Columbia, S.C. – By a vote of 39-1, the South Carolina Senate took decisive action this week to
advance important recovery measures relating to red drum, one of South Carolina’s most iconic
recreational inshore species. The legislation, S.961 by Sen. Chip Campsen of Charleston, calls for size and creel limit adjustments to the popular finfish, with a reduction from two fish to one per person.
Additionally, it adjusts the daily limit per boat to two and the size limit to 18-25 inches.

The proposal comes in response to the most recent stock assessments by both the South Carolina
Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
(ASMFC) that indicates the species is being overfished and that overfishing is occurring; two very distinct and disturbing classifications in fisheries management. The legislation has the support of Coastal
Conservation Association South Carolina.

“We appreciate the quick action taken by the Senate regarding red drum stewardship this week” said
Tombo Milliken, CCA SC Government Relations committee chairman. “Red drum occupy a special place
for South Carolina anglers and it is reassuring to know that our elected officials are recognizing the need to act now to bring about a recovery of this important species.”

The legislation now moves to the South Carolina House of Representatives for further consideration.
“We encourage the members of the House to support this piece of marine conservation that has at its
core, the restoration and proliferation of this immensely popular gamefish” said Scott Whitaker, CCA SC
executive director.