 469

Q284. Are you of Hispanic descent?

Hispanic origin 3

95 Non-Hispanic 95 origin 95 Resident (n=1277) Non-resident (n=237) Total (n=1514) 1

Don't know 0

Refused 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

470 Responsive Management

Q284. Are you of Hispanic descent?

2 Hispanic origin 2

95 Non-Hispanic origin 96

1 Don't know 1 Coastal resident (n=940) Non-coastal resident (n=337)

3 Refused 1

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 471

Q285. What is your race or ethnic background?

90 White or 92 Caucasian 90

Black or 4 African- 1 American 3

Native 1 American or 2 Alaska native 1

0 Resident (n=1277) Asian or Pacific 0 Non-resident (n=237) Islander 0 Total (n=1514)

1 Other 2 2

1 Don't know 0 1

3 Refused 2 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

472 Responsive Management

Q285. What is your race or ethnic background?

White or 88 Caucasian 93

Black or 4 African- American 2

Native 1 American or Alaska native 1

Coastal resident (n=940) Asian or Pacific 1 Islander 0 Non-coastal resident (n=337)

1 Other 1

1 Don't know 1

4 Refused 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 473

Q287. Do you have any children 17 years old or younger currently living in your household?

Yes 29

No 69

62 Resident (n=1277) Non-resident (n=237) Total (n=1514) 1

Don't know 0

Refused 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

474 Responsive Management

Q287. Do you have any children 17 years old or younger currently living in your household?

34 Yes 41

62 No 57 Coastal resident (n=940) Non-coastal resident (n=337)

1 Don't know 1

3 Refused 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 475

Q288. Are you currently registered to vote in South Carolina?

Yes 84

No 13

Resident (n=1277)

Don't know 1

Refused 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

476 Responsive Management

Q288. Are you currently registered to vote in South Carolina?

82 Yes 88

15 No 9 Coastal resident (n=940)

Non-coastal resident (n=337)

1 Don't know 1

2 Refused 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 477

Q289. Did you vote in the 2004 election?

Yes 77

No 20

Resident (n=1277)

Don't know 1

Refused 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

478 Responsive Management

Q289. Did you vote in the 2004 election?

74 Yes 85

23 No 13 Coastal resident (n=940) Non-coastal resident (n=337)

1 Don't know 1

2 Refused 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 479

Q290. May I ask your age?

65 years old or 5 12 older 6 Resident Mean = 46.5 years old 26 55-64 years old 25 Non-resident Mean = 49.1 years old 26 Total Mean = 46.9 years old

26 45-54 years old 27 26

21 35-44 years old 15 20

14 Resident (n=1277) 25-34 years old 13 Non-resident (n=237) 14 Total (n=1514) 4 18-24 years old 3 4

Under 18 years 0 0 old 0

1 Don't know 1 1

3 Refused 3 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

480 Responsive Management

Q290. May I ask your age?

65 years old or 5 Coastal Resident Mean = 46.5 years old older 4 Non-coastal Resident Mean = 46.6 years old

27 55-64 years old 24

24 45-54 years old 30

20 35-44 years old 22

Coastal resident (n=940) 15 25-34 years old 12 Non-coastal resident (n=337)

4 18-24 years old 4

Under 18 years 1 old 0

1 Don't know 1

3 Refused 3

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 481

Q292. Gender (not asked, but observed by interviewer).

Male 88

Resident (n=1277) Non-resident (n=237) Total (n=1514)

Female 12

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

482 Responsive Management

Q292. Gender (not asked, but observed by interviewer).

Male

Coastal resident (n=940) Non-coastal resident (n=337)

Female

0 20 40 60 80 100 Percent

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 483

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS I hope the DNR gets funded. They need more agents in the field. God knows how many people catch fish over the limit. I never see them [DNR agents] anymore. Need more classes on where and how to saltwater fish. Need to have a school to get a boating license just like getting a driver’s license. All revenue generated from fishing-related activities, including taxes, should be put back into the resource. The DNR should offer boating classes because there are some idiots on the water. A red fish bag limit increase by one fish and slot size increase by three inches on the three fish would be nice. When I pay $70 for my licenses, I think South Carolina Wildlife should at least send a copy of the rules and regulations handbook. I would like to see the regulation on porgy (silver snapper) change. I want to be able to catch and take home more. The porgy are not endangered; only one per person is ridiculous. Gigging and commercial fishing ought to be illegal. If it wasn’t for having to buy the license, they’d get more money for bait and tackle. Romain is a great place to fish but has absolutely poor access because of crowding. Concerned about frequent DNR checks on return from fishing when other boaters are breaking laws within sight, such as DUI [driving under the influence], wake zone, etc. I enjoyed my time down there. I am very disappointed with the DNR Web site. They don’t put fishing reports up at all anymore. The SCDNR Web site is great. I don’t mind paying for a fishing license, but they don’t need to spend the two million dollars extra to save Morris Island Lighthouse. Use resources that are available. Charleston needs more landing spots and places to park. I think instead of changing the bag limit of flounder, the DNR could change the size limit to being a larger fish. The spot tail bass limit needs work; it should be 3 or more. The SCDNR is the most efficient department. State shellfish grounds should be marked more clearly, and leased lands should be posted as areas not to be clammed or oystered in. I’m pretty satisfied with the fishing. There are too many people with big motors and too much alcohol. Keep stocking the red fish. I rented a house in Cherry Grove to access the ocean, but the inlet at Cherry Grove doesn’t provide access to the ocean. I had to trailer the boat to the waterway. Access to the ocean at Cherry Grove would be nice. I am not a serious fisherman. I just visit relatives and have fun out there. Fliers about major regulations changes should be posted in tackle shops. The access at public launching ramps for both saltwater and freshwater is awful. Parking areas are so over packed that you can’t get a boat in there. There needs to be a little more uniformity between North Carolina and South Carolina regulations. I hate to bring a fish down from North Carolina and have to meet South Carolina regulations, too. It’s very annoying. 484 Responsive Management

I wonder why they changed some of the things they changed, such as funnel in a shrimp net. I would like to have that changed back. There needs to be more attention given to flounder limits or something because the flounder population seems to be decreasing badly. The Red Drum limit should be 15 to 25 inches or 14 to 24 inches. There are not enough public boat ramps, and the ones that are there need to be upgraded, mainly at Cherry Point. They are being totally unfair with the recreational fishermen and being more fair with the in-state commercial fishermen. There is no control over out-of-state commercial fishermen. Marine Resources Division needs more pay and more help. The DNR is doing a good job, and I am impressed with the job they’re doing. The boating safety regulations are aggravating and too much. I think you’re doing a wonderful job. The DNR needs more money and resources for more game wardens. There is only one major boat landing at Murrells Inlet. More boat landings are needed here. The Hilton Head area public boat ramp is in disrepair. The size limit on flounder needs to be at least 14 inches because it’s too small. The reef program is going well, and more money is collected by licenses to park. There is not enough parking at South Island Ferry landing. Out-of-state fees need to be higher. I wish the Web site was more friendly. I wish they offered licenses and doe tags online. The bag limit on red drum should be increased, and measurements should be more lenient. There is nobody in the local SCDNR office building in Bonneau, South Carolina. The MRD should have a generic chart of the fishing regulations of minimums and maximums. It should mail out changes or make it easier to tell what the changes are from year to year. It’s annoying to have to look up the changes by comparing different seasons’ regulations. What if I don’t have my fisheries license with me or if I get it wet? How would they know if I have a license or not? I think pollution has negatively affected the trout. There is a shortage of crabs. It would be more helpful and educational to people who buy licenses if they were able to see the biology of the fishes to better understand why the regulations are made. Increase the number of sharks that can be caught so people won’t be bitten as much. The Wildlife Department should not ticket for silly things such as flares on the ocean. South Carolina Wildlife magazine is excellent; keep up the good work. They should work to reduce offshore billfish and reduce offshore trotline fishing. The Red Drum limit should be changed to three fish per day, but the slot limit should not be increased. They need to ask more personal questions about the law officers and take names. Spot tail limits should be at two. There should be less trout and flounder limits. There should be more emphasis on release instead of tag and release. I go fishing with others. I am not up-to-date on many fishing issues. Overall, the DNR does a good job, and I support any decision they make on fish limits and size limits because of their scientific studies. The SCDNR needs to do a better job publicizing their mission. Public access needs to be improved. Finding a place to get in is difficult because they are very busy and there are lots of accidents. South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 485

The fish are healthier in North Carolina, but I enjoy fishing in South Carolina. Availability of boat ramps is a major problem. All the rules and regulations are great, but if you don’t have the officers to enforce them it doesn’t matter. If you drag boats real close to the beach, it tears up what people having been working on. The SCDNR should teach in the public school. The license is printed on a cash register tape, and it fades quickly to where it can’t be read; this is a problem. More presence of enforcement officers is needed. Charters are too expensive for saltwater fishing. It is a big expense to haul a boat and not know where the good fishing is. I hate gigging and spear fishing. Get rid of it! Stop the runaway growth and development. There are not enough public access areas for fishing. There is a need to be conservative with regulations and marine waters. There is good management of shrimp and recreational fishing in Murrells Inlet. Increase minimum size limit for speckled trout. Golf courses ruin the waterways and fishing experiences because of fertilizers and poisons. You can fish from a bank, surf, bridge, and pier without a license, so you should be able to fish from a boat without license, too, except for being required to have a boating license. There are too many fish kills by shrimpers. All coastal development like the Ace Basin conservancy should be stopped. There are too many requirements for getting a license; they need to make it easier. There should be a one-fish limit for cobia. Outlaw gigging and limit how close the big shrimp nets can come to land. Maybe a limit of three miles would help the inshore fishing. Trout and bass shouldn’t be fished in the summer. Oysters are difficult to harvest. There are pollution problems. I was warned by a DNR agent for an oversized red drum, but it was only oversized by 1/8th inch. The DNR agent mismeasured the fish. The last five times I went fishing, I could not keep any red drum out of over 40 caught. The rules and regulations booklets need to be promoted, specifically at licensing time. I would like to be able to bring in a couple of sharks next time. Availability of the rules and regulations handbook is an issue. It should come with the license. The DNR needs to better educate the public on different shark species. I am dissatisfied with state legislature. Upstate shouldn’t be telling low country how to regulate waters. I don’t buy a hunting permit anymore in South Carolina because of the high cost. I would like more information about the commercial fishing regulations in South Carolina. I only went saltwater fishing once when I was on vacation with my son-in-law. Information about stocking fish needs to be published. Areas where fish are stocked need to be spread out. I would like to see the limits on redfish changed to those like in Louisiana where they have a 30- inch limit, creel is five, and you can keep one over the 30-inch limit. 486 Responsive Management

The arks in the landings, particularly ones you have to pay to get in, should be furnished with a port-a-potty. I would like to see the boundary moved out to 10 miles for red drum. Getting fishing licenses by phone from out of state has been a nightmare. The people contracted to handle this have been both uninformed and inefficient. We were sent the wrong licenses and were misinformed in answer to several questions. There needs to be more docks. I need a rules and regulation handbook. There needs to be more fishing patrols in the marsh areas of Georgetown County. I don’t understand why I must have a saltwater fishing license. We both think that the spotted sea trout minimum limit should be increased to at least 14 inches. The shark regulations are too strict and very unclear. Don’t spend so much money on boat ramps. Enforce rules better. There needs to be more law enforcement. Keep the fishing going. The spending of the funds is not the best. More revenue should be created through ways other than tournaments. Creating better habitat will benefit more local fishermen. The offshore fisherman should not be more important than the inshore fisherman. I am surrounded by water. I live right on it. The regulations manual needs to clearly indicate that a specific license is needed in order to crab. Keep doing a good job and checking for drunk boaters. I only fish once a year at deep sea for blue marlin. We aren’t South Carolina residents, but we own property there and have paid taxes for 20 years for that land and still can’t get a resident license. We should be able to get the cheaper license. There are problems with boat landings at low tide. It is easy to get a license. I think they do a good job with what they’ve got, but it seems to be dwindling because they’re losing funds. The DNR and Marine Resources Division do an excellent job with the limited resources they have. There is not enough enforcement of fishing licenses, particularly at boat ramps like at Murrells Inlet. The cycle of species of fish that come through should be updated regularly. The DNR leaves this data off their Web site. We need to know the easy way to fish the coastline. I wish they’d bring the stamp back. The limits for most species are too high. Build more artificial reefs rather than adding to existing ones. Expand the fish ID on the SCDNR Web site. There are security problems at public boat launch facilities for saltwater and freshwater, such as vandalism in parked cars. Keep up the good work and start cracking down on the illegal waterfowl hunters. I was told there are only three enforcement officers between Hilton Head and Edisto, and that is certainly not enough. I wish that I had more answers and comments for the survey, but I just go fishing with my brother-in-law and don’t have much knowledge about fishing. I think there should be more revenue or tax, which would give the DNR more money. South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 487

I think that any changes made on bag or slot limits should be based on scientific fact and not mere opinion. Also, it would be nice if the maximum size limit for red drum would be increased to be able to keep some of the nicer fish. Ask questions about baiting for shrimp and it’s impact on shrimp population and fishing experiences. Fishing licenses should last one year from the date you bought it; so if you buy it in December, it should last until the December of next year. There are not enough details or signs regarding regulations and what is prohibited. I wish I could get a clamming-only license. It used to be very enjoyable fishing from pier, but there are no fish anymore. I think the DNR does a good job, and I support their efforts. Don’t lower bag limits for flounder, but raise them for red drum. I would like them to ask about the waterfowl hunting. There needs to be more officers out there. South Carolina does a good job. A size and bag limit should be put on stripers. The sea trout limit should be 15 to 16 inches. Trawlers need to move offshore. The DNR needs to get more DNR officers out checking the boats. There should be new regulations for shark fishing. The limit should be higher. The aquarium in Charleston is too expensive to go through. A pamphlet should be included with licenses with information on size limits, new laws, and out-of-bounds areas. The Division needs a more aggressive artificial reef program. I think the Red Drum slot limit maximum should increase to 30 inches. A license should cost more to generate funds for conservation and artificial reefs. I am disappointed about this boat ramp project in Myrtle Beach. There’s no place to launch a boat anywhere in this area. There needs to be a better effort on rules and regulations regarding the size limit and bag limit. It is difficult to keep up with all the changes. There needs to be a saltwater division in law enforcement because there is no preventive program. Law enforcement needs to be on the water. People will be less inclined to break laws if law enforcement presence is on water. Increase bag limits on the fish. It costs so much to fill up a boat, and you have a small limit. I enjoyed taking the survey. The DNR needs to have more funding available. Charleston needs to do more to provide places to fish, not just work for tourism. Instead of raising red drum limit, keep it at two size slot drums plus one oversized drum per day. The DNR needs to get information out about when it is having public meetings. I will volunteer time and make donations to the South Carolina Wildlife to help. They need to be more strict on their regulations. Trout were hard to find when we went fishing. The DNR needs to improve freshwater fishing ramps. The game wardens need to be more professional. Increase the minimum length from 12 inches to 13 or 14 inches and drop the bag limit from 20 to 12. More signs on docks are needed to tell people what they can and cannot catch. There is not enough parking in public boat ramps areas. 488 Responsive Management

I think the DNR should consider mailing the regulations when a license is bought. A 17-foot Boston Whaler, an open boat; I didn’t think a fire extinguisher was required for that boat. I am curious as to why he was asked to show one. Anybody who operates a boat should take a mandatory boating coarse. The limits should be decreased for fishing. South Carolina should look at the impact of the netting for shrimp on game fish, such as flounder. They should be making the right decisions instead of political decisions. Flounder are killed by netting, and sport fishermen should not have to compete with commercial fishing. The crabbing industry, commercial fishing, and pollution are big problems. This will degrade the waterways. I wish their game wardens would get a better disposition and attitude about their job. I saw a sea cow this summer in the North Inlet in Georgetown. There needs to be more restocking. There needs to be more emphasis on promoting and supporting inshore fishing. Circle hooks should be mandatory. Ramps should be built on the coast closer to the artificial reef sites. Please restore boat ramp maps to SCDNR Web site. Public access to boat ramps is horrible and needs work. My only gripe is that when crabbing season starts, the river is clogged with pots and the crab population has dwindled. The ramp at Live Oak at Edisto is hard to deal with at low tide. There are not enough public boat ramps. The biggest thing we need is more reefs within the 10-mile range so that smaller boats can get out there as well. The Department is extremely important, and I appreciate what the Department does for us. I get more out of my taxpayer money from this Department then I do anything else. MRD needs more money to do more. More law enforcement officers need to be hired. I am disappointed in the funding. They could use more help. Regulations need to be posted at boat ramps. More boat ramps are needed. The DNR law officers need to be trained more. I applaud Santee Cooper in their efforts in keeping Lake Moultrie undeveloped. The construction of coal fire utility plants near the coast is releasing mercury into the system. Sometimes laws are made without fully studying the subjects. There needs to be more awareness for sheepshead limits. The limits could possibly be displayed by loading docks and areas. The recreational bag limit should be closed during spanning season for black and gag grouper. Add more DNR officers. There is not enough emphasis on water safety. I’d like to see better enforcement. Need to clear out/dredge creeks and estuaries because they are the nursery for everything. Keep up the good work. Channels nets are left too long. Since I’m out-of- state I have to pay $35, then I have to drive 75 miles. I may catch a lot of fish, and they may not go in the slot limit. Then I go home empty-handed, and that’s not fair. Gas prices now are out of control. South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 489

I feel like we are not being given enough hunting opportunity here. Our WMA use is by drawing only, which isn’t fair. We should be able to hunt there, not be picked to do it in limited areas. WMA should be open to the public. We pay taxes. More public boat ramps are needed in Horry County. Fishing regulations favor commercial fisherman. There’s been no fishing report in the Post and Courier the last two years. We also need more boat ramps. I am very satisfied with DNR personnel. I would like to see more trout stocked. I would like them to have better access to registration and titling of boats and water vehicles. You have to do everything by mail, and it’s a nightmare. They should model something after the new DMV registration and title transfer methods. Increase size limits for flounder to at least 14 inches and lower bag limits for a number of species. They should especially charge large fees for recreational and out-of-state shrimping. I wish they would get more reefs like North Carolina has. I am annoyed that charter boats can catch any number of black sea bass, and if I catch one that’s an inch under I get a fine of $1000 dollars. There is no DNR representation here in Hilton Head Island. There are only two landings for a lot of people. Jet skis muddy up the water, and there is no law enforcement! There is inadequate parking. The red drum limit should be higher. The flounder gigging limit should be higher. Trolling limits should be 15. Clamming and oyster areas should be marked more clearly. Making people release fish that aren’t within the size limit sometimes is ridiculous because if the fish was hooked in the gills it will die anyway. DNR officers who patrol should be trained to better understand that. The red fish bag limit should be raised to three, but the size limit of 16 to 25 inches is fine. The bag limit for red drum should be five, and the maximum size should go with other states up to 26 inches. The minimum size for flounder should be raised to 14 inches. Do something about that redfish limit. The slot limit should be 12 to 24 inches on spot tail (red drum). I would like to see the DNR facility in Georgetown reopened. Sponge crab harvesting should be banned in South Carolina. Stop the litter.

490 Responsive Management

APPENDIX A: SURVEY INSTRUMENT

C:\QPL\SCMARINE.TXT 9/26/2005

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY

1. PRESS RETURN WHEN INTERVIEW BEGINS START TIMER STARTS AFTER THIS SCREEN

2. Time when program was opened. TIME1 1:1-5 |__|__|__|__|__|

3. SURVEY NAME SNAME 1:6 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. SCMARINE

4. Hello, may I speak with ______? My name is ______, and I am calling on behalf of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. We are calling South Carolina licensed saltwater anglers to ask some questions about fishing and issues related to South Carolina's marine waters. We are not selling anything, and this will only take a few minutes. CONPER1 1:7-8 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Correct person, good time to do survey (GO TO QUESTION 6) |__| 2. Bad time/schedule recall (CB - do not save) (GO TO QUESTION 5) |__| 3. AM, NA, BZ (do not save) |__| 4. TM (GO TO QUESTION 301) |__| 5. RF |__| 6. NE (GO TO QUESTION 302) |__| 7. DS |__| 8. BG |__| 9. DL |__| 10. Bad Number (missing digit, begins with zero, etc.)

SKIP TO QUESTION 306 ======

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 491

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 2

5. When would be a more convenient time to call you back? Thank you for your time. WHENCALL ENTER DAY AND TIME ON CALLSHEET (CB)

SKIP TO QUESTION 306 ======

6. ENTER SAMPLE FROM CALL SHEET. SAMPLE 1:9 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 6) |__| 2. Up-state |__| 3. North coast |__| 4. Mid-state |__| 5. Central |__| 6. South |__| 7. Non-resident

7. Our records indicate that you bought a South Carolina SALTWATER RECREATIONAL FISHERIES LICENSE within the past two years. Is this correct? LICENSE1 1:10 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 7) |__| 2. Yes |__| 3. No (GO TO QUESTION 302) |__| 4. Don't know (GO TO QUESTION 302)

8. Did you buy a license for the 2003-2004 season, the 2004 - 2005 season, or both seasons? (CHOOSE ONLY ONE) LICENSE2 1:11 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 8) |__| 2. 2003-2004 season |__| 3. 2004-2005 season |__| 4. Both seasons |__| 5. Don't know

9. Time when interview began. TIME2 1:12-16 |__|__|__|__|__|

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10. DETERMINES QUESTION PHRASING. RECCOMP 1:17 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. the 2003-2004 season |__| 2. the 2004-2005 season |__| 3. the most recent season that you purchased a license

COMPUTE IF (#8 = 2) 1 COMPUTE IF (#8 = 3 OR #8 = 4) 2 COMPUTE 3

11. What TYPE of SALTWATER RECREATIONAL FISHERIES LICENSE did you purchase for #10? TYPELIC 1:18 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 11) |__| 2. Annual resident saltwater fishing license |__| 3. Resident 14-day saltwater fishing license |__| 4. Annual non-resident saltwater fishing license |__| 5. Non-resident 14-day saltwater fishing license |__| 6. Don't know

12. Have you or do you plan to buy a SALTWATER RECREATIONAL FISHERIES LICENSE for the 2005-2006 season? (IF ASKED: THE 2005-2006 SEASON BEGAN JULY 1, 2005) LICNEXT 1:19 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 12) |__| 2. Yes, I have bought a license |__| 3. Yes, I plan to buy a license |__| 4. No, I have not bought and do not plan to buy a license |__| 5. Don't know

13. Have you been SALTWATER fishing using a hook and line or gigging in South Carolina or off the South Carolina coast in the past 2 years? (IF ASKED: Fishing for finfish, NOT shellfish) FINFISH 1:20 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 13) |__| 2. Yes |__| 3. No |__| 4. Don't know

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 493

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14. Time check. TIME3 1:21-25 |__|__|__|__|__|

IF (#13 = 2) GO TO #15

SKIP TO QUESTION 27 ======

15. RANDOMIZES GROUPS. RANDOM1 1:26 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Group 1 (GO TO QUESTION 16) |__| 2. Group 2

SKIP TO QUESTION 19 ======

16. What do you feel is the most important issue facing the conservation and management of marine fisheries resources? (DNR LIST; CHOOSE ONLY ONE ANSWER) FSHISS 1:27-28 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 16) |__| 2. Water quality / pollution |__| 3. Supply (quantity) of saltwater fish / shellfish (GO TO QUESTION 17) |__| 4. Health of saltwater fish / shellfish (GO TO QUESTION 17) |__| 5. Contamination of fish / shellfish |__| 6. Enforcing saltwater fishing / shellfishing regulations |__| 7. Enforcing BOATING regulations |__| 8. Habitat restoration / enhancement |__| 9. Shell planting on recreational shellfish grounds |__| 10. Properly managing commercial fishing activities |__| 11. Properly managing recreational fishing activities |__| 12. Complicated federal fishery regulations |__| 13. Increasing number of anglers (increased fishing pressure) |__| 14. Other (GO TO QUESTION 18) |__| 15. Don't know

SKIP TO QUESTION 19 ======

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17. ENTER SPECIES OF FISH IF IT WAS SPECIFIED. WHTSPEC 2:1-240 ______

______

SKIP TO QUESTION 19 ======

18. ENTER OTHER ISSUE. FSHISSST 3:1-240 ______

______

19. Overall, were you satisfied or dissatisfied with SALTWATER fishing in South Carolina and off the South Carolina coast in the past 2 years? OVRLFSH 3:241 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 19) |__| 2. Very satisfied |__| 3. Somewhat satisfied |__| 4. Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |__| 5. Somewhat dissatisfied |__| 6. Very dissatisfied |__| 7. Don't know

IF (#15 = 1) GO TO #26

20. Do you agree or disagree that South Carolina's SALTWATER fishing regulations are clear and easy to understand? REGUNDER 3:242 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 20) |__| 2. Strongly agree |__| 3. Somewhat agree |__| 4. Neither agree nor disagree |__| 5. Somewhat disagree |__| 6. Strongly disagree

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 495

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21. Overall, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the current SALTWATER fishing regulations in South Carolina? CURREG 3:243 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 21) |__| 2. Very satisfied |__| 3. Somewhat satisfied |__| 4. Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |__| 5. Somewhat dissatisfied (GO TO QUESTION 23) |__| 6. Very dissatisfied (GO TO QUESTION 23) |__| 7. Don't know

SKIP TO QUESTION 27 ======

22. YOU DID NOT USE SPACE BAR. NOSPAC61 PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN.

23. Why are you dissatisfied with current SALTWATER fishing regulations in South Carolina? (DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) DISREG 3:244-250 (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

|__| 1. Current regulations are too strict |__| 2. Current regulations are not strict enough |__| 3. Current regulations are not clear / difficult to understand |__| 4. Current regulations do not address important issues (ENTER ISSUES NEXT) |__| 5. Current regulations are not enforced properly |__| 6. Other |__| 7. Don't know

IF (#23 = 0) GO TO #22 IF (#23 @ 4) GO TO #24 IF (#23 @ 6) GO TO #25

SKIP TO QUESTION 27 ======

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24. ENTER SPECIFIC UNADDRESSED ISSUES GIVEN. DISREGIS 4:1-240 ______

______

IF (#23 @ 6) GO TO #25

SKIP TO QUESTION 27 ======

25. ENTER OTHER RESPONSE. DISREGST 5:1-240 ______

______

SKIP TO QUESTION 27 ======

26. In the last 5 years, do you think the quality of SALTWATER fishing in South Carolina has declined, remained the same, improved, or do you not know? QUALCH 5:241 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 26) |__| 2. Declined |__| 3. Remained the same |__| 4. Improved |__| 5. Don't know

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 497

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27. How many years, out of the past 5 years, did you go SALTWATER fishing in South Carolina? (ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW) PAST5 5:242 |__| years

LOWEST VALUE = 0 HIGHEST VALUE = 5

IF (#27 = 0) GO TO #28 IF (#13 = 2 AND #15 = 1) GO TO #29 IF (#13 = 2) GO TO #30

SKIP TO QUESTION 98 ======

28. DID YOU MEAN TO ENTER ZERO? ZERO1 5:243 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 28) |__| 2. Yes |__| 3. No (RETURN TO PREVIOUS QUESTION)

IF (#28 = 3) GO TO #27 IF (#13 = 2 AND #15 = 1) GO TO #29 IF (#13 = 2) GO TO #30

SKIP TO QUESTION 98 ======

29. How often do you SALTWATER fish from a BANK, BRIDGE, DOCK, PIER, OR THE SURF? BANKOFT 5:244 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 29) |__| 2. Always |__| 3. Often |__| 4. Sometimes |__| 5. Rarely |__| 6. Never |__| 7. Don't know

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30. Next, I am going to ask you a few questions about fishing from private boats. By a PRIVATE BOAT I mean a boat owned by you or someone you know that is used privately and not for profit nor for chartered trips. How often do you SALTWATER fish from a PRIVATE BOAT IN ESTUARINE WATERS? BOATOFT 5:245 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 30) |__| 2. Always |__| 3. Often |__| 4. Sometimes |__| 5. Rarely |__| 6. Never |__| 7. Don't know

31. How about a PRIVATE BOAT NEAR SHORE OCEAN WATERS, UP TO 3 MILES FROM THE SHORE? (How often do you saltwater fish from it?) BOATLS3 5:246 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 31) |__| 2. Always |__| 3. Often |__| 4. Sometimes |__| 5. Rarely |__| 6. Never |__| 7. Don't know

32. How about a PRIVATE BOAT IN THE OCEAN MORE THAN 3 MILES FROM THE SHORE? (How often do you saltwater fish from it?) BOATMO3 5:247 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 32) |__| 2. Always |__| 3. Often |__| 4. Sometimes |__| 5. Rarely |__| 6. Never |__| 7. Don't know

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 499

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 10

33. Next, I'm going to ask you about fishing from charter boats. By CHARTER BOAT I mean a boat with a captain or guide that is hired to take you or a group of people on a fishing trip. How often do you SALTWATER fish from a CHARTER BOAT IN ESTUARINE WATERS? (How often do you saltwater fish from it?) CHRTROFT 5:248 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 33) |__| 2. Always |__| 3. Often |__| 4. Sometimes |__| 5. Rarely |__| 6. Never |__| 7. Don't know

34. How about a CHARTER BOAT NEAR SHORE OCEAN WATERS, UP TO 3 MILES FROM THE SHORE? (How often do you saltwater fish from it?) CHRTRLS3 5:249 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 34) |__| 2. Always |__| 3. Often |__| 4. Sometimes |__| 5. Rarely |__| 6. Never |__| 7. Don't know

35. How about a CHARTER BOAT IN THE OCEAN MORE THAN 3 MILES FROM THE SHORE? (How often do you saltwater fish from it?) CHRTRMO3 5:250 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 35) |__| 2. Always |__| 3. Often |__| 4. Sometimes |__| 5. Rarely |__| 6. Never |__| 7. Don't know

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36. Do you currently own a boat from which you regularly saltwater fish in South Carolina? CURROWN 6:1 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 36) |__| 2. Yes (GO TO QUESTION 38) |__| 3. No |__| 4. Don't know

SKIP TO QUESTION 40 ======

37. YOU DID NOT USE SPACE BAR. NOSPAC1 PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN.

38. How do you typically access saltwater in South Carolina for fishing? Do you typically access saltwater in South Carolina for fishing by using public boat ramps, private boat ramps, private docks, or marinas? (READ LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) BTACC 6:2-6 (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

|__| 1. Public boat ramps |__| 2. Private boat ramps |__| 3. Private docks |__| 4. Marinas |__| 5. Other

IF (#38 = 0) GO TO #37 IF (#38 @ 5) GO TO #39

SKIP TO QUESTION 40 ======

39. ENTER OTHER RESPONSE. BTACCST 6:7-246 ______

______

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 501

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40. How often do you SALTWATER fish on the state's PERMITTED MARINE ARTIFICIAL REEFS? REEFOFT 6:247 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 40) |__| 2. Always |__| 3. Often |__| 4. Sometimes |__| 5. Rarely |__| 6. Never |__| 7. Don't know

IF (#15 = 1) GO TO #41

SKIP TO QUESTION 43 ======

41. What was your single MAIN reason for SALTWATER fishing in South Carolina over the past 2 years? Would you say you fished primarily to catch fresh fish for food, to be with family and friends, for the sport, to catch large fish, to be close to nature, or for relaxation? (CHOOSE ONLY ONE) MAINREAS 6:248 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 41) |__| 2. To catch fresh fish for food |__| 3. To be with family and friends |__| 4. For the sport |__| 5. To catch large fish |__| 6. To be close to nature |__| 7. For relaxation |__| 8. Don't know |__| 9. DNR: None of the above

SKIP TO QUESTION 44 ======

42. YOU DID NOT USE SPACE BAR. NOSPAC2 PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN.

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43. In South Carolina over the past 2 years, have you ... (READ LIST; CHECK IF YES; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) FSHACT 7:1-11 (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

|__| 1. Participated in any organized saltwater fishing tournaments |__| 2. Gone saltwater fishing with natural bait |__| 3. Saltwater fished in a state other than South Carolina |__| 4. Saltwater fished in another country |__| 5. Went to a fishing club meeting |__| 6. Read a fishing magazine |__| 7. Watched a fishing show on television |__| 8. Fished in freshwater in South Carolina |__| 9. Gone SCUBA diving in saltwater off of South Carolina |__| 10. Fished on a marine artificial reef |__| 11. DNR: None of the above

IF (#43 = 0) GO TO #42

44. How many days total did you go SALTWATER fishing in South Carolina in the last 12 months? (PORTIONS OF A DAY COUNT AS A WHOLE DAY; MULTIPLE OUTINGS WITHIN ONE DAY COUNT AS A SINGLE DAY) (ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW) DAYSFISH 7:12-14 |__|__|__| days

LOWEST VALUE = 0 HIGHEST VALUE = 365

IF (#44 = 0) GO TO #45 IF (#44 > 99) GO TO #46

SKIP TO QUESTION 47 ======

45. DID YOU MEAN TO ENTER ZERO? ZERO2 7:15 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 45) |__| 2. Yes |__| 3. No (RETURN TO PREVIOUS QUESTION) (GO TO QUESTION 44)

SKIP TO QUESTION 47 ======

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 503

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 14

46. DID YOU MEAN TO ENTER #44? HICHEK2 7:16 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 46) |__| 2. Yes |__| 3. No (RETURN TO PREVIOUS QUESTION) (GO TO QUESTION 44)

47. In which county did you most often access the water while saltwater fishing in South Carolina during the past 2 years? (ENTER COUNTY CODE FROM CALL STATION) (ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW) CNTYACC 7:17-18 |__|__|

LOWEST VALUE = 1

48. In South Carolina during the past 2 years, what TOP THREE SALTWATER species did you fish for MOST OFTEN? (ENTER SPECIES CODE FROM CALL STATION) (ENTER ONE AT A TIME; ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW/NO PREFERENCE; 88 FOR OTHER; 77 FOR NONE) (IF TROUT: ASK IF SPOTTED SEATROUT (34); IF NOT SPOTTED SEATROUT: ENTER 43) (IF SHARKS: ASK SHARK SPECIES; IF NO SPECIES GIVEN: ASK IF LARGE COASTAL SHARKS (26); IF NO SPECIES GIVEN AND NOT LARGE COASTAL: ENTER AS OTHER (88)) SPEC1 7:19-20 |__|__|

LOWEST VALUE = 1

IF (#48 = 77 OR #48 = MISSING) GO TO #65 IF (#48 = 88) GO TO #49 IF (#48 > 43) GO TO #48

SKIP TO QUESTION 50 ======

49. ENTER OTHER SPECIES. SPEC1ST 8:1-240 ______

______

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50. DETERMINES SPECIES. SPCREF1A 8:241-242 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. American shad |__| 2. black drum |__| 3. black seabass |__| 4. blue marlin |__| 5. bluefin tuna |__| 6. bluefish |__| 7. cobia |__| 8. crevalle jack |__| 9. croaker |__| 10. dolphin |__| 11. flounder |__| 12. greater amberjack |__| 13. gag grouper |__| 14. scamp grouper |__| 15. speckled hind grouper |__| 16. warsaw grouper |__| 17. grouper |__| 18. hogfish |__| 19.

COMPUTE IF (#48 = 1) 1 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 2) 2 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 3) 3 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 4) 4 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 5) 5 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 6) 6 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 7) 7 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 8) 8 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 9) 9 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 10) 10 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 11) 11 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 12) 12 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 13) 13 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 14) 14 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 15) 15 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 16) 16 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 17) 17 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 18) 18 COMPUTE 19

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 505

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 16

51. DETERMINES SPECIES. SPCREF1B 8:243-244 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. king mackerel |__| 2. red drum |__| 3. red porgy |__| 4. sailfish |__| 5. Atlantic sharpnose shark |__| 6. bonnethead shark |__| 7. dogfish shark |__| 8. large coastal sharks |__| 9. sheepshead |__| 10. skipjack |__| 11. vermilion snapper |__| 12. snapper |__| 13. spadefish |__| 14. Spanish mackerel |__| 15. spot |__| 16. spotted seatrout |__| 17. striped bass |__| 18. swordfish |__| 19.

COMPUTE IF (#48 = 19) 1 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 20) 2 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 21) 3 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 22) 4 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 23) 5 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 24) 6 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 25) 7 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 26) 8 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 27) 9 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 28) 10 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 29) 11 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 30) 12 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 31) 13 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 32) 14 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 33) 15 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 34) 16 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 35) 17 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 36) 18 COMPUTE 19

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52. DETERMINES SPECIES. SPCREF1C 8:245 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. tarpon |__| 2. wahoo |__| 3. white marlin |__| 4. white porgy |__| 5. whiting |__| 6. yellowfin tuna |__| 7. trout |__| 8.

COMPUTE IF (#48 = 37) 1 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 38) 2 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 39) 3 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 40) 4 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 41) 5 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 42) 6 COMPUTE IF (#48 = 43) 7 COMPUTE 8

SKIP TO QUESTION 54 ======

53. YOU CANNOT ENTER THE SAME SPECIES MORE THAN ONCE. SAME1 PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN.

54. CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS. (In South Carolina during the past 2 years, what TOP THREE SALTWATER species did you fish for MOST OFTEN?) (ENTER SPECIES CODE FROM CALL STATION) (ENTER SECOND SPECIES; ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW; 88 FOR OTHER; 77 FOR NO OTHERS) (IF TROUT: ASK IF SPOTTED SEATROUT (34); IF NOT SPOTTED SEATROUT: ENTER 43) (IF SHARKS: ASK SHARK SPECIES; IF NO SPECIES GIVEN: ASK IF LARGE COASTAL SHARKS (26); IF NO SPECIES GIVEN AND NOT LARGE COASTAL: ENTER AS OTHER (88)) SPEC2 8:246-247 |__|__|

LOWEST VALUE = 1

IF (#54 = 77 OR #54 = MISSING) GO TO #65 IF (#54 = 88) GO TO #55 IF (#54 > 43) GO TO #54 IF ((#54 = #48) AND (#54 < 44)) GO TO #53

SKIP TO QUESTION 56 ======

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 507

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55. ENTER OTHER SPECIES. SPEC2ST 9:1-240 ______

______

56. DETERMINES SPECIES. SPCREF2A 9:241-242 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

COMPUTE IF (#54 = 1) 1 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 2) 2 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 3) 3 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 4) 4 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 5) 5 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 6) 6 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 7) 7 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 8) 8 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 9) 9 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 10) 10 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 11) 11 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 12) 12 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 13) 13 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 14) 14 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 15) 15 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 16) 16 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 17) 17 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 18) 18 COMPUTE 19

508 Responsive Management

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57. DETERMINES SPECIES. SPCREF2B 9:243-244 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

COMPUTE IF (#54 = 19) 1 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 20) 2 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 21) 3 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 22) 4 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 23) 5 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 24) 6 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 25) 7 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 26) 8 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 27) 9 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 28) 10 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 29) 11 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 30) 12 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 31) 13 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 32) 14 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 33) 15 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 34) 16 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 35) 17 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 36) 18 COMPUTE 19

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 509

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 20

58. DETERMINES SPECIES. SPCREF2C 9:245 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. tarpon |__| 2. wahoo |__| 3. white marlin |__| 4. white porgy |__| 5. whiting |__| 6. yellowfin tuna |__| 7. trout |__| 8.

COMPUTE IF (#54 = 37) 1 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 38) 2 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 39) 3 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 40) 4 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 41) 5 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 42) 6 COMPUTE IF (#54 = 43) 7 COMPUTE 8

SKIP TO QUESTION 60 ======

59. YOU CANNOT ENTER THE SAME SPECIES MORE THAN ONCE. SAME2 PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN.

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60. CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS. (In South Carolina during the past 2 years, what TOP THREE SALTWATER species did you fish for MOST OFTEN?) (ENTER SPECIES CODE FROM CALL STATION) (ENTER THIRD SPECIES; ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW; 88 FOR OTHER; 77 FOR NO OTHERS) (IF TROUT: ASK IF SPOTTED SEATROUT (34); IF NOT SPOTTED SEATROUT: ENTER 43) (IF SHARKS: ASK SHARK SPECIES; IF NO SPECIES GIVEN: ASK IF LARGE COASTAL SHARKS (26); IF NO SPECIES GIVEN AND NOT LARGE COASTAL: ENTER AS OTHER (88)) SPEC3 9:246-247 |__|__|

LOWEST VALUE = 1

IF (#60 = 77 OR #60 = MISSING) GO TO #65 IF (#60 = 88) GO TO #61 IF (#60 > 43) GO TO #60 IF ((#60 = #48) AND (#60 < 44)) GO TO #59 IF ((#60 = #54) AND (#60 < 44)) GO TO #59

SKIP TO QUESTION 62 ======

61. ENTER OTHER SPECIES. SPEC3ST 10:1-240 ______

______

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 511

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 22

62. DETERMINES SPECIES. SPCREF3A 10:241-242 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

COMPUTE IF (#60 = 1) 1 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 2) 2 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 3) 3 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 4) 4 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 5) 5 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 6) 6 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 7) 7 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 8) 8 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 9) 9 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 10) 10 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 11) 11 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 12) 12 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 13) 13 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 14) 14 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 15) 15 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 16) 16 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 17) 17 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 18) 18 COMPUTE 19

512 Responsive Management

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63. DETERMINES SPECIES. SPCREF3B 10:243-244 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

COMPUTE IF (#60 = 19) 1 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 20) 2 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 21) 3 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 22) 4 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 23) 5 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 24) 6 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 25) 7 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 26) 8 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 27) 9 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 28) 10 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 29) 11 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 30) 12 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 31) 13 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 32) 14 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 33) 15 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 34) 16 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 35) 17 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 36) 18 COMPUTE 19

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 513

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 24

64. DETERMINES SPECIES. SPCREF3C 10:245 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. tarpon |__| 2. wahoo |__| 3. white marlin |__| 4. white porgy |__| 5. whiting |__| 6. yellowfin tuna |__| 7. trout |__| 8.

COMPUTE IF (#60 = 37) 1 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 38) 2 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 39) 3 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 40) 4 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 41) 5 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 42) 6 COMPUTE IF (#60 = 43) 7 COMPUTE 8

65. In South Carolina, what TOP THREE SALTWATER species do you most PREFER to fish for? (ENTER SPECIES CODE FROM CALL STATION) (ENTER ONE AT A TIME; ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW/NO PREFERENCE; 88 FOR OTHER; 77 FOR NONE) (IF TROUT: ASK IF SPOTTED SEATROUT (34); IF NOT SPOTTED SEATROUT: ENTER 43) (IF SHARKS: ASK SHARK SPECIES; IF NO SPECIES GIVEN: ASK IF LARGE COASTAL SHARKS (26); IF NO SPECIES GIVEN AND NOT LARGE COASTAL: ENTER AS OTHER (88)) PRFSP1 10:246-247 |__|__|

LOWEST VALUE = 1

IF (#65 = 88) GO TO #66 IF ((#65 = 77 OR #65 = MISSING) AND (#48 = 77 OR #48 = MISSING)) GO TO #85 IF ((#65 = 77 OR #65 = MISSING) AND (#48 = 88) AND (#54 = 77 OR #54 = MISSING)) GO TO #85 IF ((#65 = 77 OR #65 = MISSING) AND (#48 = 88) AND (#54 = 88) AND (#60 = 77 OR #60 = MISSING OR #60 = 88)) GO TO #85 IF ((#65 = 77 OR #65 = MISSING) AND (#48 = 88) AND (#54 = 88)) GO TO #81 IF ((#65 = 77 OR #65 = MISSING) AND (#48 = 88)) GO TO #77 IF (#65 = 77 OR #65 = MISSING) GO TO #73 IF (#65 > 43) GO TO #65

SKIP TO QUESTION 68 ======

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66. ENTER OTHER SPECIES. PRFSP1ST 11:1-240 ______

______

SKIP TO QUESTION 68 ======

67. YOU CANNOT ENTER THE SAME SPECIES MORE THAN ONCE. SAME3 PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN.

68. CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS. (In South Carolina, what TOP THREE SALTWATER species do you most PREFER to fish for?) (ENTER SPECIES CODE FROM CALL STATION) (ENTER SECOND SPECIES; ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW; 88 FOR OTHER; 77 FOR NO OTHERS) (IF TROUT: ASK IF SPOTTED SEATROUT (34); IF NOT SPOTTED SEATROUT: ENTER 43) (IF SHARKS: ASK SHARK SPECIES; IF NO SPECIES GIVEN: ASK IF LARGE COASTAL SHARKS (26); IF NO SPECIES GIVEN AND NOT LARGE COASTAL: ENTER AS OTHER (88)) PRFSP2 11:241-242 |__|__|

LOWEST VALUE = 1

IF ((#68 = #65) AND (#68 < 44)) GO TO #67 IF (#68 = 88) GO TO #69 IF ((#68 = 77 OR #68 = MISSING) AND (#48 = 77 OR #48 = MISSING)) GO TO #85 IF ((#68 = 77 OR #68 = MISSING) AND (#48 = 88) AND (#54 = 77 OR #54 = MISSING)) GO TO #85 IF ((#68 = 77 OR #68 = MISSING) AND (#48 = 88) AND (#54 = 88) AND (#60 = 77 OR #60 = MISSING OR #60 = 88)) GO TO #85 IF ((#68 = 77 OR #68 = MISSING) AND (#48 = 88) AND (#54 = 88)) GO TO #81 IF ((#68 = 77 OR #68 = MISSING) AND (#48 = 88)) GO TO #77 IF (#68 = 77 OR #68 = MISSING) GO TO #73 IF (#68 > 43) GO TO #68

SKIP TO QUESTION 71 ======

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69. ENTER OTHER SPECIES. PRFSP2ST 12:1-240 ______

______

SKIP TO QUESTION 71 ======

70. YOU CANNOT ENTER THE SAME SPECIES MORE THAN ONCE. SAME4 PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN.

71. CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS. (In South Carolina, what TOP THREE SALTWATER species do you most PREFER to fish for?) (ENTER SPECIES CODE FROM CALL STATION) (ENTER THIRD SPECIES; ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW; 88 FOR OTHER; 77 FOR NO OTHERS) (IF TROUT: ASK IF SPOTTED SEATROUT (34); IF NOT SPOTTED SEATROUT: ENTER 43) (IF SHARKS: ASK SHARK SPECIES; IF NO SPECIES GIVEN: ASK IF LARGE COASTAL SHARKS (26); IF NO SPECIES GIVEN AND NOT LARGE COASTAL: ENTER AS OTHER (88)) PRFSP3 12:241-242 |__|__|

LOWEST VALUE = 1

IF ((#71 = #65) AND (#71 < 44)) GO TO #70 IF ((#71 = #68) AND (#71 < 44)) GO TO #70 IF (#71 = 88) GO TO #72 IF (#71 > 43 AND (NOT (#71 = 77))) GO TO #71 IF (#48 = 77 OR #48 = MISSING) GO TO #85 IF ((#48 = 88) AND (#54 = 77 OR #54 = MISSING)) GO TO #85 IF ((#48 = 88) AND (#54 = 88) AND (#60 = 77 OR #60 = MISSING OR #60 = 88)) GO TO #85 IF ((#48 = 88) AND (#54 = 88)) GO TO #81 IF ((#48 = 88)) GO TO #77

SKIP TO QUESTION 73 ======

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72. ENTER OTHER SPECIES. PRFSP3ST 13:1-240 ______

______

IF (#48 = 77 OR #48 = MISSING) GO TO #85 IF ((#48 = 88) AND (#54 = 77 OR #54 = MISSING)) GO TO #85 IF ((#48 = 88) AND (#54 = 88) AND (#60 = 77 OR #60 = MISSING OR #60 = 88)) GO TO #85 IF ((#48 = 88) AND (#54 = 88)) GO TO #81 IF ((#48 = 88)) GO TO #77

73. In general, were you satisfied or dissatisfied with your #50#51#52 fishing in South Carolina in the past 2 years? SPC1GEN 13:241 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 73) |__| 2. Very satisfied |__| 3. Somewhat satisfied |__| 4. Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |__| 5. Somewhat dissatisfied |__| 6. Very dissatisfied |__| 7. Don't know

74. Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the current fishing regulations for #50#51#52? SPC1REG 13:242 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 74) |__| 2. Very satisfied |__| 3. Somewhat satisfied |__| 4. Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |__| 5. Somewhat dissatisfied |__| 6. Very dissatisfied |__| 7. Don't know

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75. Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the quantity of #50#51#52 that you catch during a typical SALTWATER fishing trip? SPC1QTY 13:243 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 75) |__| 2. Very satisfied |__| 3. Somewhat satisfied |__| 4. Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |__| 5. Somewhat dissatisfied |__| 6. Very dissatisfied |__| 7. Don't know

76. How would you rate the health and quality of #50#51#52 in the areas you go SALTWATER fishing? Would you say the health and quality of the #50#51#52 are excellent, good, fair, or poor? SPC1HTH 13:244 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 76) |__| 2. Excellent |__| 3. Good |__| 4. Fair |__| 5. Poor |__| 6. Don't know

IF (#54 = 77 OR #54 = MISSING) GO TO #85

77. In general, were you satisfied or dissatisfied with your #56#57#58 fishing in South Carolina in the past 2 years? SPC2GEN 13:245 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 77) |__| 2. Very satisfied |__| 3. Somewhat satisfied |__| 4. Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |__| 5. Somewhat dissatisfied |__| 6. Very dissatisfied |__| 7. Don't know

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78. Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the current fishing regulations for #56#57#58? SPC2REG 13:246 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 78) |__| 2. Very satisfied |__| 3. Somewhat satisfied |__| 4. Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |__| 5. Somewhat dissatisfied |__| 6. Very dissatisfied |__| 7. Don't know

79. Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the quantity of #56#57#58 that you catch during a typical SALTWATER fishing trip? SPC2QTY 13:247 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 79) |__| 2. Very satisfied |__| 3. Somewhat satisfied |__| 4. Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |__| 5. Somewhat dissatisfied |__| 6. Very dissatisfied |__| 7. Don't know

80. How would you rate the health and quality of #56#57#58 in the areas you go SALTWATER fishing? Would you say the health and quality of the #56#57#58 are excellent, good, fair, or poor? SPC2HTH 13:248 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 80) |__| 2. Excellent |__| 3. Good |__| 4. Fair |__| 5. Poor |__| 6. Don't know

IF (#60 = 77 OR #60 = MISSING) GO TO #85

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81. In general, were you satisfied or dissatisfied with your #62#63#64 fishing in South Carolina in the past 2 years? SPC3GEN 13:249 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 81) |__| 2. Very satisfied |__| 3. Somewhat satisfied |__| 4. Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |__| 5. Somewhat dissatisfied |__| 6. Very dissatisfied |__| 7. Don't know

82. Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the current fishing regulations for #62#63#64? SPC3REG 13:250 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 82) |__| 2. Very satisfied |__| 3. Somewhat satisfied |__| 4. Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |__| 5. Somewhat dissatisfied |__| 6. Very dissatisfied |__| 7. Don't know

83. Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the quantity of #62#63#64 that you catch during a typical SALTWATER fishing trip? SPC3QTY 14:1 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

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84. How would you rate the health and quality of #62#63#64 in the areas you go SALTWATER fishing? Would you say the health and quality of the #62#63#64 are excellent, good, fair, or poor? SPC3HTH 14:2 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 84) |__| 2. Excellent |__| 3. Good |__| 4. Fair |__| 5. Poor |__| 6. Don't know

85. Next, I have a few questions about bag limits. BAGINT PRESS ENTER TO CONTINUE.

86. RANDOMIZES BAG LIMIT QUESTIONS. BAGRAN 14:3 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. fifteen (GO TO QUESTION 87) |__| 2. ten

SKIP TO QUESTION 88 ======

87. The current bag limit for FLOUNDER is 20 fish per day. Would you support or oppose a change in the bag limit for FLOUNDER to 15 fish per day? FLDR15 14:4 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 87) |__| 2. Strongly support |__| 3. Moderately support |__| 4. Neither support nor oppose |__| 5. Moderately oppose |__| 6. Strongly oppose |__| 7. Don't know

SKIP TO QUESTION 89 ======

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88. The current bag limit for FLOUNDER is 20 fish per day. Would you support or oppose a change in the bag limit for FLOUNDER to 10 fish per day? FLDR10 14:5 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 88) |__| 2. Strongly support |__| 3. Moderately support |__| 4. Neither support nor oppose |__| 5. Moderately oppose |__| 6. Strongly oppose |__| 7. Don't know

SKIP TO QUESTION 90 ======

89. The current bag limit for SHEEPSHEAD is 20 fish per day. Would you support or oppose a change in the bag limit to 15 fish per day? SHEEP15 14:6 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 89) |__| 2. Strongly support |__| 3. Moderately support |__| 4. Neither support nor oppose |__| 5. Moderately oppose |__| 6. Strongly oppose |__| 7. Don't know

SKIP TO QUESTION 91 ======

90. The current bag limit for SHEEPSHEAD is 20 fish per day. Would you support or oppose a change in the bag limit to 10 fish per day? SHEEP10 14:7 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 90) |__| 2. Strongly support |__| 3. Moderately support |__| 4. Neither support nor oppose |__| 5. Moderately oppose |__| 6. Strongly oppose |__| 7. Don't know

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91. The current bag limit for RED DRUM is 2 fish per day. Would you support or oppose a change in the bag limit to 3 fish per day? DRUM3 14:8 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 91) |__| 2. Strongly support |__| 3. Moderately support |__| 4. Neither support nor oppose |__| 5. Moderately oppose |__| 6. Strongly oppose |__| 7. Don't know

92. RANDOMIZES RED DRUM QUESTIONS. DRUMRAN 14:9 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. minimum (GO TO QUESTION 93) |__| 2. maximum

SKIP TO QUESTION 94 ======

93. In South Carolina, the current size or slot limit on RED DRUM is a minimum of 15 inches and a maximum of 24 inches. If changing the RED DRUM bag limit from 2 fish per day to 3 fish per day also required a ONE INCH INCREASE IN THE MINIMUM SIZE LIMIT, would you support or oppose the change? DRUMMIN 14:10 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 93) |__| 2. Strongly support |__| 3. Moderately support |__| 4. Neither support nor oppose |__| 5. Moderately oppose |__| 6. Strongly oppose |__| 7. Don't know

SKIP TO QUESTION 95 ======

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94. In South Carolina, the current size or slot limit on RED DRUM is a minimum of 15 inches and a maximum of 24 inches. If changing the RED DRUM bag limit from 2 fish per day to 3 fish per day also required a ONE INCH DECREASE IN THE MAXIMUM SIZE LIMIT, would you support or oppose the change? DRUMMAX 14:11 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 94) |__| 2. Strongly support |__| 3. Moderately support |__| 4. Neither support nor oppose |__| 5. Moderately oppose |__| 6. Strongly oppose |__| 7. Don't know

95. RANDOMIZES MULLET AND MENHADEN QUESTIONS. MMRAN 14:12 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. mullet (GO TO QUESTION 96) |__| 2. menhaden (GO TO QUESTION 97)

SKIP TO QUESTION 98 ======

96. Over the past 2 years, would you say that the mullet populations have increased, remained the same, or decreased? MULLET 14:13 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 96) |__| 2. Increased |__| 3. Remained the same |__| 4. Decreased |__| 5. Don't know

SKIP TO QUESTION 98 ======

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97. Over the past 2 years, would you say that the menhaden populations have increased, remained the same, or decreased? MENHADEN 14:14 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 97) |__| 2. Increased |__| 3. Remained the same |__| 4. Decreased |__| 5. Don't know

98. Have you been surf fishing in South Carolina in the past 2 years? SURF 14:15 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 98) |__| 2. Yes (GO TO QUESTION 99) |__| 3. No |__| 4. Don't know

SKIP TO QUESTION 102 ======

99. How many days did you go surf fishing in South Carolina in the past 12 months? (PORTIONS OF A DAY COUNT AS A WHOLE DAY; MULTIPLE OUTINGS WITHIN ONE DAY COUNT AS A SINGLE DAY) (ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW) SURFDAYS 14:16-18 |__|__|__| days

LOWEST VALUE = 0 HIGHEST VALUE = 365

IF (#99 = 0) GO TO #100 IF (#99 > 99) GO TO #101

SKIP TO QUESTION 102 ======

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100. DID YOU MEAN TO ENTER ZERO? ZERO3 14:19 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 100) |__| 2. Yes |__| 3. No (RETURN TO PREVIOUS QUESTION) (GO TO QUESTION 99)

SKIP TO QUESTION 102 ======

101. DID YOU MEAN TO ENTER #99? HICHEK3 14:20 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 101) |__| 2. Yes |__| 3. No (RETURN TO PREVIOUS QUESTION) (GO TO QUESTION 99)

102. Have you been gigging for flounder in South Carolina in the past 2 years? GIGFL 14:21 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 102) |__| 2. Yes (GO TO QUESTION 103) |__| 3. No |__| 4. Don't know

SKIP TO QUESTION 107 ======

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103. How many days did you go gigging for flounder in South Carolina in the past 12 months? (PORTIONS OF A DAY COUNT AS A WHOLE DAY; MULTIPLE OUTINGS WITHIN ONE DAY COUNT AS A SINGLE DAY) (ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW) GIGDAYS 14:22-24 |__|__|__| days

LOWEST VALUE = 0 HIGHEST VALUE = 365

IF (#103 = 0) GO TO #104 IF (#103 > 99) GO TO #105

SKIP TO QUESTION 106 ======

104. DID YOU MEAN TO ENTER ZERO? ZERO4 14:25 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 104) |__| 2. Yes |__| 3. No (RETURN TO PREVIOUS QUESTION) (GO TO QUESTION 103)

SKIP TO QUESTION 107 ======

105. DID YOU MEAN TO ENTER #103? HICHEK4 14:26 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 105) |__| 2. Yes |__| 3. No (RETURN TO PREVIOUS QUESTION) (GO TO QUESTION 103)

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106. During your flounder gigging trips in the past 12 months, how often did you also gig red drum? Would you say you gigged for red drum always, often, sometimes, rarely, or never during your flounder gigging trips? GIGDRUM 14:27 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 106) |__| 2. Always |__| 3. Often |__| 4. Sometimes |__| 5. Rarely |__| 6. Never |__| 7. Don't know

107. Have you been recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 2 years? RECOYS 14:28 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 107) |__| 2. Yes (GO TO QUESTION 108) |__| 3. No |__| 4. Don't know

SKIP TO QUESTION 114 ======

108. How many days did you go recreational oystering in South Carolina in the past 12 months? (PORTIONS OF A DAY COUNT AS A WHOLE DAY; MULTIPLE OUTINGS WITHIN ONE DAY COUNT AS A SINGLE DAY) (ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW) OYSDAYS 14:29-31 |__|__|__| days

LOWEST VALUE = 0 HIGHEST VALUE = 365

IF (#108 = 0) GO TO #109 IF (#108 > 99) GO TO #110

SKIP TO QUESTION 111 ======

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109. DID YOU MEAN TO ENTER ZERO? ZERO5 14:32 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 109) |__| 2. Yes |__| 3. No (RETURN TO PREVIOUS QUESTION) (GO TO QUESTION 108)

SKIP TO QUESTION 111 ======

110. DID YOU MEAN TO ENTER #108? HICHEK5 14:33 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 110) |__| 2. Yes |__| 3. No (RETURN TO PREVIOUS QUESTION) (GO TO QUESTION 108)

111. How would you rate the quantity of oysters in the areas you go oystering? Would you say the quantity of oysters is excellent, good, fair, or poor? OYSQTY 14:34 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 111) |__| 2. Excellent |__| 3. Good |__| 4. Fair |__| 5. Poor |__| 6. Don't know

112. How would you rate the health and quality of oysters in the areas you go oystering? Would you say the health and quality of oysters are excellent, good, fair, or poor? OYSHTH 14:35 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 112) |__| 2. Excellent |__| 3. Good |__| 4. Fair |__| 5. Poor |__| 6. Don't know

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113. In general, would you say it is easy or difficult to get the 2 bushel oyster limit? OYSDIF 14:36 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 113) |__| 2. Very easy |__| 3. Somewhat easy |__| 4. Neither easy nor difficult |__| 5. Somewhat difficult |__| 6. Very difficult |__| 7. Don't know

114. Have you been recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 2 years? RECCLAM 14:37 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 114) |__| 2. Yes (GO TO QUESTION 115) |__| 3. No |__| 4. Don't know

IF (#107 = 2) GO TO #121

SKIP TO QUESTION 123 ======

115. How many days did you go recreational clamming in South Carolina in the past 12 months? (PORTIONS OF A DAY COUNT AS A WHOLE DAY; MULTIPLE OUTINGS WITHIN ONE DAY COUNT AS A SINGLE DAY) (ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW) CLAMDAYS 14:38-40 |__|__|__| days

LOWEST VALUE = 0 HIGHEST VALUE = 365

IF (#115 = 0) GO TO #116 IF (#115 > 99) GO TO #117

SKIP TO QUESTION 118 ======

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116. DID YOU MEAN TO ENTER ZERO? ZERO6 14:41 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 116) |__| 2. Yes |__| 3. No (RETURN TO PREVIOUS QUESTION) (GO TO QUESTION 115)

SKIP TO QUESTION 118 ======

117. DID YOU MEAN TO ENTER #115? HICHEK6 14:42 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 117) |__| 2. Yes |__| 3. No (RETURN TO PREVIOUS QUESTION) (GO TO QUESTION 115)

118. How would you rate the quantity of clams in the areas you go clamming? Would you say the quantity of clams is excellent, good, fair, or poor? CLAMQTY 14:43 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 118) |__| 2. Excellent |__| 3. Good |__| 4. Fair |__| 5. Poor |__| 6. Don't know

119. How would you rate the health and quality of clams in the areas you go clamming? Would you say the health and quality of clams are excellent, good, fair, or poor? CLAMHTH 14:44 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 119) |__| 2. Excellent |__| 3. Good |__| 4. Fair |__| 5. Poor |__| 6. Don't know

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120. In general, would you say it is easy or difficult to get the half bushel clam limit? CLAMDIF 14:45 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 120) |__| 2. Very easy |__| 3. Somewhat easy |__| 4. Neither easy nor difficult |__| 5. Somewhat difficult |__| 6. Very difficult |__| 7. Don't know

121. How often do you gather oysters or clams from PUBLIC SHELLFISH GROUNDS in South Carolina? (IF ASKED: Public Shellfish Grounds are maintained by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources EXCLUSIVELY FOR RECREATIONAL shellfishing, NOT COMMERCIAL shellfishing.) PUBSHELL 14:46 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 121) |__| 2. Always |__| 3. Often |__| 4. Sometimes |__| 5. Rarely |__| 6. Never |__| 7. Don't know

122. How often do you gather oysters or clams from STATE SHELLFISH GROUNDS in South Carolina? (IF ASKED: State Shellfish Grounds are maintained by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources FOR COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL shellfishing.) STSHELL 14:47 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 122) |__| 2. Always |__| 3. Often |__| 4. Sometimes |__| 5. Rarely |__| 6. Never |__| 7. Don't know

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123. Have you been recreational crabbing in South Carolina in the past 2 years? RECCRAB 14:48 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 123) |__| 2. Yes |__| 3. No |__| 4. Don't know

IF (#123 = 2) GO TO #124 IF (#13 > 2) GO TO #183

SKIP TO QUESTION 129 ======

124. How many days did you go recreational crabbing in South Carolina in the past 12 months? (PORTIONS OF A DAY COUNT AS A WHOLE DAY; MULTIPLE OUTINGS WITHIN ONE DAY COUNT AS A SINGLE DAY) (ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW) CRABDAYS 14:49-51 |__|__|__| days

LOWEST VALUE = 0 HIGHEST VALUE = 365

IF (#124 = 0) GO TO #125 IF (#124 > 99) GO TO #126

SKIP TO QUESTION 127 ======

125. DID YOU MEAN TO ENTER ZERO? ZERO7 14:52 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 125) |__| 2. Yes |__| 3. No (RETURN TO PREVIOUS QUESTION) (GO TO QUESTION 124)

SKIP TO QUESTION 127 ======

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126. DID YOU MEAN TO ENTER #124? HICHEK7 14:53 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 126) |__| 2. Yes |__| 3. No (RETURN TO PREVIOUS QUESTION) (GO TO QUESTION 124)

127. How would you rate the QUANTITY of crabs in the areas you go crabbing? Would you say the quantity of crabs is excellent, good, fair, or poor? CRABQTY 14:54 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 127) |__| 2. Excellent |__| 3. Good |__| 4. Fair |__| 5. Poor |__| 6. Don't know

128. How would you rate the HEALTH AND QUALITY of crabs in the areas you go crabbing? Would you say the health and quality of crabs are excellent, good, fair, or poor? CRABHTH 14:55 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 128) |__| 2. Excellent |__| 3. Good |__| 4. Fair |__| 5. Poor |__| 6. Don't know

IF (#13 > 2) GO TO #183

129. RANDOMIZES QUESTIONS. RANDOM2 14:56 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Group 1 (GO TO QUESTION 130) |__| 2. Group 2

SKIP TO QUESTION 137 ======

534 Responsive Management

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 45

130. When SALTWATER fishing in South Carolina, would you say you mostly keep the fish you catch, mostly release the fish you catch, or do you do both about the same? KEEPFISH 14:57 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 130) |__| 2. Mostly keep |__| 3. Mostly release (GO TO QUESTION 131) |__| 4. Equally keep and release (GO TO QUESTION 131) |__| 5. Don't know

SKIP TO QUESTION 136 ======

131. DETERMINES QUESTION PHRASING. RELCOMP 14:58 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. mostly release |__| 2. equally keep and release

COMPUTE IF (#130 = 3) 1 COMPUTE 2

132. You said you #131 the fish you catch when SALTWATER fishing in South Carolina. Do you take special precautions not to injure fish that are to be released? RELCARE 14:59 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 132) |__| 2. Yes (GO TO QUESTION 134) |__| 3. No |__| 4. Don't know

SKIP TO QUESTION 136 ======

133. YOU DID NOT USE SPACE BAR. NOSPAC3 PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN.

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 535

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 46

134. What precautions do you use? (DNR LIST: CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) TYPCAU 14:60-67 (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

|__| 1. Use circle hooks |__| 2. Remove hooks / hook remover |__| 3. Use boga grip |__| 4. Use dipnet |__| 5. Do not handle fish by the gills |__| 6. Cut the line |__| 7. Other |__| 8. Don't know

IF (#134 = 0) GO TO #133 IF (#134 @ 7) GO TO #135

SKIP TO QUESTION 136 ======

135. ENTER OTHER PRECAUTIONS. TYPCAUST 15:1-240 ______

______

136. Do you agree or disagree that circle hooks could reduce the potential for gut-hooking and severely injuring fish when using natural baits? CIRCLEHK 15:241 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 136) |__| 2. Strongly agree |__| 3. Moderately agree |__| 4. Neither agree nor disagree |__| 5. Moderately disagree |__| 6. Strongly disagree |__| 7. Don't know

IF (#107 = 2 OR #114 = 2 OR #123 = 2) GO TO #144

SKIP TO QUESTION 160 ======

536 Responsive Management

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137. How often do you eat the SALTWATER fish that you catch in South Carolina? EATOFT 15:242 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 137) |__| 2. Always |__| 3. Often |__| 4. Sometimes |__| 5. Rarely |__| 6. Never |__| 7. Don't know

IF (#137 = 2 OR #137 = 3 OR #137 = 4 OR #137 = 5) GO TO #138 IF (#107 = 2 OR #114 = 2 OR #123 = 2) GO TO #144

SKIP TO QUESTION 160 ======

138. How important or unimportant is keeping fish to eat for your SALTWATER fishing experience? IMPKEEP 15:243 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 138) |__| 2. Very important |__| 3. Somewhat important |__| 4. Neither important nor unimportant |__| 5. Somewhat unimportant |__| 6. Very unimportant |__| 7. Don't know

139. DETERMINES QUESTION PHRASING. OFTCOMP 15:244 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. always |__| 2. often |__| 3. sometimes |__| 4. rarely

COMPUTE IF (#137 = 2) 1 COMPUTE IF (#137 = 3) 2 COMPUTE IF (#137 = 4) 3 COMPUTE 4

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 537

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 48

140. You indicated that you #139 eat the saltwater fish you catch. What two species of SALTWATER fish do you most prefer to eat? (ENTER SPECIES CODE FROM CALL STATION) (ENTER ONE AT A TIME; ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW/NO PREFERENCE; 88 FOR OTHER; 77 FOR NONE) SPC1EAT 15:245-246 |__|__|

LOWEST VALUE = 1

IF ((#140 = 77 OR #140 = MISSING) AND (#107 = 2 OR #114 = 2 OR #123 = 2)) GO TO #144 IF (#140 = 88) GO TO #141

SKIP TO QUESTION 142 ======

141. ENTER OTHER SPECIES. EAT1ST 16:1-240 ______

______

142. CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS. (You indicated that you #139 eat the saltwater fish you catch. What two species of SALTWATER fish do you most prefer to eat?) (ENTER SPECIES CODE FROM CALL STATION) (ENTER SECOND SPECIES; ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW; 88 FOR OTHER; 77 FOR NO OTHER SPECIES) SPC2EAT 16:241-242 |__|__|

LOWEST VALUE = 1

IF (#142 = 88) GO TO #143 IF (#107 = 2 OR #114 = 2 OR #123 = 2) GO TO #144

SKIP TO QUESTION 160 ======

538 Responsive Management

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 49

143. ENTER OTHER SPECIES. EAT2ST 17:1-240 ______

______

IF (#107 = 2 OR #114 = 2 OR #123 = 2) GO TO #144

SKIP TO QUESTION 160 ======

144. How often do you eat the shellfish you harvest in South Carolina? SHELLOFT 17:241 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 144) |__| 2. Always (GO TO QUESTION 145) |__| 3. Often (GO TO QUESTION 145) |__| 4. Sometimes (GO TO QUESTION 145) |__| 5. Rarely (GO TO QUESTION 145) |__| 6. Never |__| 7. Don't know

SKIP TO QUESTION 160 ======

145. How important or unimportant is keeping shellfish to eat for your shellfishing experience? IMPKPSH 17:242 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 145) |__| 2. Very important |__| 3. Somewhat important |__| 4. Neither important nor unimportant |__| 5. Somewhat unimportant |__| 6. Very unimportant |__| 7. Don't know

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 539

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 50

146. DETERMINES QUESTION PHRASING. OFTCOMP2 17:243 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. always |__| 2. often |__| 3. sometimes |__| 4. rarely

COMPUTE IF (#144 = 2) 1 COMPUTE IF (#144 = 3) 2 COMPUTE IF (#144 = 4) 3 COMPUTE 4

SKIP TO QUESTION 150 ======

147. NO RESPONSE CAN BE SELECTED ALONG WITH "DON'T KNOW/NO PREFERENCE". IF ANOTHER RESPONSE WAS GIVEN, ONLY THAT RESPONSE SHOULD BE SELECTED (THE "DON'T KNOW/NO PREFERENCE" SHOULD BE UNSELECTED.) SHELL1 PRESS ENTER TO CONTINUE.

SKIP TO QUESTION 150 ======

148. YOU HAVE SELECTED MORE THAN TWO RESPONSES. ONLY TWO SPECIES ARE ALLOWED. SHELL2 PRESS ENTER TO CONTINUE.

SKIP TO QUESTION 150 ======

149. YOU DID NOT USE SPACE BAR. SPACSHEL PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN.

540 Responsive Management

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150. You indicated that you #146 eat the shellfish you harvest. What two species of shellfish do you most prefer to eat? (CHECK UP TO TWO) SPSHEL 17:244-249 (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

|__| 1. Oysters |__| 2. Clams |__| 3. Crabs |__| 4. Shrimp |__| 5. Other (GO TO QUESTION 151) |__| 6. Don't know / No preference

IF (#150 = 0) GO TO #149 IF (#150 @ 6 AND (#150 @ 1 OR #150 @ 2 OR #150 @ 3 OR #150 @ 4 OR #150 @ 5)) GO TO #147 IF (#150 @ 1 AND #150 @ 2 AND #150 @ 3) GO TO #148 IF (#150 @ 1 AND #150 @ 2 AND #150 @ 4) GO TO #148 IF (#150 @ 1 AND #150 @ 2 AND #150 @ 5) GO TO #148 IF (#150 @ 1 AND #150 @ 3 AND #150 @ 4) GO TO #148 IF (#150 @ 1 AND #150 @ 3 AND #150 @ 5) GO TO #148 IF (#150 @ 1 AND #150 @ 4 AND #150 @ 5) GO TO #148 IF (#150 @ 2 AND #150 @ 3 AND #150 @ 4) GO TO #148 IF (#150 @ 2 AND #150 @ 3 AND #150 @ 5) GO TO #148 IF (#150 @ 2 AND #150 @ 4 AND #150 @ 5) GO TO #148 IF (#150 @ 3 AND #150 @ 4 AND #150 @ 5) GO TO #148 IF (#150 @ 6) GO TO #151 IF (#150 @ 1) GO TO #152

SKIP TO QUESTION 160 ======

151. ENTER OTHER SPECIES. SPSHELST 18:1-240 ______

______

IF (#150 @ 1) GO TO #152

SKIP TO QUESTION 160 ======

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 541

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 52

152. Are the oysters you keep to eat typically eaten at a personal or family oyster roast, a church or social organization's oyster roast, or are they used for another type of consumption? HWEATOYS 18:241 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 152) |__| 2. Personal or family oyster roast |__| 3. Church or social organization's oyster roast |__| 4. Other type of consumption (GO TO QUESTION 153) |__| 5. Don't know

SKIP TO QUESTION 154 ======

153. ENTER OTHER RESPONSE. EATOYSST 19:1-240 ______

______

154. Do you purchase oysters from seafood vendors? OYSVEND 19:241 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 154) |__| 2. Yes (GO TO QUESTION 155) |__| 3. No |__| 4. Don't know

SKIP TO QUESTION 158 ======

155. About how many bushels of oysters do you purchase from seafood vendors per year? (ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW) BSHOYS 19:242-244 |__|__|__| bushels

LOWEST VALUE = 0

IF (#155 = 0) GO TO #156 IF (#155 > 99) GO TO #157

SKIP TO QUESTION 158 ======

542 Responsive Management

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 53

156. DID YOU MEAN TO ENTER ZERO? ZERO8 19:245 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 156) |__| 2. Yes |__| 3. No (RETURN TO PREVIOUS QUESTION) (GO TO QUESTION 155)

SKIP TO QUESTION 158 ======

157. DID YOU MEAN TO ENTER #155? HICHEK8 19:246 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 157) |__| 2. Yes |__| 3. No (RETURN TO PREVIOUS QUESTION) (GO TO QUESTION 155)

158. Do you recycle your oyster shells at a SCDNR drop-off site for recycling? RECYCSHL 19:247 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 158) |__| 2. Yes (GO TO QUESTION 159) |__| 3. No |__| 4. Don't know

SKIP TO QUESTION 160 ======

159. Approximately what percentage of your oyster shells do you recycle? (ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW) PCTRECYC 19:248-250 |__|__|__| %

LOWEST VALUE = 1 HIGHEST VALUE = 100

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 543

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 54

160. In South Carolina, it is illegal to put Gulf Coast oysters or oyster shells into the waters of the state. Prior to this survey, how aware were you that Gulf Coast oyster shells should NOT be placed in South Carolina waters? GULFINSC 20:1 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 160) |__| 2. Very aware |__| 3. Somewhat aware |__| 4. Not at all aware |__| 5. Don't know

IF (#13 > 2) GO TO #183

161. RANDOMIZES QUESTIONS. RANDOM3 20:2 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Group 1 (GO TO QUESTION 162) |__| 2. Group 2

SKIP TO QUESTION 172 ======

162. How long, in terms of hours, do you usually travel one-way on the road for an OVERNIGHT TRIP for the primary purpose of SALTWATER fishing in South Carolina? (IF DOESN'T TAKE OVERNIGHT TRIPS: ENTER 99) (ENTER 77 FOR ANYTHING LESS THAN 1 HOUR) (ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW) HRSTRIP1 20:3-4 |__|__| hours

LOWEST VALUE = 1

IF (#162 > 9 AND (NOT (#162 = 77 OR #162 = 99))) GO TO #163

SKIP TO QUESTION 164 ======

163. DID YOU MEAN TO ENTER #162? HICHEK9 20:5 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 163) |__| 2. Yes |__| 3. No (RETURN TO PREVIOUS QUESTION) (GO TO QUESTION 162)

544 Responsive Management

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 55

164. How long, in terms of hours, do you usually travel one-way on the road for a DAY of SALTWATER fishing in South Carolina? (IF DOESN'T TAKE DAY TRIPS: ENTER 99) (ENTER 77 FOR ANYTHING LESS THAN 1 HOUR) (ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW) HRS1WAY 20:6-7 |__|__| hours

LOWEST VALUE = 1

IF (#164 > 9 AND (NOT (#164 = 77 OR #164 = 99))) GO TO #165

SKIP TO QUESTION 166 ======

165. DID YOU MEAN TO ENTER #164? HICHEK10 20:8 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 165) |__| 2. Yes |__| 3. No (RETURN TO PREVIOUS QUESTION) (GO TO QUESTION 164)

166. How many people go with you on a typical SALTWATER fishing trip in South Carolina? (ENTER 0 IF RESPONDENT FISHES ALONE; ENTER 1 IF RESPONDENT FISHES WITH 1 OTHER PERSON) (ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW) PEOPFISH 20:9-10 |__|__|

LOWEST VALUE = 0

IF (#166 = 0) GO TO #167 IF (#166 > 6) GO TO #168 IF (#107 > 2 AND #114 > 2 AND #123 > 2) GO TO #178

SKIP TO QUESTION 169 ======

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 545

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 56

167. DID YOU MEAN TO ENTER ZERO? THIS MEANS THAT THE RESPONDENT FISHED ALONE. ZERO11 20:11 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 167) |__| 2. Yes |__| 3. No (RETURN TO PREVIOUS QUESTION) (GO TO QUESTION 166)

SKIP TO QUESTION 169 ======

168. DID YOU MEAN TO ENTER #166? HICHEK11 20:12 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 168) |__| 2. Yes |__| 3. No (RETURN TO PREVIOUS QUESTION) (GO TO QUESTION 166)

169. How many people do you go with on a typical SHELLFISHING trip in South Carolina? (ENTER 0 IF RESPONDENT FISHES ALONE; ENTER 1 IF RESPONDENT SHELLFISHES WITH 1 OTHER PERSON) (ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW) PEOPSHLL 20:13-14 |__|__|

LOWEST VALUE = 0

IF (#169 = 0) GO TO #170 IF (#169 > 6) GO TO #171

SKIP TO QUESTION 178 ======

170. DID YOU MEAN TO ENTER ZERO? THIS MEANS THAT THE RESPONDENT FISHED ALONE. ZERO12 20:15 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 170) |__| 2. Yes |__| 3. No (RETURN TO PREVIOUS QUESTION) (GO TO QUESTION 169)

SKIP TO QUESTION 178 ======

546 Responsive Management

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171. DID YOU MEAN TO ENTER #169? HICHEK12 20:16 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 171) |__| 2. Yes |__| 3. No (RETURN TO PREVIOUS QUESTION) (GO TO QUESTION 169)

SKIP TO QUESTION 178 ======

172. How often would you say you SALTWATER fish during THE MORNING HOURS, that is 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.? MORNOFT 20:17 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 172) |__| 2. Always |__| 3. Often |__| 4. Sometimes |__| 5. Rarely |__| 6. Never |__| 7. Don't know

173. How about during MID-DAY HOURS, that is 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.? (How often would you say you saltwater fish during these hours?) MIDDYOFT 20:18 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 173) |__| 2. Always |__| 3. Often |__| 4. Sometimes |__| 5. Rarely |__| 6. Never |__| 7. Don't know

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 547

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 58

174. How about during THE AFTERNOON, that is 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.? (How often would you say you saltwater fish during these hours?) AFTROFT 20:19 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 174) |__| 2. Always |__| 3. Often |__| 4. Sometimes |__| 5. Rarely |__| 6. Never |__| 7. Don't know

175. How about during THE EVENING HOURS, that is 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.? (How often would you say you saltwater fish during these hours?) EVENOFT 20:20 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 175) |__| 2. Always |__| 3. Often |__| 4. Sometimes |__| 5. Rarely |__| 6. Never |__| 7. Don't know

176. How about during NIGHT HOURS, that is 8:00 p.m. to midnight? (How often would you say you saltwater fish during these hours?) NIGHTOFT 20:21 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 176) |__| 2. Always |__| 3. Often |__| 4. Sometimes |__| 5. Rarely |__| 6. Never |__| 7. Don't know

548 Responsive Management

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177. How often would you say your SALTWATER fishing lasts ALL DAY, that is from early morning hours to evening hours; for example, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.? ALLDAY 20:22 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 177) |__| 2. Always |__| 3. Often |__| 4. Sometimes |__| 5. Rarely |__| 6. Never |__| 7. Don't know

178. RANDOMIZES QUESTIONS. RANDOM9 20:23 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Group 1 (GO TO QUESTION 180) |__| 2. Group 2

SKIP TO QUESTION 209 ======

179. YOU DID NOT USE SPACE BAR. NOSPAC4 PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN.

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 549

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 60

180. In general, are there any things that take away from your SALTWATER fishing satisfaction or cause you not to fish as much as you would like in SALTWATER in South Carolina? (IF YES: What are they?) (DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) TKAWAY 20:24-39 (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

|__| 1. NO: Nothing takes away / I fish as often as I like |__| 2. Not enough time |__| 3. Too crowded |__| 4. Poor behavior of others |__| 5. Fish too small to keep |__| 6. No one to fish with |__| 7. Not enough fish (includes over-fishing, under-stocking) |__| 8. Not enough LARGE fish |__| 9. Difficulty catching fish |__| 10. Don't know where to go / Hard to find good location |__| 11. Quality of water / Pollution |__| 12. Costs (too expensive or more expensive) |__| 13. Don't like seasons (start / end date of seasons) |__| 14. No access or poor access to fishing areas |__| 15. Other |__| 16. Don't know

IF (#180 = 0) GO TO #179 IF (#180 @ 15) GO TO #181 IF (#180 @ 2) GO TO #186 IF (#180 @ 3) GO TO #189 IF (#180 @ 4) GO TO #192 IF (#180 @ 7) GO TO #201 IF (#180 @ 9) GO TO #198 IF (#180 @ 11) GO TO #204 IF (#180 @ 12) GO TO #207

SKIP TO QUESTION 210 ======

550 Responsive Management

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 61

181. ENTER OTHER RESPONSE. TKAWAYST 21:1-240 ______

______

IF (#180 @ 2) GO TO #186 IF (#180 @ 3) GO TO #189 IF (#180 @ 4) GO TO #192 IF (#180 @ 7) GO TO #201 IF (#180 @ 9) GO TO #198 IF (#180 @ 11) GO TO #204 IF (#180 @ 12) GO TO #207

SKIP TO QUESTION 210 ======

182. YOU DID NOT USE SPACE BAR. NOSPAC5 PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN.

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 551

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 62

183. You said you have not been saltwater fishing in South Carolina in the past 2 years. What are the main reasons you have not gone saltwater fishing in the past two years? (DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) REASNT 22:1-16 (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

|__| 1. I only buy a license to support the SCDNR / MRD |__| 2. Not enough time |__| 3. Too crowded |__| 4. Poor behavior of others |__| 5. Fish too small to keep |__| 6. No one to fish with |__| 7. Not enough fish (includes over-fishing, under-stocking) |__| 8. Not enough LARGE fish |__| 9. Difficulty catching fish |__| 10. Don't know where to go / Hard to find good location |__| 11. Quality of water / Pollution |__| 12. Costs (too expensive or more expensive) |__| 13. Don't like seasons (start / end date of seasons |__| 14. No access or poor access to fishing areas |__| 15. Other |__| 16. Don't know

IF (#183 = 0) GO TO #182 IF (#183 @ 15) GO TO #184 IF (#183 @ 2) GO TO #186 IF (#183 @ 3) GO TO #189 IF (#183 @ 4) GO TO #192 IF (#183 @ 9) GO TO #198 IF (#183 @ 7) GO TO #201 IF (#183 @ 11) GO TO #204 IF (#183 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#13 > 2) GO TO #223

SKIP TO QUESTION 210 ======

552 Responsive Management

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 63

184. ENTER OTHER RESPONSE. REASNTST 23:1-240 ______

______

IF (#183 @ 2) GO TO #186 IF (#183 @ 3) GO TO #189 IF (#183 @ 4) GO TO #192 IF (#183 @ 9) GO TO #198 IF (#183 @ 7) GO TO #201 IF (#183 @ 11) GO TO #204 IF (#183 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#13 > 2) GO TO #223

SKIP TO QUESTION 210 ======

185. YOU DID NOT USE SPACE BAR. NOSPAC6 PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN.

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 553

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 64

186. You said you do not have enough time to go SALTWATER fishing in South Carolina. What are the specific reasons you do not have enough time to go SALTWATER fishing? (DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) NOTIME 23:241-250 (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

|__| 1. Work |__| 2. Education / schoolwork-related (additional classes, etc.) |__| 3. Family obligations |__| 4. Other sports / hobbies |__| 5. Buying a license takes too much time |__| 6. Buying equipment takes too much time |__| 7. Too much time involved with a fishing trip |__| 8. No place nearby / Too much travel time |__| 9. Other |__| 10. Don't know

IF (#186 = 0) GO TO #185 IF (#186 @ 9) GO TO #187 IF (#180 @ 3) GO TO #189 IF (#183 @ 3) GO TO #189 IF (#180 @ 4) GO TO #192 IF (#183 @ 4) GO TO #192 IF (#180 @ 9) GO TO #198 IF (#183 @ 9) GO TO #198 IF (#180 @ 7) GO TO #201 IF (#183 @ 7) GO TO #201 IF (#180 @ 11) GO TO #204 IF (#183 @ 11) GO TO #204 IF (#180 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#183 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#13 > 2) GO TO #223

SKIP TO QUESTION 210 ======

554 Responsive Management

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 65

187. ENTER OTHER REASONS FOR LACK OF TIME. NOTIMEST 24:1-240 ______

______

IF (#180 @ 3) GO TO #189 IF (#183 @ 3) GO TO #189 IF (#180 @ 4) GO TO #192 IF (#183 @ 4) GO TO #192 IF (#180 @ 9) GO TO #198 IF (#183 @ 9) GO TO #198 IF (#180 @ 7) GO TO #201 IF (#183 @ 7) GO TO #201 IF (#180 @ 11) GO TO #204 IF (#183 @ 11) GO TO #204 IF (#180 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#183 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#13 > 2) GO TO #223

SKIP TO QUESTION 210 ======

188. YOU DID NOT USE SPACE BAR. NOSPAC7 PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN.

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 555

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 66

189. You said crowding was an issue in regards to your SALTWATER fishing activity in South Carolina. What, specifically, are the problems regarding crowding? (DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) CROWDS 24:241-250 (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

|__| 1. Too crowded in general |__| 2. Boats (not including jet skis) |__| 3. Jet skis |__| 4. SCUBA divers |__| 5. Anglers |__| 6. At boat ramps |__| 7. Commercial anglers |__| 8. Commercial vessels (Oil barges / Transporters) |__| 9. Other |__| 10. Don't know

IF (#189 = 0) GO TO #188 IF (#189 @ 9) GO TO #190 IF (#180 @ 4) GO TO #192 IF (#183 @ 4) GO TO #192 IF (#180 @ 9) GO TO #198 IF (#183 @ 9) GO TO #198 IF (#180 @ 7) GO TO #201 IF (#183 @ 7) GO TO #201 IF (#180 @ 11) GO TO #204 IF (#183 @ 11) GO TO #204 IF (#180 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#183 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#13 > 2) GO TO #223

SKIP TO QUESTION 210 ======

556 Responsive Management

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 67

190. ENTER OTHER PROBLEMS WITH CROWDING. CROWDSST 25:1-240 ______

______

IF (#180 @ 4) GO TO #192 IF (#183 @ 4) GO TO #192 IF (#180 @ 9) GO TO #198 IF (#183 @ 9) GO TO #198 IF (#180 @ 7) GO TO #201 IF (#183 @ 7) GO TO #201 IF (#180 @ 11) GO TO #204 IF (#183 @ 11) GO TO #204 IF (#180 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#183 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#13 > 2) GO TO #223

SKIP TO QUESTION 210 ======

191. YOU DID NOT USE SPACE BAR. NOSPAC8 PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN.

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 557

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 68

192. You said poor behavior of others was an issue in regards to your SALTWATER fishing activity in South Carolina. Who were these people? (DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) WHBEHV 26:1-15 (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

|__| 1. Other anglers |__| 2. Commercial anglers |__| 3. Commercial fishing gear |__| 4. Boaters, excluding jet skiers |__| 5. Jet skiers |__| 6. Hunters |__| 7. Wildlife viewers |__| 8. Landowners |__| 9. People four-wheeling / ORV / Off-road vehicles |__| 10. Mountain bikers |__| 11. Hikers |__| 12. Campers |__| 13. Swimmers |__| 14. Other |__| 15. Don't know

IF (#192 = 0) GO TO #191 IF (#192 @ 14) GO TO #193

SKIP TO QUESTION 195 ======

193. ENTER OTHER RESPONSE. WHBEHVST 27:1-240 ______

______

SKIP TO QUESTION 195 ======

194. YOU DID NOT USE SPACE BAR. NOSPAC9 PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN.

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195. What type of behavior were these people exhibiting? (DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) TPBEHV 27:241-247 (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

|__| 1. Rude behavior |__| 2. Operating motorized watercraft too fast |__| 3. Littering |__| 4. Loud/scaring away fish |__| 5. Destroying shoreline |__| 6. Other |__| 7. Don't know

IF (#195 = 0) GO TO #194 IF (#195 @ 6) GO TO #196 IF (#180 @ 9) GO TO #198 IF (#183 @ 9) GO TO #198 IF (#180 @ 7) GO TO #201 IF (#183 @ 7) GO TO #201 IF (#180 @ 11) GO TO #204 IF (#183 @ 11) GO TO #204 IF (#180 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#183 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#13 > 2) GO TO #223

SKIP TO QUESTION 210 ======

196. ENTER OTHER TYPE OF BEHAVIOR. TPBEHVST 28:1-240 ______

______

IF (#180 @ 9) GO TO #198 IF (#183 @ 9) GO TO #198 IF (#180 @ 7) GO TO #201 IF (#183 @ 7) GO TO #201 IF (#180 @ 11) GO TO #204 IF (#183 @ 11) GO TO #204 IF (#180 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#183 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#13 > 2) GO TO #223

SKIP TO QUESTION 210 ======

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197. YOU DID NOT USE SPACE BAR. NOSPAC99 PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN.

198. You mentioned that the difficulty of catching fish was an issue in regards to your SALTWATER fishing activity in South Carolina. Specifically, what do you feel are the reasons for the difficulty of catching fish? DIFFCT 28:241-247 (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

|__| 1. Not enough fish (includes over-fishing, under-stocking) |__| 2. Fish not biting |__| 3. Fish too hard to catch |__| 4. Did not know how |__| 5. Did not know where to go |__| 6. Other |__| 7. Don't know

IF (#195 = 0) GO TO #194 IF (#198 @ 6) GO TO #199 IF (#198 @ 1) GO TO #201 IF (#180 @ 7) GO TO #201 IF (#183 @ 7) GO TO #201 IF (#180 @ 11) GO TO #204 IF (#183 @ 11) GO TO #204 IF (#180 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#183 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#13 > 2) GO TO #223

SKIP TO QUESTION 210 ======

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199. ENTER OTHER REASONS FOR DIFFICULTY OF CATCHING FISH. DIFFCTST 29:1-240 ______

______

IF (#198 @ 1) GO TO #201 IF (#180 @ 7) GO TO #201 IF (#183 @ 7) GO TO #201 IF (#180 @ 11) GO TO #204 IF (#183 @ 11) GO TO #204 IF (#180 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#183 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#13 > 2) GO TO #223

SKIP TO QUESTION 210 ======

200. YOU DID NOT USE SPACE BAR. NOSPAC10 PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN.

201. You mentioned that lack of enough fish was an issue in regards to your SALTWATER fishing activity in South Carolina. Specifically, what do you feel are the reasons why there are not enough fish? (DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) NTENUF 29:241-246 (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

|__| 1. Too much commercial fishing |__| 2. Too much sport fishing |__| 3. Over-fishing in general |__| 4. Under-stocking of fish |__| 5. Other |__| 6. Don't know

IF (#201 = 0) GO TO #200 IF (#201 @ 5) GO TO #202 IF (#180 @ 11) GO TO #204 IF (#183 @ 11) GO TO #204 IF (#180 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#183 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#13 > 2) GO TO #223

SKIP TO QUESTION 210 ======

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 561

SOUTH CAROLINA SALTWATER SURVEY Page 72

202. ENTER OTHER REASONS FOR LACK OF ENOUGH FISH. NTENUFST 30:1-240 ______

______

IF (#180 @ 11) GO TO #204 IF (#183 @ 11) GO TO #204 IF (#180 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#183 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#13 > 2) GO TO #223

SKIP TO QUESTION 210 ======

203. YOU DID NOT USE SPACE BAR. NOSPAC11 PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN.

204. You said that the quality of water or pollution was an issue in regards to your SALTWATER fishing activity in South Carolina. Specifically, what are the problems regarding the quality of water or pollution? (DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) H2OQLT 30:241-248 (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

|__| 1. Too much vegetation in water |__| 2. Muddy water |__| 3. Litter in water |__| 4. Litter on land |__| 5. Quality of water / pollution in general |__| 6. Quality of fish / bad for fish / sick fish |__| 7. Other |__| 8. Don't know

IF (#204 = 0) GO TO #203 IF (#204 @ 7) GO TO #205 IF (#180 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#183 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#13 > 2) GO TO #223

SKIP TO QUESTION 210 ======

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205. ENTER OTHER PROBLEMS WITH QUALITY OF WATER OR POLLUTION. H2OQLTST 31:1-240 ______

______

IF (#180 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#183 @ 12) GO TO #207 IF (#13 > 2) GO TO #223

SKIP TO QUESTION 210 ======

206. YOU DID NOT USE SPACE BAR. NOSPAC12 PRESS ENTER TO TRY AGAIN.

207. You said that costs were an issue in regards to your SALTWATER fishing activity in South Carolina. What, specifically, are the problems relating to costs? (DNR LIST; CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) COSTS 31:241-246 (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

|__| 1. Equipment is too expensive (e.g., bait, boat launch) |__| 2. Licenses are too expensive |__| 3. Start-up costs are too high |__| 4. Fishing is too expensive in general |__| 5. Other |__| 6. Don't know

IF (#207 = 0) GO TO #206 IF (#207 @ 5) GO TO #208 IF (#13 > 2) GO TO #223

SKIP TO QUESTION 210 ======

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 563

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208. ENTER OTHER PROBLEMS RELATING TO COSTS. COSTSST 32:1-240 ______

______

IF (#13 > 2) GO TO #223

SKIP TO QUESTION 210 ======

209. Overall, do you think that SALTWATER SHORELINE ACCESS in South Carolina is excellent, good, fair, or poor? RATEACC 32:241 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 209) |__| 2. Excellent |__| 3. Good |__| 4. Fair |__| 5. Poor |__| 6. Don't know

210. RANDOMIZES QUESTIONS. ACCRAN 32:242 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. rmprate1 (GO TO QUESTION 211) |__| 2. pierrt1 (GO TO QUESTION 213) |__| 3. parking (GO TO QUESTION 215)

211. Would you say the NUMBER AND SIZE OF BOAT RAMPS at places where you SALTWATER fish in South Carolina are excellent, good, fair, or poor? RMPRATE1 32:243 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 211) |__| 2. Excellent |__| 3. Good |__| 4. Fair |__| 5. Poor |__| 6. Don't know

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212. How would you rate the MAINTENANCE OF THE PUBLIC BOAT RAMPS in the area where you SALTWATER fish most often in South Carolina? RMPRATE2 32:244 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 212) |__| 2. Excellent |__| 3. Good |__| 4. Fair |__| 5. Poor |__| 6. Don't know

IF (#178 = 2) GO TO #216

SKIP TO QUESTION 218 ======

213. Would you say the NUMBER AND SIZE OF FISHING PIERS at places where you SALTWATER fish are excellent, good, fair, or poor, or are there no piers in the area? PIERRT1 32:245 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 213) |__| 2. Excellent |__| 3. Good |__| 4. Fair |__| 5. Poor |__| 6. No piers in the area |__| 7. Don't know

214. How would you rate the MAINTENANCE OF THE PIERS in the area where you SALTWATER fish most often? Would you say it is excellent, good, fair, or poor? PIERRT2 32:246 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 214) |__| 2. Excellent |__| 3. Good |__| 4. Fair |__| 5. Poor |__| 6. Don't know

IF (#178 = 2) GO TO #216

SKIP TO QUESTION 218 ======

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 565

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215. How often would you say you have had problems with finding available PARKING at boat launch facilities in the area where you launch from to SALTWATER fish most often? PARKING 32:247 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 215) |__| 2. Always |__| 3. Often |__| 4. Sometimes |__| 5. Rarely |__| 6. Never |__| 7. Don't know

IF (#178 = 2) GO TO #216

SKIP TO QUESTION 218 ======

216. The state agency responsible for managing and conserving fish and wildlife in South Carolina is the SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES. Within the Department, the MARINE RESOURCES DIVISION is responsible for managing SALTWATER fisheries. Before this survey, would you say you knew a great deal, a moderate amount, a little, or nothing about the activities of the MARINE RESOURCES DIVISION? KNWDNR 32:248 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 216) |__| 2. Great deal |__| 3. Moderate amount |__| 4. A little |__| 5. Nothing |__| 6. Don't know

217. Overall, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the MARINE RESOURCES DIVISION as a division of a governmental agency in South Carolina, or do you not know? MARINEDV 32:249 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 217) |__| 2. Very satisfied |__| 3. Somewhat satisfied |__| 4. Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied |__| 5. Somewhat dissatisfied |__| 6. Very dissatisfied |__| 7. Don't know

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218. RANDMIZES RATINGS QUESTIONS. RATERAN 32:250 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. marineop (GO TO QUESTION 219) |__| 2. marinein (GO TO QUESTION 220) |__| 3. marinemg (GO TO QUESTION 221) |__| 4. marinecv (GO TO QUESTION 222)

SKIP TO QUESTION 223 ======

219. In general, how would you rate the MARINE RESOURCES DIVISION's efforts to provide SALTWATER FISHING OPPORTUNITIES? Would you say they do an excellent, good, fair, or poor job? MARINEOP 33:1 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 219) |__| 2. Excellent |__| 3. Good |__| 4. Fair |__| 5. Poor |__| 6. Don't know

IF (#218 = 4) GO TO #223

220. How would you rate the MARINE RESOURCES DIVISION's efforts to inform the public about SALTWATER FISHING LAWS AND REGULATIONS? Would you say they do an excellent, good, fair, or poor job? MARINEIN 33:2 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 220) |__| 2. Excellent |__| 3. Good |__| 4. Fair |__| 5. Poor |__| 6. Don't know

IF (#218 = 1) GO TO #223

South Carolina Saltwater Angler Report 567

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221. How would you rate the MARINE RESOURCES DIVISION'S MANAGEMENT OF THE SALTWATER FISHERIES RESOURCES in South Carolina? Would you say they do an excellent, good, fair, or poor job? MARINEMG 33:3 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 221) |__| 2. Excellent |__| 3. Good |__| 4. Fair |__| 5. Poor |__| 6. Don't know

IF (#218 = 2) GO TO #223

222. How would you rate the MARINE RESOURCES DIVISION's efforts to inform the public about FISHERIES CONSERVATION and WAYS THAT THE PUBLIC CAN HELP WITH FISHERIES CONSERVATION in South Carolina? Would you say they do an excellent, good, fair, or poor job? MARINECV 33:4 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. Invalid answer. Select another. (GO TO QUESTION 222) |__| 2. Excellent |__| 3. Good |__| 4. Fair |__| 5. Poor |__| 6. Don't know

IF (#218 = 3) GO TO #223

SKIP TO QUESTION 219 ======

223. The MARINE RESOURCES DIVISION uses its time, money, and personnel to support a variety of SALTWATER fishing-related opportunities and programs. I am going to list some of these programs, and I would like to know how important you think each one SHOULD BE for the Division on a scale of 0 to 10 where 0 is not at all important and 10 is extremely important. PRGINT PRESS ENTER TO CONTINUE.

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224. RANDOMIZES STARTING ORDER. PRGRAN 33:5-6 (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

|__| 1. oppprg (GO TO QUESTION 225) |__| 2. enfprg (GO TO QUESTION 226) |__| 3. stockprg (GO TO QUESTION 227) |__| 4. natvprg (GO TO QUESTION 228) |__| 5. accprg (GO TO QUESTION 229) |__| 6. hatchprg (GO TO QUESTION 230) |__| 7. pubshprg (GO TO QUESTION 231) |__| 8. stshprg (GO TO QUESTION 232) |__| 9. fishrprg (GO TO QUESTION 233) |__| 10. acqpbprg (GO TO QUESTION 234) |__| 11. acqmsprg (GO TO QUESTION 235) |__| 12. fntagprg (GO TO QUESTION 236) |__| 13. kidsprg (GO TO QUESTION 237) |__| 14. adultprg (GO TO QUESTION 238) |__| 15. recycprg (GO TO QUESTION 239) |__| 16. impqlprg (GO TO QUESTION 240)

SKIP TO QUESTION 241 ======

225. What about providing OPPORTUNITIES FOR CATCHING LOTS OF SALTWATER FISH? (How important or unimportant do you think this should be for the Division?) (0 = Not at all important; 10 = Extremely important) (ENTER ? FOR DON'T KNOW) OPPPRG 33:7-8 |__|__|