Update from SCDNR
An update on cold weather impacts on coastal fish
2/12/20251 min read
From SCDNR
An update on cold weather impacts on coastal fish:
Our biologists have been keeping tabs on the effects of January's cold weather on local fish populations. The good news is that while we have seen evidence of fish kills in shallow, closed systems like saltwater impoundments, we have not seen evidence of large-scale kills where fish had access to warmer, deeper water.
It can be difficult to fully account for all losses right after cold winter events -- so our biologists will continue monitoring populations through our standardized surveys over the next several months.
In the meantime, if you are interested in taking action to benefit local fish populations, consider participating in Release over 20, a nonprofit that stresses setting your own fish limits and protecting the spawning fish that are most valuable in maintaining a sustainable fishery. You can find more information at https://releaseover20.org/.