Regional Flounder Numbers Fall Flat - S.C. Anglers To Take Survey

Southern flounder are commonly found in S.C.

The future of flounder fishing is looking flimsy according to a newly completed study. Earlier this year a comprehensive assessment of flounder numbers across N.C., S.C., Georgia and northern Florida ended with alarm bells ringing. Flounder are being found in historically low numbers, and it is likely that decades of overfishing for this popular resource is to blame. Changes in flounder fishing season dates, bag limits and size restrictions are likely coming soon, and SCDNR is asking all anglers to take an online survey concerning the state of the flatfish.

            

A common theme in saltwater fishing seems to be stress on these natural resources due to its popularity. There is more commercial fishing, more charter fishing and more recreational fishing than ever, and the natural resources are not able to remain sustainable without proactive regulation. Readers of the Colletonian recall that in 2017, SCDNR approved changes in decreased flounder limits as a path towards flounder recovery. The outlook for success wasn’t rosy but it seemed plausible. The 2019 flounder stock assessment findings are in stark contrast to that earlier optimism.

            

Biologists with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources out of the Fort Johnson Marine Lab have two long-term data sets on inshore fisheries to harvest flounder data from. Their electrofishing surveys and trammel net surveys both show the S.C. flounder numbers are the lowest they have been since these studies began in 1990. These studies catch fish for size measurements and DNA samples, before releasing the fish back into the estuary. Over time this creates a snapshot of the health of the fishery.

To view the entire feature article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.

To view past blog entries about saltwater conservation click on 2019 Cobia Migration Via Satellite -  2018 Trout / Cold Concerns - 2017 Flounder Regulations - 2014 Oyster Recycling - 2013 Tarpon Law