The Atlantic Sturgeon Fishery in South Carolina

The fishery for Atlantic sturgeon, Acipenser oxyrhynchus, in South Carolina has undergone a dramatic decline since the turn of the century. Nevertheless, in 1976, South Carolina accounted for 55% of the total United States landings (Maine-Louisiana) for this species. Fishing is seasonal with most effort expended during March-May. The Winyah Bay system near Georgetown supports the primary fishing activity in the state. Major products are the flesh and roe (caviar) with the estimated total value of the caviar now greater than that of the flesh. The current fishing gear consisting of anchored gill nets with 30.5-45.7 cm stretch mesh is selective for the females. Sex ratios during the 1978-1982 fisheries averaged 1:2.8 (male : female) and, on a weight basis, females comprised 83% of the landings. Average size of the males caught in 1978-1982 was 158 cm long (fork length) and weighed 41.2 kg, while that of the females was 188 cm and 71.8 kg. Similarly, average estimated age of the females was 16.0 years; for males, 13.3 years. During recent years, fishing effort has substantially increased without a concomitant increase in landings. The fate of this fishery in South Carolina is not clear but it appears likely that intensive fishing effort will adversely affect local populations of these long-lived fish. Future research activities and management considerations are discussed.