South Carolina. Fishing industry suffers as drought worsens in Beaufort County

When Larry Toomer hauled in 60 crab traps Tuesday, it was another reminder of how bad the winter fishing season has been. The owner of the Bluffton Oyster Co. caught about 150 blue crabs — only two bushels. Last year, he pulled up 20 to 30 bushels a day. Now? “We’re barely breaking even.” Drought is making the seawater saltier and driving many crabs too far up freshwater rivers and creeks to catch legally, Toomer said. Read more here

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