[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]




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                         1993





                                                                   A Field Guide to the
                                                              Identification of Marine Species
                                                        Regulated in South Carolina Coastal Waters






                                                                      Charles J. Moore
                                                                 Finfish Management Program
                                                               Office of Fisheries Management
                                                                  Marine Resources Division
                                                    South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department




                                                                          May 1, 1993

                                                This guide is produced in cooperation and with the support of the
                                                            Division of Law Enforcement and Boating
                                                                                           
                                                                     Property of CSC Library


                                                                 Illustrations by Duane Raver, Jr.
                                                                 Some illustrations excerpted from
                                                    Fisherman's Guide: Fishes of the Southeasten United States
                                                    by Charles S. Manooch, III, illustrated by Duane Raver. Jr.,
                                                                           published by the
                                                           North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences.
                                                          
                                                          US Department Of Commerce
                                                          NOAA Coastal Services Center Library
                                                          2234 South Hobson Avenue
                                                          Charleston, SC 29405-2413







                                                                       Acknowledgments


                                       Most of the species descriptions and line drawings appearing in this guide have been taken
                                    from the AFO SPECIES IDENTIFICATION SHEETS FOR FISHERIES PURPOSES, edited
                                    by W. Fischer (1978, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). Color plates
                                    have been reproduced with the permission of Mr. Duane Raver, Jr. The following individuals
                                    provided information concerning; state and federal laws, Mel Bell; telephone numbers for key
                                    coastal fisheries contacts, Wayne Hall; measurements of marine species, Kay VanSant. Ed
                                    Joseph, Henry Garbade, Don Hammond, Ginnie Martin and Bryan Stone (SCWMRD) and
                                    Greg Waugh and Carrie Knight of the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council provided
                                    much input concerning the contents and review of this guide. Special thanks is extended to
                                    these individuals and to Charles Bearden and David Cupka for their guidance and critical
                                    review. Karen Swanson prepared the manuscript in camera ready format.



                                                                            Dedication


                                       'Ibis guide is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Edwin B. Joseph (1929-1993) a leader in
                                    marine fisheries policy, research, management and conservation in the southeastern United
                                    States for more than thirty-five years.







                                                                                                                                           Contents


                                                              Introduction       ................................................................ .............................................................................................. 3


                                                              Telephone numbers of agencies and key contacts for South Carohna coastal fisheries and
                                                                            environmental matters          ................................................................................................................................. 4

                                                              Identifying and measuring marine species                 ................................................................................................................... 5

                                                              Common. and sciendfic names of marine species                     ....................................................................................................... I I

                                                                                                                                    Identification                                Color                        Regulation
                                                                                                                                           sheet                                  plate                   synopsis & codes
                                                              Horseshoe crabs        .........................................................................I ................................................................... 81
                                                                            Horseshoe crab            ................................................ 15
                                                              Lobsters      ......................................................................................................................................................... 81
                                                                            Spiny lobster             ................................................... 16
                                                              Shrimps       ......................................................................................................................................................... 81
                                                                            White shrimp              ................................................... 17
                                                                            Brown shrimp              .................................................. 18
                                                                            Pink shrimp               ..................................................... 19
                                                                            Pacific white shrimp      ........................................ 20
                                                              Crabs         ......................................................................................................................................................... 82
                                                                            Blue crab                 ........................................................ 21
                                                                            Stone crab                ....................................................... 22
                                                              Clams         ....................................................  .................................................................................................... 82
                                                                            Hard clams                ...................................................... 23
                                                              Oysters       ......................................................................................................................................................... 83
                                                                            American oyster           .............................................. 24
                                                              Conchs & Whelks                         .......................................................................................................................................... 83
                                                                            Knobbed whelk             ................................................ 25
                                                                            Channeled whelk           ............................................. 26
                                                              Sea Turtles       .................................................................................................................................................... 83
                                                                            Atlantic loggerhead       .......................................... 27
                                                                            Atlantic green sea        ............................................ 28
                                                                            Atlantic hawksbill        ............................................ 29
                                                                            Atlantic ridley           ................................................. 30
                                                                            Atlantic leatherback      ......................................... 31
                                                              Teff apins;   ............................................................................................................ . ......................................... 83
                                                                            Diamondback terrapin          ..................................... 32
                                                              Fish          ......................................................................................................................................................... 83
                                                                   Sturgeons       ................................................................................................................................................ 84
                                                                            Shortnose sturgeon        .......................................... 33 .................................I
                                                                            Atlantic sturgeon         ............................................. 34 .................................I
                                                                   Tarpons      ................................................................................................................................................... 84
                                                                            Tarpon   ............................................................ 35 ................................ In
                                                                   Herrings     ...........................  ...................................................................................................................... 84
                                                                            Hickory shad              ...............................- .................. 36 ................................U
                                                                            American shad             .... ............................................ 37 ................................H
                                                                            Blueback herring          ............................................. 38 ................................ II
                                                                   Temperate Basses                   .................................................................................................................................... 85
                                                                            Wreckfish                 ........................................................ 39 .............................. ME
                                                                            Striped bass              ..................................................... 40 .................................I
                                                                   Sea basses       ............................................................................................................................................... 85
                                                                            Bank sea bass             .................................................. 41 ................................ VI


                                                                                                                                                1







                                                                                                    Identification                           Color                            Regulation
                                                                                                           sheet                             plate                        synopsis & codes
                                         Rock sea bass            .................................................. 42 ............................... VI
                                         Black sea bass           ................................................. 43 ............................... VI
                                         Speckled hind            .................................................. 44 ................................X
                                         Yellowedge grouper           ............  ............................ 45 ............................... XH
                                         Jewhsh                   ............................................................ 46 ...................  .......... XIII
                                         Red grouper              ..................................................... 47 ............................... XI
                                         Warsaw grouper           .............................................. 48 ............................... X11
                                         Snowy grouper            ................................................ 49 ............................... XH
                                         Nassau grouper           ............................................... 50 ............................... XI
                                         Gag                      ................................................................. 51 ............................... )a
                                         Scamp                    ............................................................. 52 .............................. XIH
                                    Tilefishes                    ................................................................................................................................................ 87
                                         Blueline tilefish        ................................................ 53 ................................X
                                         Tilefish                 ............................................................ 54 ................................X
                                    Bluelishes                    ............................................................................................................................................... 87
                                         Bluefish                 ........................................................... 55 .........- ..................... In
                                    Cobias                        ................................................................. .................................................................................. 87
                                         Cobia                    .............................................................. 56 ................................ III
                                    lacks                         ...................................................................................................................................................... 87
                                         Greater amberjack           ........................................... 57 .............................. XVI
                                    Snappers                      ................................................................................................................................................. 88
                                         Red snapper              ..................................................... 58 .............................. VIII
                                         Cubera snapper           ............................................... 59 ............................... IX
                                         Gray snapper             ................................................... 60 ............................... IX
                                         Silk snapper             ..................................................... 61 .............................. VIII
                                         Vermilion snapper           ........................................... 62 .............................. vin
                                    Porgies                       ................................................................................................................................................... 89
                                         Sheepshead               ...................................................... 63 ............................... vH
                                         Knobbed porgy            ................................................ (A ............................... VII
                                         Red porgy                ........................................................ 65 ............................... IX
                                         Scup                     ................................................................ 66 ............................... VII
                                    Drums                         .................................................................................................................................................... 90
                                         Spotted seatrout         ............................................... 67 ................................V
                                         Red drum                 ........................................................ 68 ............................... IV
                                    Wrasses                       .................................................................................................................................................. 90
                                         Hogfish                  ........................................................... 69 .............................. XVI
                                    Mackerels                     ............................................................................................................................................... 90
                                         King mackerel            ................................................. 70 ................................V
                                         Spanish mackerel         ............................................. 71 ................................V
                                         Bluefin am               ..................................................... 72 .............................. XIV
                                    Swordfishes                   ............................................................................................................................................ 90
                                         Swordfish                ........................................................ 73 .............................. XIV
                                    Billfishes                    ................................................................................................................................................ 90
                                         Sailfish..               ...       .............................  ... 74 -..........                )UV
                                         Blue marlin              ...................................................... 75 ............................... Xv
                                         White marlin             .................. ........ --  ................... 76 ............................... X-V
                                         Longbill spearfish       ............................................ 77 ............................... XV
                                    Lefteyed flounders            .................................................................................................................................. 91
                                         Summer flounder          ............................................. 78 ............................... IV
                                         Southern flounder        ............................................ 79 ............................... IV
                                    Uathedackets                  ......................................................................................................................................... 91
                                         Gray triggerfish         ............................................... 80 .............................. XVI
                             Federal and State Fisheries Regulations                 ......................................................................................................... 81
                              Federal and State Size and Daily Catch Limits (Summary)                           ............................................................................. 92

                                                                                                                2






                                                                              Introduction
                                                                      (HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE)

                                             Many species occurring in South Carolina's coastal waters, or which are landed at
                                     South Carolina ports, are protected by either State and/or Federal laws. Law enforcement
                                     officers, resource users and others need a means of quickly identifying marine fish, shellfish
                                     and other marine animals which are regulated. This guide provides a quick reference, through
                                     color panels, line drawings and written descriptions, to the identification of these animals and
                                     to the laws and regulations which protect them.

                                             Currently there are 108 marine species, not including marine mammals or sharks, oc-
                                     curring in the South Atlantic region which are regulated by either South Carolina or Federal
                                     laws. Individual treatments for 66 species commonly encountered and/or landed by recre-
                                     ational and commercial fishermen in South Carolina marine waters have been included in this
                                     guide.

                                             Species's identification sheets contained in this guide provide only the most important
                                     identifying characters of that species. Those appearing in bold print are keyed by arrows to
                                     the line drawing of that species. Information concerning fish and shellfish identification tech-
                                     niques, common fishery terms and descriptions and drawings utilized in species identification
                                     are also provided.

                                             Current fishery regulations pertaining to South Carolina marine resources are provided
                                     in outline form by species, providing a quick reference to pertinent federal statues, regional
                                     fishery management plans and State codes. A list of telephone numbers of key contacts within
                                     State and Federal agencies dealing with coastal and marine fisheries issues is also provided.

                                             To remain useful, this guide will continually require updating. As new South Carolina
                                     and Federal fishery laws are enacted and existing regulations modified new identification
                                     sheets will be required and existing ones updated. To felicitate these additions and modifica-
                                     tion this guide is being provided in a loose-leaf binder.

                                             Suggestions and comments concerning how this guide could be made more useful to
                                     the user would be most appreciated. Mail these to:
                                                                             Charles J. Moore
                                                                       Finfish Management Program
                                                             S.C. Wildlife and Marine Resources Department
                                                                              P.O. Box 12559
                                                                 Charleston, South Carolina 29422-2559





                                                                                      3







                                                                         Telephone Numbers of Agencies and Key Contacts for
                                                              South Carolina Coastal Fisheries and Environmental Matters



                                 SCWMRD
                                     General
                                            Exec. Director, James A. Timmerman                 ........................................................................................................... 734-4007
                                                        Asst. Director, Larry Cartee          ............................................................................................................. 734-4008
                                            Marine Resources Division Director, Dr. Paul A. Sandifer                      ........................................................................... 762-5042
                                                        Asst. Director, John Miglarese           ......................................................................................................... 762-5058
                                            Office of Fisheries Management
                                                        Director, Charlie Bearden          ................................................................................................................ 762-5061
                                                        Asst. Director, David Cupka            ............................................................................................................ 762-5010
                                                                         Finfish ........................................................................ Charles Moore ............................ 762-5037
                                                                         Shellfish ....................................................................... Skipper Keith ............................ 762-5029
                                                                         Shrimp and Crabs     ..................................................... David VAiitaker .......................... -762-5052
                                                                         Statistics ..............................................................................  BobLow ............................ 762-5095
                                                                         Envirorunental Concerns       .................................................. Rob Dunlap ............................ 762-5067
                                                                         Permits ......................................................................... Dale Theiling ............................ 762-5079
                                                                         Licenses ........................................................................... Joe Carson ............................ 762-5049


                                            Regional Biologists
                                                        Horiy/Georgetown Co          . ....................................................................... Dean Cain ............................ 546-8523
                                                        Beaufort Co...      ................ .............. ....................... ...................... .. Charlie Zemp ....  ....... ....... 524-9041
                                            Law Enforcement Offices
                                                        Georgetown Co       . ..............................................................................................................................
                                                        Charleston Co       . ................................................................................................................................. 762-5013
                                                        Beaufort Co      . ..................................................................................................: ..... **"******"**  .... -* ....... 524-9190
                                            Boat Titling Office          ..................................................................................... Gail Jennings ............................ 762-5056
                                            Endangered Species           .................................................................................... Sally Murphy ............................ 762-5015
                                                                         ......I......................................................................... Pris Massenburg ............................ 762-5030
                                                                         Strandings  ............................................................................................................ 1(800)922-5431
                                 South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council
                                            Exec. Director, Bob Mahood, Charleston, SC                   ............................................................................................... 571-4366


                                 Department of Health and Environmental Control
                                     Fish kills, oil spills, etc., Charleston , SC         .........................................................................  ..................................... 544-5533
                                     Hotline (Columbia, SC 24 hours)               ........................................................................................................................ -253-6488


                                 National Marine Fisheries Service
                                     Southeast Fisheries Center, Charleston, SC                ............................................................................................................ 762-1200
                                     Southeast Regional Office, St. Petersburg, Fla              . ............................................................................................. (813)893-3141
                                            Fisheries Agent, Susan Montero, St. Petersburg, Fla                 . ........................................................................... (813)536-5610


                                 U.S. Coast Guard
                                     General (navigation buoys, spills, etc.), Charleston, SC                 ......................................................................................... 724-7616
                                     Marine Safety Office, Charleston, SC              .................................................................................................................... 724-7690
                                            Savannah, Ga      . ....................................................................................................................................... (912)944-4347
                                            Georgetown, SC         ............................................................................................................................................. 546-2742
                                     Ocean Aids to Navigation, Miami, Fla              . ......................................................................................................... (305)536-5621
                                     Legal Office, Miami, Fla            . .............................................................................................................................. (305)536-5610

                                 Army Corps of Engineers
                                     Regulatory Branch, Charleston, SC               ........................................................................................................................ 724-4302
                                     Obstructions to Navigation          ..................................................................................................................................... 724-4330
                                     Permits     ................................................................................................................................................................... 724-4330


                                                                                                                  4






                                                             Identifying and Measuring Marine Species

                                       The following is a pictorial guide to identifying the major groups of marine animals contained in this
                                    guide. Primary body parts used in separating the species within these groups and measurements utilized in
                                    setting size limits by fishery regulations are depicted.



                                    Horseshoe crabs (one species)










                                    Lobsters (one species)



                                                                                        TAIL LENGTH        CAKA04CE LEW.TW












                                    Crabs (two species)


                                                                                   Forearm length




                                                                                                Abdomen






                                       Width (tip to tip)                                             Mature male (top) can be
                                                                                                      distinguished from female
                                                                                                      (bottom) by the shape of
                                                                                                          the abdomen.






                                                                                  5






                            Shrimp (four species)                                T--,





                                                      While or Pacific White                                      Brown or Pink






                                                       the groove stops here                             the groove goes all the way back

                                          If shrimp is headed, look for a groove near top of the section just before end of tail:

                                           Pacific White            White Shrimp             Pink Shrimp                Brown Shrimp





                                           slight groove          slight groove           thin, noticeable groove      deep, strong groove

                                          The color of the tail will also help:

                                            Pacific White             White Shrimp                Pink Shrimp               Brown Shrimp








                                          bluish tint, may have     bright flourescent             bright, deep            bluish-green tips
                                          thin bluish-green         yellowish-green tips           blue tips
                                          lines on sides




                            Clams (one species)                                                               Thickness







                            Oysters (one species)
                                                                                                                    Total Length


                                                                                                    :A7!,.




                                                                                         6





                                                                Whelks (two species)





                                                             Sea turtles (five species)                                  Total Length



                                                                                     head Wilith


                                                                                head
                                                                               ,.Igth                    prefrontal
                                                                                                           .cut..
                                                                     precenCral
                                                                             a
                                                                        scut a




                                                                central
                                                            (or neural)
                                                                ...t..                                         lateral
                                                                                                             (Or costal)
                                                                                                               ScUtes
                                                             marginal
                                                                a
                                                                cures                                                                                         mandibular
                                                                                                        total                                                    $cute
                                                                                                        length                                                      Sular
                                                                                                                                                                    .Cute.
                                                                                                                                                                 I


                                                                             P.-t.entr.1                                                  humr.1
                                                                               -'i-- width                                                Scute
                                                                        d.r..j                                                            axillary
                                                                                view If - juvenile                                        score
                                                                          turtle (Family ChelOnidae)                                      Pectoral
                                                                                                                                          ..Ute
                                                                                                                                          abdominal
                                                                                                                                          .c.c.
                                                                                                                                          femoral                              infra-
                                                                                                                                          .cut.                               marginal
                                                                                                                                                                               stutes
                                                                                                                                          anal
                                                                                                                                          .Cut.



                                                                                                                                             .."ntral view of a J.V..il:.)
                                                                                                                                               a turtle (Family Chelonid
                                                                                                                                                                    Sul'r
                                                                                                                                                                    'c"t






                                                                                                                                          lry
                                                                                                                                          xil te ja
                                                                                                                                          ecto.
                                                                                                                                          -cut
                                                                                                                                          dr_aI
                                                                                                                                          .ur.

                                                                                                                                          femo rai
                                                                                                                                          .cuta
                                                                                                                                                                                cute.
                                                                                                                                          anai
                                                                                                                                          .c.te







                                       Fish (forty-six species)












                                                                                                                             torsi I"'th

                                                                                                                                                     E-k length
                                                                                                                    1.1 do-I r7
                                                                                                                     fin b...
                                                                                          tend 1.rat@                                   2.d d.r..l fin be..
                                                                                                            ir.1                             11", *1 "1
                                                                                                            h                                 Zra.l ft.
                                                                                                                                                            length rr
                                                                                     I- th                                                               r.d,l ped-1,



                                                                                                                                   f btdT




                                                                                                                                                -.1 fin b...
                                                                                                            I..Stb f P .... -1 fin


                                                                                                        General              - -f In- E-r-IL M.rphlllgy

                                                                                                                   lot d1re.1 fin
                                                                                    UPPI, jal                                          I.d d.r..l fin
                                                                                            earill,         P

                                                                                                              *
                                                                                                               Par                                                                (r" .1 He
                                                                                                               P-                                                                 WP.    Intel
                                                                                         a..-                 -.b                  d1TI






                                                                                                                                                                     I W-L,
                                                                                        .0-b- b-thi.-
                                                                                            Plate       t.,.l                   lateral Ii
                                                                                                        rare
                                                                                               I t:-             b               fin             are I fin
                                                                                                 _I;

                                                                                                                ,.Ili.  tin







                                                            How To Measure Billfish

                                                                                                                Ist dorsal
                                                                                                                   fin



                                                                                                                                                                        caudal fin

                                                                                         line
                                                                                    cross-section                                                       2nd dorsal fin
                                                                                         round                                                                     caudal
                                                                                                                                                                   keels

                                                                          xl, d
                                                                                                                             ------------------------------------ ---
                                                                                                                                                                        N;_
                                                                                                                           pectoral fin                     2nd I fin
                                                                                                              pelvic fin                             "Ist anal fin
                                                                                                                   eye-fork length (for use in fisheries)
                                                                                                                 body length (for use in billfish studies)

                                                                                                                          total length (general use)




                                                            Blue Marlin, White Martin, Sailfish


                                                            Minimum sizes are based on the straight line body length from tip of lower jaw to the fork in the
                                                            tail. The fish should be placed on its side on a flat surface sufficiently large enough to allow it to lie
                                                            straight and flat. The tail and head should be raised off the deck in a position so as to maintain the
                                                            fish's backbone in a straight line. The tape measure should be hooked over the center of the fork in
                                                            the tail, stretched in a straight line up the center of the flank of the fish out to a position beyond the
                                                            tip of the lower jaw. A vertical line is drawn from the lower jaw tip up to the tape measure (a
                                                            builder's square is useful in establishing this line) to determine the fish's length.









                                                                                                                               RIGHT


                                                            DO NOT press the bill and tail down to the deck when measuring.

                                                            DO NOT wrap the tape measure around the contour of the fish when measuring.








                                                                                                                              WRONG

                                                                                                                                     9















                                                                                                   CK.








                                                                                                   CK




                                                       Cleithrum to keel (CK) measurement (i.e. dressed carcass length)
                                                         of swordfish.



                                                                                                                            apa


                                                                                                                           incisor-like    canine-like
                                              terminal     -b-termi-I

                                                                                                                                             A_z`e__


                                                                                       retracted      protracted            molar-like      villiform
                                              i.f.ri.Ir                                       r.lri.i-ile
                                                                     types of mouth                                     most common types of teeth







                                                                                                             .... .......      --------- 1@
                                                    &Pines
                                               (unaegmented,
                                                    'I"Ye
                                                  nbranched)                                        adipose fin                       fi@lets
                                            exampl:fof.a.conti     ....  do r"'    in
                                                           pi.y-r.,ed    fih                                                          gill arch
                                                                                                                                     (upper part)
                                                         posterior margin       posterior margin
                                                                   smooth     @jny
                                                                                                                                               Cigill
                                                                                                                                                 I-or.


                                                           cycl oid             tten.id                          gill rakers          gill arch
                                                                                                                                      louer part)
                                                     schematic examples of "normal" scales                          first left gill arch






                                                                                                                                         poi. red and
                                                 r ... ded       truncate   emarginate      Innate          forked        pointed     separated fram the
                                                                                                                                    dorsal and -1 fine
                                                                             most common types of caudal fin


                                                                                            10






                                                                             Marine Species Currently With South Carolina,
                                                                           Regional and/or Federal Management Restrictions

                                                                              (*Species identification sheets included in this guide.)

                                                                                                                                                Type of regulations
                                                Group              Common Name                                   Species                       State          Federal


                                                Horseshoe crabs
                                                                  ï¿½Horseshoe crab                        Limulus polyphemus                      x


                                                 orals
                                                                   Fire corals                           Class Hydrozoa                                          x
                                                                   Stony corals                          Class Anthoza                                           x
                                                                   Soft corals                           Class Anthoza                                           x


                                                Lobsters
                                                                  ï¿½Spiny lobster                         Panuhrus argus                          x               x
                                                                   Spotted spiny lobster                 Panuhrus guttatus                                       x
                                                                   Smooth tail lobster                   Panuhrus laevicauda                                     x
                                                                   Spanish lobster                       Scyllarides aequinoctilis                               x

                                                Shrimps
                                                                  ï¿½White shrimp                          Penaeus setiferus                       x
                                                                  ï¿½Brown shrimp                          Penaeus aztecus                         x
                                                                  ï¿½Pink shrimp                           Penaeus duorarum                        x
                                                                  ï¿½Pacific white shrimp                  Penaeus vannamei                        x
                                                                   Tiger prawn                           Penaeus monodon                         x


                                                Crabs
                                                                  ï¿½Blue crab                             Callinectes sapidus                     x
                                                                  ï¿½Stone crab                            Menippe mercenaria                      x


                                                Clams
                                                                  ï¿½Hard clam                             Mercenaria mercenaria                   x


                                                Oysters
                                                                  ï¿½American oyster                       Crassostrea virginica                   x


                                                Whelks
                                                                  ï¿½Knobbed whelk                         Busycon carica                          x
                                                                  *Channeled whelk                       Busycon canaliculatum                   x


                                                Sea Turtles
                                                                  ï¿½Atlantic loggerhead                   Caretta caretta                         x               x
                                                                  ï¿½Atlantic green sea turtle             Chelonia mydasa                         x               x
                                                                  ï¿½Atlantic hawksbill turtle             Eretmochelys imbricata                  x               x
                                                                  ï¿½Atlantic ridley turtle                Lepidochelys kemph                      x               x
                                                                  ï¿½Atlantic leatherback                  Derniochelys coriacea                   x               x







                                                                                                                    Type of regulations
                     Group           Common Name                                      Species                       State          Federal
                     Terrapins           Diamondback terapin                 Malaclemys terrapin                      x               x

                     Sharks
                     Management Plan currently being prepared by South Atlantic Fisheries Mangement Council may require
                     identification of several species.


                     Fish
                             Sturgeons - Acipeneridae
                                      * Shormose sturgeon                     Acipenser brevirostrwn                   x               x
                                      * Atlantic sturgeon                     Aciperser oxyrhynchus                    x

                             Tarpons - Elopidae
                                      * Tarpon                                Megalops atlanticus                      x

                             Herrings- Clupeidae
                                      ï¿½ Hickory shad                         Alosa mediocris                          x
                                      ï¿½ American shad                         Alosa sapidissirna                       x
                                      ï¿½ Blueback herring                      Alosa aestivalis                         x

                             Temperate basses- Percichthyidae
                                      ï¿½ Wreckfish                             Polyprion americanus                                     x
                                      ï¿½ Striped bass                          Morone saxatilis                         x


                             Sea basses - Serranidae
                                      ï¿½  Bank sea bass                        Centropristis ocyurus                                    x
                                      ï¿½  Rock sea bass                        Centropristis philadelphia                               x
                                      ï¿½  Black sea bass                       Centropristis striata                    x               x
                                         Rock hind                            Epinephelus adscensionis                                 x
                                         Graysby                              Epinephelus cruentatus                                   x
                                      ï¿½  Speckled hind                        Epinephelus drummondhayi                                 x
                                      ï¿½  Yellowedge grouper                   Epinephelusflavolimbatus                                 x
                                         Coney                                Epinephelusfulvus                                        x
                                         Red hind                             Epinephelus guttatus                                     x
                                      ï¿½  Jewfish                              Epinephelus irajara                      x               x
                                      ï¿½  Red grouper                          Epinephelus morio                        x               x
                                         Misty grouper                        Epinephelus mystacinus                                   x
                                      ï¿½  Warsaw grouper                       Epinephelus nigritus                                     x
                                      ï¿½  Snowy grouper                        Epinephelus niveatus                                     x
                                      ï¿½  Nassau grouper                       Epinephelus striatus                     x               x
                                         Black grouper                        Mycteroperca bonaci                      x               x
                                         Yellowniouth grouper                 Mycieroperca interstitialis              x               x
                                      ï¿½  Gag                                  Mycteroperca microlepis                  x               x
                                      ï¿½  Scamp                                Mycteroperca phenax                      x               x
                                         Tiger grouper                        Mycteroperca tigis                                       x
                                         Yellowfin grouper                    Mycteroperca venenosa                    x               x


                                                                               12
 







                                                                                                                                                Type of regulations
                                                Group              Common Name                                    Species                     State          Federal

                                                       Tilefishes - Malacanthidae
                                                                 ï¿½ Blueline tilefish                     Caulolatilus microps                                    x
                                                                 ï¿½ Tilefish                              Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps                           x
                                                                   Sand tilefish                         Malacanthus plumieri                                    x


                                                       Bluefishes - Pornatomidae
                                                                 * Bluefish                              Pomatomus saltarrix                                     x


                                                       Cobias - Rachycentridae
                                                                 * Cobia                                 Rachycentron canadum                   x                x

                                                       Jacks - Carngidae
                                                                   Yellow jack                           Caranx bartholomaei                                     x
                                                                   Blue runner                           Caranx crysos                                           x
                                                                   Crevallejack                          Caranx hippos                                           x
                                                                   Barjack                               Caranx ruber                                            x
                                                                   Greater ambedack                      Seriola dumerili                       x                x
                                                                   Lesser amberjack                      Seriolafasciata                                         x
                                                                   Almacojack                            Seriola rivoliana                                       x
                                                                   Banded rudderfish                     Seriola zonata                                          x


                                                       Snappers - Lutjanidae
                                                                   Black snapper                         Apsilus dentatus                       x                x
                                                                   Queen snapper                         Etelis oculatus                        x                x
                                                                   Mutton snapper                        Lutjanus analis                        x                x
                                                                   Schoolmaster                          Lutjanus apodus                        x                x
                                                                   Blackfin snapper                      Lutjanus buccanella                    x                x
                                                                 ï¿½ Red snapper                           Lutjanus campechanus                   x                x
                                                                 ï¿½ Cubera snapper                        Lutjanus cyanopterus                   x                x
                                                                 ï¿½ Gray snapper                          Lutjanus griseus                       x                x
                                                                   Dog snapper                           Lutjanusjocu                           x                x
                                                                   Mahogany snapper                      Lutjanus mahogoni                      x                x
                                                                   Lane snapper                          Lutjanus synagis                       x                x
                                                                 ï¿½ Silk snapper                          Lutjanus vivanus                       x                x
                                                                   Yellowtail snapper                    Ocyrus chrysurus                       x                x
                                                                   Vemtihon snapper                     Rhomboplites aurorubens                x                x

                                                       Grunts - Haemulidae
                                                                   Black margate                         Anisorremus surinamensis                                x
                                                                   Porkfish                              Anisotrenius virginicus                                 x

                                                       Porgies - Sparidae
                                                                   Sheepshead                            Archosargus probatocephalus                             x
                                                                   Grass porgy                           Calamus arcifrons                                       x
                                                                   Jolthead porgy                        Calanius bajonado                                       x
                                                                   Saucereye porgy                       Calanius calamus                                        x
                                                                   Whitebone porgy                       Calamus leueosteus                                      x

                                                                                                         13
 







                                                                                                                           Type of regulations
                       Group               Common Name                                    Species                        State          Federal

                                           Knobbed porgy                          Calanius nodosus                                           x
                                           Red porgy                              Pagrus pagrus                           x                 x
                                           Longspine porgy                        Stenotomus caprinus                                        x
                                           Scup                                   Stenotomus chrysops                                        x

                               Drums - Sciaenidae
                                           Spotted seatrout                       Cynoscion nebulosus                      x
                                           Red drum                               Sciaenops ocellatus                      x                 x

                               Spadefishes - Ephippidae
                                           Atlantic spadefish                     Chaetodipterusfaber                                        x

                               Wrasses - Labridae
                                           Puddingwife                            Halichoeres radiaw                                         x
                                           Hogfish                                Lachnolaimus maximus                                       x


                               Mackerels - Scombridae
                                           King mackerel                          Scormberomorus cavalla                   x                 x
                                           Spanish mackerel                       Scomberomorus maculatus                  x                 x
                                           Bluefin tuna                           Thunnus thynnus                                            x

                               Swordfishes - Xiphiidae
                                        * Swordfish                               Xiphias gladius                                            x

                               Billfishes - Istiophoridae
                                           Sailfish                               Istiophorus platypterus                  x                 x
                                           Blue marlin                            Makaira nigrican                         x                 x
                                           White marlin                           Tetrapturus albidus                      x                 x
                                           Longbill spearfish                     Tetrapturus pfluegeri                    x

                               Lefteyed flounders - Bothidae
                                           Summer flounder                        Paralichthys dentaw                      x                 x
                                           Southern flounder                      Paralichthys lethostigma                 x

                               Leatherjackets - Balistidae
                                           Gray triggerfish                       Balistes capriscus                                         x
                                           Queen triggerfish                      Balistes vetula                                            x
                                           Ocean triggerfish                      Canthidermis sufflamen                                     x

                       Marine Mammals
                               Major groups (dolphins, manatees, seals, and whales) identified which are protected and indication
                               of those on endangered list.






                                                                                  14
 






                                                                                    HORSESHOE CRAB
                                                                                     Limulus polyphemus

                                           Other common name(s): King crab












                                           Identifying key characters: The shell (carapace) is dark brown, horseshoe shaped, convex above
                                                and concave below. The posterior third of the shell (the abdomen) hinged anteriorly to the
                                                shell and posteriorly to a long triangular spike-like tail. The underside of the shell bears
                                                five sets of walking legs which are anterior to four left-like processes (gills).

                                           Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                           There is only one species of horseshoe crab and there are no other similar marine animals.


                                           REGULATIONS


                                           Possession limit:       Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                   State waters - Lawful only with special permit.


                                           Size limit:             Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                   State waters - No restrictions.


                                           State seasonal restrictions: none


                                           Other restrictions:     Horseshoe crabs may be taken only with a special permit. Those taken inci-
                                                                   dentally to legal fishing operations for other marine organisms must be re-
                                                                   turned immediately unharmed to the water.


                                           Notes:












                                                                                               15








                                                               SPINY LOBSTER
                                                                 Panuhrus argus













                    Identifying key characters: Color variable: mottled greenish-purple, tan, brownish, greenish,
                         reddish, or bluish. TO with 4 conspicuous yellow spots, one on each side of second and last
                         abdominal segments; legs with light longitudinal stripes. Bases of antennular plate bearing 2
                         pairs of strong spines; each abdominal segment with a complete transverse groove.

                    Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                    Other spiny lobsters - None typically occur in area, all others may be distinguished by the lack of
                         the 4 large conspicuous spots on tail.

                    American lobster - Presence of massive, smooth, ridgeless, and spinless pinchers.


                    REGULATIONS


                    Possession limit:       Federal waters - Six lobsters per person per day (Recreational harvest),
                                            State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                    Size limit:             Federal waters - Carapace length must be more than 3 inches with a tail
                                                   length more than 5.5 inches.
                                            State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                    State seasonal restrictions:
                                            Recreational harvest - Fishery closed 1 April through 5 August in state and
                                                   federal waters.
                                            Commercial harvest - Fishery closed I April through 5 August in state and
                                                   federal waters.
                                            Nontrap Special Season - First weekend preceding I August.

                    Other restrictions: Berried lobsters may not be taken. Tails may not be separated from body at
                                            sea. Spears, hooks, poisons or explosives or similar devices may not be used
                                            to take lobsters.


                    Notes:

                                                                        16







                                                                                        WHITE SHRINIP
                                                                                        Penaeus setiferus












                                           Identifying key characters: Pale to whitish in color with tail edged in bright florescent yellow-green.
                                                No groove present along the base of either side of rostrum along head. Rostrum with 7 to 9
                                                teeth on dorsal margin and two teeth on ventral margin, tip long and slender. Antennae twice to
                                                three times as long as the body.

                                           Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                           Brown shrimp - Brownish in color. Groove present along base of both sides of rostrum, along the length
                                                of the head and last tail segment. Tail segments edged in red or blue. Antennae less than twice body
                                                length.

                                           Pink shrimp - Brownish in color with a prominent dark spot on each side of the tail. Grooves on the head
                                                along the rostrum and the last segment of the tail. Tail iridescent blue.

                                           Pacific white shrimp - Locally called "Vanna-whites". Very slight groove not exceeding anterior half of
                                                carapace. Tail has a bluish tint and sides of body may have thin bluish green lines.

                                           REGULATIONS


                                           Possession limit:       Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                   State waters - 48 quarts whole or 29 quarts headed (all shrimp species) per
                                                                           seine (if seine used) or per set of poles (if bait is used) or per boat (if
                                                                           boat is used without using bait) or per person (if no boat, bait or seine
                                                                           is used).

                                           Size limit:             Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                   State waters - No restrictions.


                                           State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                   Recreational harvest - None, except if bait is used, There is a 60-day season,
                                                                           set during the 75-day period between September I and November 15,
                                                                           and a special permit is required to harvest shrimp if bait is utilized.
                                                                   Commercial harvest - Shrimp trawling seasons set annually.

                                           Other restrictions:     Shrimp taken over bait may not be sold.

                                           Notes:
                                                                                                17







                                                             BROWN SHRIMP
                                                              Penaeus aztecus













                     Identifying key characters: Brownish in color, may have a yellowish to reddish tinge. Groove
                          present along the base of both sides of rostrum along the length of the head and last tail
                          segment. Tail edged in red, dark green or blue. Antennae less than twice as long as the
                          body.

                     Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                     White shrimp - Pale to whitish, tail edged in bright florescent yellow-green. No groove present
                          along base of rostrum. Antennae twice to three times as long as the body.

                     Pink shrimp - Darker brown, usually with a prominent dark red or brown spot on each side of tail.
                          Grooves on head along the rostrum and on the last segment of the tail.

                     Pacific white shrimp - Very slight groove, on either side of rostrum not exceeding anterior half of
                          carapace. Tail has a bluish tint and sides of body may have thin blue lines.


                     REGULATIONS


                     Possession limit:     Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                           State waters - 48 quarts whole or 29 quarts headed (all shrimp species) per
                                                  seine (if seine used) per set of poles (if bait is used) per boat (if boat is
                                                  used without bait) or per person (if no boat, bait, or seine used) (Rec-
                                                  reational harvest).

                     Size lin-dt:          Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                           State waters - No restrictions.


                     State seasonal restrictions:
                                           Recreational harvest - None, except if bait is used. There is a 60-day season,
                                                  set during the 75-day period between September I and November 15,
                                                  and a special permit is required to harvest shrimp if bait is utilized,
                                           Commercial harvest - Shrimp trawling seasons set annually

                     Other restrictions: Shrimp taken over bait may not be sold.

                     Notes:


                                                                      18








                                                                                     PINK SHRIMP
                                                                                   Penaeus duorarum


                                        Other common name(s): Hopper, spotted shrimp









                                        Identifying key characters: Brownish, usually a prominent dark red or brown spot on each side
                                              on the 3rd and 4th segment of abdomen. Grooves on the head along the rostrum and along
                                              the dorsal center line of the last segment of the tail. Tail outline in bright iridescent blue
                                              color. Antennae less than twice body length.

                                        Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                        White shrimp - Pale to whitish, tail fan edged in bright florescent yellow-green. No groove along
                                              the base of either side of rostrum, last tail segment keeled. Antennae twice to three times as
                                              long as the body.

                                        Brown shrimp - No dark spot on either side of abdomen. Tail fan with bluish-green tips.

                                        Pacific white shrimp - Shallow groove not exceeding anterior half of carapace. Tail with a bluish
                                              tint and sides of body may have thin blue lines.


                                        REGULATIONS


                                        Possession limit:       Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                State waters - 48 quarts whole or 29 quarts headed (all shrimp species) per
                                                                        seine (if seine used) or per set of poles (if bait is used) or per boat (if
                                                                        boat is used without using bait) or per person (if no boat, bait or seine
                                                                        is used) (Recreational harvest).

                                        Size limit:             Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                State waters - No restrictions.


                                        State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                Recreational harvest - None, except if bait is used. There is a 60-day season
                                                                        set during the 75-day period between September I and November I
                                                                        and a special permit required to harvest shrimp if bait is utilized.
                                                                Commercial harvest - Trawling seasons set annually.

                                        Other restrictions:     Shrimp taken over bait may not be sold.

                                        Notes:


                                                                                            19







                                                           PACIFIC WHITE SHRINV
                                                                Penaeus vannamei


                     Other common name(s): Vanna-white











                     Identifying key characters: Shallow grove present along base of either side of rostrum but not
                          exceeding anterior half of carapace. Tail has a bluish tint and sides of body may have bluish
                          green lines.

                     Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                     White shrimp - Pale to whitish with tail edged in bright florescent yellow-green. No grove present
                          along the base of either side of rostrum. Antennae twice to three times as long as the body.
                          Last tail segment keeled.

                     Brown shrimp - Brownish. Groove present along base on both sides of rostrum entire length of head
                          and last tail segment. Tail segments edged in red, green and blue. Antennae less than twice
                          body length.

                     Pink shrimp - Brownish with a prominent dark spot on each side of abdomen between 3rd and 4th
                          segments. Groove present along base on both sides of rostrum entire length of head and on
                          dorsal midline of last tail segment. Antennae less than twice body length.


                     REGULATIONS


                     Possession limit:       Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                             State waters - See white, brown or pink shrimp.

                     Size limit:             Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                             State waters - No restrictions.


                     State seasonal restrictions:
                                             Recreational harvest - See white, brown or pink shrimp.
                                             Commercial harvest - See white, brown or pink shrimp.

                     Other restrictions:


                     Notes: This is a non-native species which may be encountered as an escapee from shrimp aquacul-
                     ture operations.

                                                                         20







                                                                                       BLUECRAB
                                                                                    Callinectes sapidus













                                         Identifying key characters: Upper carapace (body shell) bluish or brownish-green, males with
                                               fingers of pinchers blue, mature females fingers orange, legs varyingly white and blue, spines
                                               tinged with red, underparts off-white. Carapace margin between eyes with two teeth.

                                         Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                         Lesser blue crab - Upper shell green to tannish, pincers of male crabs with white and blue to
                                               fuschia, pinchers of females and legs varying shades of fuschia, underparts of shell white and
                                               blue. Carapace margin between eyes with four teeth, inner pair smaller than outer pair. Usually
                                               less than 3 inches in width.


                                         REGULATIONS


                                         Possession limit:       Federal waters - N/A.
                                                                 State waters - N/A.


                                         Size limit:             Federal waters - N/A.
                                                                 State waters - Carapace width (point to point) must be 5 inches or more.

                                         State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                 Recreational harvest - None.
                                                                 Commercial harvest - None.


                                         Other restrictions:     Female crabs with egg mass (sponge) must be returned to water unharmed.
                                                                 Commercial fishermen must be licensed. Recreational crabbers limited to two
                                                                 marked crab traps.


                                         Notes:







                                                                                             21







                                                                 STONE CRAB
                                                              Menippe mercenaria












                   Identifying key characters: Young crabs purplish-blue, older crabs become dark brownish-red to
                         black, more or less mottled with dusk gray, fingers dark. Carapace oval in shape, about 2.5
                         times as long as wide. Pinchers large, unequal and nearly smooth, legs stout and ends hairy. No
                         paddle legs for swimming.

                   Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                   Similar species in area seldom exceed one inch (carapace width).


                   REGULATIONS


                   Possession limit:        Federal waters -N/A.
                                            State waters - It is unlawful to possess any stone crab body, live or dead.
                                                   Only the larger of the two claws of any stone crab may be removed.

                   Size limit:              Federal waters - N/A.
                                            State waters - The forearm (propodus) of any claw removed must be or ex-
                                                   ceed 2 3/4 inches in length,

                   State seasonal restrictions:
                                            Recreational harvest - None.
                                            Commercial harvest - None.


                   Other restrictions: Female stone crabs with egg mass (sponge) must be returned to water un-
                                            harmed.


                   Notes:









                                                                        22







                                                                                     HARDCLAMS
                                                                                Mercenaria mercenaria


                                        Other common name(s): Quahog, little neck, cherry stone, chowder










                                        Identifying key characters: Shell smooth, exterior gray to whitish, interior white with purple
                                             stains.


                                        Distinguishing characters of similar species: Southern hardshell clam, M. campechiensis, is
                                             rounded in shape, exterior of shell with small, coarse concentric rings. Interior china-white
                                             without purple stains.


                                        REGULATIONS


                                        Possession limit:       Federal waters - N/A.
                                                                State waters - One-half of one U.S. bushel of clams may be harvested
                                                                       recreationally from public or state shellfish grounds per person per
                                                                       day.


                                        Size limit:             Federal waters - N/A.
                                                                State waters - All clams must have a minimum thickness of one inch.


                                        State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                Recreational harvest - Clams may be harvested from 15 September through
                                                                       15 May. The opening and closing of clam season or specific areas may
                                                                       vary from these dates and is set by the Marine Resources Division. A
                                                                       marine recreational fisheries stamp is required for recreational harvest.
                                                                Commercial harvest - Commercial shellfish license and permits are required.

                                        Other restrictions:     Maricultured clams may be harvested, transported and sold throughout the
                                                                year under a permit. Individual areas may be closed by the Department of
                                                                Health and Environmental Control at any time because of pollution. These
                                                                areas are marked during closures by yellow and red signs.


                                        Notes:





                                                                                            23







                                                             AMERICAN OYSTER
                                                              Crassostrea virginica












                    Identifying key characters: Exterior sculptured and variable, grayish, sometimes with purplish
                         rays. Interior chalk-white with a purple muscle scar.

                    Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                    No other species of similar size and shape in area.

                    REGULATIONS


                    Possession limit:       Federal waters - N/A.
                                            State waters - Two U.S. bushels of oysters may be harvested recreationally
                                                   from public or state shellfish grounds per person per day (recreational
                                                   harvest).


                    Size limit:             Federal waters - N/A.
                                            State waters - No restrictions.


                    State seasonal restrictions:
                                            Recreational harvest - Oysters may be harvested from 15 September until 15
                                                   May. The opening and closing of oyster season or specific areas may
                                                   vary from these dates and is set by the Marine Resources Division. A
                                                   marine recreational fisheries stamp is required for recreational harvest.
                                            Commercial harvest - Commercial shellfish license and permits required.

                    Other restrictions:     Maricultured oysters may be harvested, transported and sold throughout the
                                            year under a permit. Individual areas may be closed to oystering by the De-
                                            partment of Health and Environmental Control at any time because of pollu-
                                            tion. These areas are marked during closures by yellow and red signs.


                    Notes:





                                                                        24







                                                                                 KNOBBED WHELK
                                                                                    Busycon carica

                                         Other cornmon name(s): Conch











                                         Identifying key characters: Spiral-shaped shell with many well developed knobs extending
                                              along edge of each whorl of shell. Shell aperture (opening) on right side. Color of shell
                                              varies greatly, aperture colors vary from reddish-brown and dark orange to cream color.

                                         Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                         Channeled whelk - Spiral-shaped shell with whorles forming a deep channel with small bead-like
                                              projections along edge of each whorl. Aperture of right side. Shell covered with fine hairy
                                              projections.

                                         Lightning whelk - Shell aperture on left side of shell.

                                         Pear whelk - Shell distinctly pear shaped and lacks knobs, beads and hairy projections, aperture on
                                              right side. This whelk rarely exceeds six inches in length.


                                         REGULATIONS


                                         Possession limit:      Federal waters - N/A.
                                                                State waters - No restrictions.


                                         Size limit:            Federal waters - N/A.
                                                                State waters - 4 1/2 inches in total length.


                                         State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                Recreational harvest - None.
                                                                Commercial harvest - Commercial whelk trawling requires a special permit.
                                                                       Trawl nets must have a minimum stretched mesh size of 4 inches.
                                                                                    1 @14










                                         Other restrictions:


                                         Notes:




                                                                                           25







                                                            CHANNELED WHELK
                                                            Busycon canaliculatum

                    Other common name(s): Conch












                    Identifying key characters: Spiral-shaped shell with whorles forming a deep channel with small
                         bead-like projections along the edge of each whorl. Aperture (opening) on right side of
                         shell. Shell covered with fine hairy projections.

                    Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                    Knobbed whelk - Spiral-shaped shell with many well developed knobs extending along each shell
                         whorl. Shell aperture on right side; color ranging from reddish-brown to cream color.

                    Lightning whelk - Shell aperture on left side.

                    Pear whelk - Shell distinctly pear-shaped and lacks, knobs, beads, and hairy projections, aperture on
                         right side. This whelk rarely exceeds six inches.


                    REGULATIONS


                    Possession limit:       Federal waters - N/A.
                                            State waters - No restrictions.


                    Size limit:             Federal waters - N/A.
                                            State waters - 4 1/2 inches in total length.


                    State seasonal restrictions:
                                            Recreational harvest - None.
                                            Commercial harvest - Commercial whelk trawling requires a special permit.
                                                   Trawl nets must have a minimum stretched mesh size of 4 inches.
                                                   Usually Territorial Sea closed to trawling several weeks prior to open-
                                                   ing of shrimp season.


                    Other restrictions:


                    Notes:

                                                                        26







                                                                          ATLANTIC LOGGERHEAD TURTLE
                                                                                       Caretta caretta














                                          Identifying key characters: Dorsal shell (carapace) heart-shaped, brownish-red with fight spots
                                                and with five pairs of lateral scutes . Head very broad with two pairs of prefrontal scutes
                                                and a strong horny beak. Lower shell pale yellow with diffuse orange spots and three pairs of
                                                large inframarginal scutes. Two claws on each flipper.

                                          Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                          Other sea turtles - Shell with bony scutes and usually not reddish-brown, and four inframarginal
                                                plates on dorsal shell.


                                          REGULATIONS


                                          Possession limit:       Federal waters - Unlawful to harm, -kill-, p6ï¿½sesKs or interfere with the well
                                                                          being or normal activity of any sea turtle or their eggs. All sea turtles
                                                                          are protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act.
                                                                  State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                                          Size limit:             Federal waters - N/A.
                                                                  State waters - N/A.



                                          State seasonal restrictions: N/A.


                                          Other restrictions:


                                          Notes:











                                                                                              27







                                                      ATLANTIC GREEN SEA TURTLE
                                                                Chelonia mydasa












                    Identifying key characters: Dorsal (upper) shell oval, olive-brown with shiny radiating yellow,
                          green and back spots and four pairs of lateral scutes, anterior pair not touching the precentral
                          scutes. Head small with a single pair of prefrontal scufts, edge of lower jaw coarsely
                          toothed. A single claw on each flipper.

                    Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                    Other sea turtles - Edges of jaws smooth, more than one pair of perfonatal scutes, and all but Atlan-
                          tic hawksbill turtle which has overlapping scutes on its shell, have five or more lateral scutes.


                    REGULATIONS


                    Possession limit:       Federal waters - It is unlawful to harm, kill, possess or interfere with the well
                                                    being or normal activity of any sea turtle or their eggs. All sea turtles
                                                   are protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act.
                                            State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                    Size limit:             Federal waters - N/A.
                                            State waters - N/A.


                    State seasonal restrictions: N/A.


                    Other restrictions:
                    Notes:                                                                                                                     0



                                                                        28







                                                                            ATLANTIC HAWKSBILL TURTLE
                                                                                   Eretmochelys irnbricata












                                           Identifying key characters: Dorsal shell (carapace) oval, scutes are overlapping, four pairs of
                                                lateral scutes with anterior pair not touching the precentral scute, upper shell dark brown,
                                                with yellow and reddish streaks on scutes. Head with two pairs of prefrontal scutes and a
                                                strong horny beak. Two claws on each flipper.

                                           Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                           Other sea turtles - No other adult sea turtle from this area has overlapping scutes on carapace or
                                                plastron. Only the green turtle also has 4 lateral scutes on carapace but its carapace is much
                                                broader and it has only one claw on each flipper.

                                           REGULATIONS


                                           Possession limit-      Federal waters - It is unlawful to harm, kill, possess or interfere with the well
                                                                          being or normal activity of any sea turtle or their eggs. All sea turtles
                                                                          are protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act.
                                                                  State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                                           Size limit:            Federal waters - N/A.
                                                                  State waters - N/A.


                                           State seasonal restrictions: N/A.


                                           Other restrictions:


                                           Notes:











                                                                                               29







                                                         ATLANTIC RIDLEY TURTLE
                                                               Lepidochelys kempii













                    Identifying key characters: Dorsal shell (carapace) circular in outline, grayish in color, and
                          with rive pairs of lateral scutes, anterior pair touching the precentral scute. Head small with
                          two pairs of prefrontal scutes and a horny beak which may be finely serrated. Four pairs of
                         inframarginal scutes, each with a hole near the bottom margin. Underside pale yellow.

                    Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                    Other sea turtles - Do not have nearly circular carapace or holes on the infrarnarginal scutes.


                    REGULATIONS


                    Possession limit:       Federal waters - It is unlawful to harm, kill, possess or interfere with the well
                                                   being or normal activity of any sea turtle or their eggs. All sea turtles
                                                   are protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act.
                                            State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                    Size limit:             Federal waters - N/A.
                                            State waters - N/A.



                    State seasonal restrictions: N/A.


                    Other restrictions:


                    Notes:












                                                                         30







                                                                          ATLANTIC LEATHERBACK TURME
                                                                                   Dermochelys coriacea












                                          Identifying key characters: Body depressed and covered by a smooth horny skin lacking lamellae
                                                or scutes, seven longitudinal ridges on back (carapace) and five ridges on plaston. Carapace
                                                dark brown with whitish spots. Head small, ending in a horny beak with a well defined cusp
                                                at each side of upper jaw and a central cusp on the lower jaw.

                                          Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                          Other Sea Turtles - All have horny lamella or scutes over their body and none have longitudinal
                                                ridges on carapace or plaston.


                                          REGULATIONS


                                          Possession limit:       Federal waters - It is unlawful to harm, kill, possess or interfere with the well
                                                                         being or normal activity of any sea turtle or their eggs. All sea turtles
                                                                         are protected under the Endangered Species Act.
                                                                  State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                                          Size limit:             Federal waters - N/A.
                                                                  State waters - N/A.


                                          State seasonal restrictions: N/A.


                                          Other restrictions:


                                          Notes:














                                                                                              31







                                                         DIAMONDBACK TERRAPIN
                                                               Malaclemys terrapin

                     Other common name(s): Cooter











                     Identifying key characters: Salt-marsh or brackish water habitat is a good field characteristic.
                          Large scutes on shell (carapace) with concentric rings or ridges and concentric light and
                          dark areas. Shell 6 to 9 inches with a central keel, color very variable. Head and limbs
                          spotted.

                     Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                     Snapping turtles - Has a long saw-tooth tail.

                     Mud turtles - Plastron (lower shell) hinged.

                     Wood turtles - Rarely enter salt water, have orange on neck and limbs.


                     REGULATIONS


                     Possession limit:       Federal waters - N/A.
                                             State waters - Unlawful to take, purchase, possess, terrapins between I April
                                                    and 15 July.

                     Size limit:             Federal waters - N/A.
                                             State waters - Must be 5 inches or more in length measured on the median
                                                    line of the bottom of the shell


                     State seasonal restrictions:
                                             Recreational harvest - Unlawful to take, purchase or possessed terrapin
                                                    between April I and July 15.
                                             Commercial harvest - Unlawful to take, purchase or possessed terrapin be-
                                                    tween April I and July 15.


                     Other restrictions:


                     Notes:



                                                                         32







                                                                              SHORTNOSESTURGEON                                    Color Plate I
                                                                                Acipenser brevirostrum













                                        Identifying key characters: Head and body covered with bony plates or shields, five rows on
                                              body, one row along midline of back and two rows on each side. Head has an extended snout;
                                              no plates posterior to dorsal I in and usually none or a single row- posterior to anal fin, spi-
                                              racle (small opening behind eyes) present, inferior protrusible mouth preceded by four
                                              conspicuous barbels. Tail fin asymmetrical with upper half fleshy and much larger than lower.
                                              Anal fin with 19 to 22 rays. Membranes around internal organs blackish.

                                        Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                        Atlantic sturgeon - Dorsal plates or shields crowded, plates present posterior to dorsal and anal fins
                                              and in pairs, anal fin with 23 to 30 rays, snout long and pointed. Membranes surrounding
                                              internal organs pale.


                                        REGULATIONS


                                        Possession limit:       Federal waters - Fishery closed; endangered species.
                                                                State waters - Fishery closed; endangered species.

                                        Size limit:             Federal waters - Fishery closed.
                                                                State waters - Fishery closed.


                                        State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                Recreational harvest - Fishery closed.
                                                                Commercial harvest - Fishery closed.

                                        Other restrictions:     It is unlawful for anyone to catch, buy, sell or ship shortnose sturgeon at any
                                                                time.


                                        Notes:







                                                                                            33







                                                              ATLANTIC STURGEON                                   Color Plate I
                                                               Acipenser oxyrhynchus












                      Identifying key characters: Head and body crowded with bony plates or shields, five rows on
                            body, one row along midline of back and two TOWS on each side, two rows of plates posterior
                            to dorsal and anal rins. Head has an extended snout; a spiracle (small opening behind eyes),
                            inferior protrusible mouth preceded by four conspicuous barbels. Tail fin asymmetrical
                            with upper half fleshy and much larger than lower. Anal fin with 23 to 30 rays. Membranes
                            surrounding internal organs pale.

                      Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                      Shortnose sturgeon - Dorsal plates widely spaced, no plates usually occur posterior to dorsal fin and
                            only a single row or none occur posterior to anal fin, anal fin with 19 to 22 rays, snout is short
                            and rounded. Membranes surrounding internal organs are blackish.


                      REGULATIONS


                      Possession limit:       Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                              State waters - Fishery closed.


                      Size limit:             Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                              State waters - Fishery closed.


                      State seasonal restrictions:
                                              Recreational harvest - Fishery closed.
                                              Commercial harvest - Fishery closed.


                      Other restrictions:


                      Notes:








                                                                           34







                                                                                        TARPON                                    Color Plate III
                                                                                   Megalops atlanticus

                                         Other common name(s): silver king
                                                                                                                        Rr 15@
                                                                                                                       OF







                                         Identifying key characters: Body moderately deep, scales large, eye large, and lower jaw project-
                                              ing. Dorsal fin origin near mid point of body with last dorsal fin ray filamentous and very
                                              long.

                                         Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                         Ladyfish - Sin-dlar in appearance but much smaller, reaching only 4 to 6 pounds. Last dorsal ray is
                                              not filamentous or longer than anterior rays, body scales small, 100 to 120 along lateral line
                                              instead of the 40 to 48 for tarpon.


                                         REGULATIONS


                                         Possession limit:,      Federal waters - N/A.
                                                                 State waters - One fish per person per day.

                                         Size limit:             Federal waters - N/A.
                                                                 State waters - No restrictions.


                                         State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                 Recreational harvest - None.
                                                                 Commercial harvest - None.


                                         Other restrictions: Tarpon are game fish and may be taken only by rod and reel and may not be
                                                                 sold.


                                         Notes:










                                                                                             35








                                                                 HICKORY SHAD                                    Color Plate 11
                                                                  A losa mediocris














                      Identifying key characters: Obscure spots on sides behind shoulder spot, usually with narrow
                           dark lines on upper part of body, belly very deep, point of origin of dorsal fin is considerably
                           in front of the mid-point of its body, the lower jaw projects farther beyond the upper when
                           its mouth is closed, the upper jaw extends to opposite the center of the eye. Membranes
                           surrounding internal organs pale, gill rakers on lower limb of gill arch 18 to 23.

                      Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                      Blueback herring - Back dark blue, fins slightly yellow to green. Gill rakers slender, 41 to 51 on
                           lower limb of anterior arch. Membranes surrounding internal organs black.

                      American shad - Back bluish green with metallic luster shading to silver on sides, dark shoulder
                           spot followed by several more spots, fins pale green. Gill rakers on lower limb 59 to 73. Mem-
                           branes surrounding internal organs pale.


                      REGULATIONS


                      Possession limit:       Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                              State waters - No restrictions.


                      Size limit:             Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                              State waters - No restrictions.


                      State seasonal restrictions:
                                              Recreational harvest - Hickory shad may be taken lawfully by hook and line
                                                     (rod and reel) for non-commercial purposes year round.
                                              Commercial harvest - I February through 1 May - season varies in different
                                                     areas and rivers.


                      Other restrictions: Individuals taking hickory shad for non-commercial purposes must obtain a
                                              South Carolina freshwater fishing license.


                      Notes:

                                                                          36







                                                                                     AMERICAN SHAD                                   Color Plate 11
                                                                                      Alosa sapidissima

                                          Other common name(s): white shad











                                          Identifying key characters: Body compressed, depth variable, increasing with size. Back bluish-
                                                green with metallic luster shading to silver on sides, dark shoulder spot followed by several
                                                more spots, fins pale green. Dorsal fin slightly anterior to center point of body. Belly with
                                                scutes forming a distinct keel. Upper jaw with a distinct median notch, teeth present in
                                                jaws. Gill rakers on lower limb of anterior arch 59 to 73. Membranes surrounding internal
                                                organs pale.

                                          Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                          Blueback herring - Back dark blue, fins slightly yellow to greenish. Gill rakers slender, 45 to 51 on
                                                lower limb of anterior arch. Membrane surrounding internal organs black.

                                          Hickory shad - Obscure spots on sides behind shoulder spot, usually with narrow dark lines on
                                                upper part of body. Gill rakers on lower limb of anterior arch 18 to 23. Membranes surround-
                                                ing internal organs pale.


                                          REGULATIONS


                                          Possession limit:       Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                  State waters - No restrictions.


                                          Size limit:             Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                  State waters - No restrictions.


                                          State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                  Recreational harvest - American shad may be taken lawfully by book and line
                                                                         (rod and reel) for non-commercial purposes year round.
                                                                  Commercial harvest - I February through I May - season varies in different
                                                                         areas and rivers.


                                          Other restrictions:     Individuals taking American Shad for non-commercial purposes must obtain
                                                                  a South Carolina freshwater fishing license.


                                          Notes:
                                                                                              37







                                                           BLUEBACK HERRING                                  Color Plate 11
                                                               Alosa aestivallis







                                                              K.@







                    Identifying key characters: Body moderately compressed, belly with scutes forming a distinct
                         keel. Back dark blue, fins slightly yellow to greenish. Dorsal fin near center point of body.
                         Upper jaw with a distinct median notch and minute teeth. Gill rakers slender, 41 to 5 1 on
                         lower limb of anterior arch. Membranes surrounding internal organs black.

                    Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                    American shad - Gill rakers on lower limb of anterior arch 59 to 73. Membranes surrounding inter-
                         nal organs pale. .

                    Hickory shad - Gill rakers on lower limb of anterior arch 18 to 23. Membranes surrounding internal
                         organs pale.


                    REGULATIONS


                    Possession limit:      Federal waters - N/A.
                                           State waters - No restrictions in marine waters.


                    Size limit:            Federal waters - N/A.
                                           State waters - No restrictions.


                    State seasonal restrictions:
                                           Recreational harvest - Blueback herring may be taken lawfully with hook and
                                                   line year round.
                                           Commercial harvest - 15 February through 15 April - days of week and gear
                                                   is restricted for different areas and rivers.


                    Other restrictions: None.


                    Notes:






                                                                       38







                                                                                     WRECKFISH                                 Color Plate XIII
                                                                                 Polyprion americanus













                                        Identifying key characters: Color grayish to blackish-brown, young are mottled. Body strongly
                                             flattened sidewise, about 2 1/2 to 3 times as long as deep. Head very rough having a prominent
                                             ridge and strong spines on the gill cover, area between eyes with scales, bony protuberance
                                             over eyes and nape, mouth large and lower jaw strongly projecting. Scales small and rough,
                                             extending over bases of soft fin rays. Dorsal fin continuous, first part has I I strong spines, the
                                             second part has 11 or 12 soft rays, anal fin has 3 spines and 8 or 9 rays. Tail fin is rounded, not
                                             forked. Reaches 4 to 5 feet long and more than 100 pounds.

                                        Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                        Gag and other groupers - Has 3 spines at edge of opercle, middle one the largest; tail fin margin
                                             nearly straight not rounded; anal fin has 3 spines and I I soft rays. Head smooth without bony
                                             proliberances over eyes and nape.

                                        kEGULATIONS


                                        Possession limit:       Federal waters - See "other restrictions" below.
                                                                State waters - N/A. -


                                        Size limit:             Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                State waters - N/A.


                                        State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                Recreational harvest - Fishery closed 15 January through 15 April.
                                                                Commercial harvest - Fishery closed 15 January through 15 April.

                                        Other restrictions:     An individual transferable quota system has been established and is set annu-
                                                                ally for commercial fishermen.







                                                                                            39








                                                                  STRIPED BASS                                    Color Plate I
                                                                   Morone saxatlis


                       Other common name(s): rockfish, striper











                       Identifying key characters: 7 or 8 dark horizontal stripes marking scale rows on upper sides.
                            Two dorsal fins, the first spiny and the second soft-rayed. Caudal fin moderately forked, anal
                            fin with 3 strong spines and 7 to 13 soft rays. Body moderately elongate in young becoming
                            stouter in adults, mouth terminal, teeth small and lower jaw projecting slightly. Area between
                            eyes not scaled.

                       Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                       Hybrid bass (Striped bass/white bass) - Horizontal stripes marking scale rows on upper sides are
                            broken into irregular bars. Body deeper and more robust.


                       REGULATIONS


                       Possession limit:      Federal waters - N/A.
                                              State waters - Ten fish per person per day, except in Wando and Cooper
                                                      Rivers, and the Santee River seaward to Intracoastal Waterway, the
                                                      limit is 5 fish per person per day. Possession limits may vary - check
                                                      local laws.


                       Size limit:            Federal waters - N/A.
                                              State waters - No restrictions in marine waters. Size limits may vary - check
                                                      local laws.


                       State seasonal restrictions:
                                              Recreational harvest - None in marine waters.
                                              Commercial harvest - None in marine waters.


                       Other restrictions:    Striped bass are gamefish and may be taken only by rod and reel and may not
                                              be sold. Unlawful to take striped bass or striped bass/white bass hybrids from
                                              Savannah River upstream to New Savannah Bluff Lock Dam in South Caroli-
                                              na waters until July 1, 1996.


                       Notes:

                                                                          40







                                                                                     BANK SEA BASS                                  Color Plate VI
                                                                                    Centropristis ocyurus



                                                                                   A
                                                                                                                    00



                                                                                          Z.,





                                          Identifying key characters: Body color light, sides with three horizontal rows of black blotches,
                                                numerous blue and yellow stripes and spots on head, fins and forward part of body, middle tail
                                                ray and dorsal spines with jet black spots.

                                          Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                          Rock seabass - Body light, seven brownish bars on upper sides, yellowish band across anal fin,
                                                dorsal spines with long fleshly filaments, distinct black spot at base of last three dorsal spines.

                                          Black seabass - Body dark, nearly black, blue between eyes, median fins uniform color, tail fin with
                                                a single upper ray elongated in.adults.


                                          REGULATIONS


                                          Possession limit:       Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                  State waters - No restrictions.


                                          Size limit:             Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                  State waters - No restrictions.


                                          State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                  Recreational harvest - None.
                                                                  Commercial harvest - None.


                                          Other restrictions: Must be landed with head and tail intact.


                                          Notes:










                                                                                               41







                                                              ROCK SEA BASS                                  Color Plate VI
                                                          Centropristis philadelphia












                   Identifying key characters: Body light, seven brownish bars on upper sides, yellowish band
                         across anal fin, dorsal spines with long fleshy filaments, distinct black spot at base of last
                         three dorsal spines.

                   Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                   Black seabass - Body dark, nearly black, blue color between eyes (breeding males), median fins
                         uniform color, caudal fin with a single upper ray much elongated in adults.

                   Bank seabass - Body light, sides with three horizontal rows of black blotches, numerous blue and
                         yellow stripes and spots on head, fins and forward part of body, middle caudal ray and dorsal
                         spins with jet black spots.

                   REGULATIONS


                   Possession limit:       Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                           State waters - No restrictions.


                   Size limit:             Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                           State waters - No restrictions.


                   State seasonal restrictions:
                                           Recreational harvest - None.
                                           Commercial harvest - None.


                   Other restrictions:     Must be landed with head and tail intact.


                   Notes:








                                                                       42







                                                                                   BLACK SEA BASS                                 Color Plate VI
                                                                                   Centropristis striata

                                         Other common name(s): blackfish











                                         Identifying key characters: Body color very dark, preopercle finely serrate, without a strong
                                              spine or spiny lobe; opercle with three flat spines. Dorsal fin single, notched with 10 spines
                                              and I I soft rays, caudal fin rounded to trilobate, often with a single upper ray elongated in
                                              adults. Weighs up to 6 pounds, most I to 3 pounds.

                                         Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                         Bank seabass - Body light, sides with three horizontal rows of black blotches, numerous blue and
                                              yellow stripes and spots on head, fins and forward part of body, middle caudal ray and dorsal
                                              spins with jet black spots.

                                         Rock seabass - Body light, seven brownish bars on upper sides, yellowish band across anal fin,
                                              dorsal spines with long fleshy filaments, distinct black spot at base of last three dorsal spines


                                         REGULATIONS


                                         Possession limit:      Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                State waters - No restrictions.


                                         Size limit:            Federal waters - Eight inches total length.
                                                                State waters - Eight inches total length.

                                         State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                Recreational harvest - None.
                                                                Commercial harvest - None.


                                         Other restrictions:    Must be landed with head and tail intact.


                                         Notes:







                                                                                            43







                                                                SPECKLED HIND                                   Color Plate X
                                                            Epinephelus drummondhayi












                     Identifying key characters: Body reddish-brown, shading to bluish-purple on underside. Fins,
                           head and body covered with small, creamy white spots. Scales very rough to the touch.
                           Dorsal fin single, with 11 spines, its spiny and soft parts separated by a shallow notch, the
                           interspinous membrane notched. Anal fin with 3 spines and 9 soft rays. Maximum size less
                           that 30 pounds.

                     Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                     Yellowedge grouper - Young individuals have only a few white spots arranged in regular rows, there
                           is a dark saddle (spot) anterior to the caudal (tail) fin. Adults do not have light spots on body
                           or fins.


                     Warsaw grouper - Young have a few white spots, adults have no white spots, dorsal has 10 spines.

                     Jewfish, red grouper and nassau grouper - Have pattern of vertical bars on side of body and no
                           white spots.

                     Gag and Scamp - Body is more elongate, both have 11 or 12 soft anal spines.

                     REGULATIONS


                     Possession limit:       Federal waters - There is an aggregate recreational bag limit of five grouper
                                                     per person per day not to include Nassau grouper or jewfish for which
                                                     there is no retention.
                                             State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                     Size limit:             Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                             State waters - No restrictions.


                     State seasonal restrictions:
                                             Recreational harvest - None.
                                             Commercial harvest - None.


                     Other restrictions:     Must be landed with head and tail intact. Federal permit required to exceed
                                             bag limit.

                     Notes:
                                                                         44







                                                                                    YELLOWEDGE GROUPER                                    Color Plate XII
                                                                                      Epinephelusflavolimbatus





                                                                                                                      M
                                                                                  V.,







                                            Identifying key characters: Body reddish-brown, front part of dorsal fin with a broad yellow mar-
                                                  gin; a distinct pearly-blue line runs from the eye to the angle of the preopercle. Juveniles with
                                                  pearly spots arranged in regular rows and a saddle-shaped blotch at top of caudal peduncle (area
                                                  in front of tail fin) not reaching below the lateral line. Anal fin with 3 spines and 9 soft rays,
                                                  pelvic fins longer than pectorals and inserted anterior to ventral end of pectoral fin base.

                                            Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                            Snowy grouper - Spiny part of dorsal fin with black margin, no stripe running from eye to angle of
                                                  preopercle, young individuals with a dark saddle on caudal peduncle reaching below latter line.

                                            Warsaw grouper - Only 10 dorsal spines, no yellow margin to spiny dorsal fin and no stripe on cheek,
                                                  young individuals without dark saddle on caudal peduncle.

                                            Nassau grouper and red grouper - Have vertical dark bars on body.

                                            Speckled hind - Is densely spotted and pelvic fins are inserted behind pectoral fin base.

                                            Gag and Scamp - Body more elongate and 11 or 12 soft anal fin rays.

                                            REGULATIONS


                                            Possession limit:         Federal waters - There is an aggregate recreational bag limit of five grouper per
                                                                              person per day not to include Nassau grouper or jewfish for which there is
                                                                             no retention.
                                                                      State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                                            Size limit:               Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                      State waters - No restrictions.


                                            State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                      Recreational harvest - None.
                                                                      Commercial harvest - None.


                                            Other restrictions:       Must be landed with head and tail intact. Federal permit required to exceed bag
                                                                      limit.


                                            Notes:                                                  45







                                                                JEWFISH                               Color Plate XIII
                                                           Epinephelus itajara

                   Other common name(s): Giant grouper










                   Identifying key characters: Body generally greenish or gray with small black spots and very
                        robust, nearly round in cross-section. Head long, extremely broad and flat. Dorsal fin single,
                        unnotched, its anterior part with 11 spines increasing in size posteriorly but all shorter
                        than the anterior dorsal soft rays. Individuals over 100 pounds frequently taken. May exceed
                        over 500 pounds.

                   Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                   Other groupers: Speckled hind, yellowedge grouper, red grouper, warsaw grouper, snowy grouper
                        and Nassau grouper all have dorsal fin-spines equal to or longer than anterior soft rays, none
                        has a similar color pattern.

                   Gag and Scamp - Body more elongate and both have I I or 12 soft anal fin rays.

                   REGULATIONS


                   Possession limit:      Federal waters - Fishery closed.
                                          State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                   Size limit:            Federal waters - Fishery closed.
                                          State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                   State seasonal restrictions:
                                          Recreational harvest - Fishery closed.
                                          Commercial harvest - Fishery closed.


                   Other restrictions:


                   Notes:







                                                                    46






                                                                                     RED GROUPER                                  Color Plate X1
                                                                              \     Epinephelus morio





                                         Identifying key characters: Body generally brownish-red, lighter below with a transient pat-
                                              tern of whitish spots and occasionally a suggestion of irregular bars. Body robust, not
                                              strongly compressed. Vertical fins angulate in large fish, single dorsal fin with spiny and soft
                                              parts separated by a shallow notch, second of 11 anterior dorsal spines the longest and
                                              interspinous membrane not notched. Anal fin with 3 spines and 9 soft rays, pelvic fins short-
                                              er than pectorals and inserted slightly behind ventral end of pectoral fin base. Maximum size
                                              around 90 pounds.

                                         Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                         Warsaw grouper, yellowedge grouper and snowy grouper - All have pelvic fins which are longer
                                              than the pectoral fins and are inserted anterior to the pectoral fin base.

                                         Warsaw grouper - Vertical fins are rounded instead of angulate.

                                         Nassau grouper - Bold dark bars present.

                                         Speckled hind - Conspicuous spots on body.

                                         REGULATIONS


                                         Possession limit:       Federal waters - There is an aggregate recreational bag limit of five grouper
                                                                        per person per day not to include Nassau grouper or jewfish for which
                                                                        there is no retention.
                                                                 State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                                         Size limit:             Federal waters - 20 inches total length.
                                                                 State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                                         State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                 Recreational harvest - None.
                                                                 Commercial harvest - None.

                                         Other restrictions: Must be landed with head and tail intact. Federal permit required to exceed
                                                                 bag limit.

                                         Notes:                                              47







                                                            WARSAW GROUPER                                 Color Plate XII
                                                             Epinephelus nigrilus












                    Identifying key characters: Body dark reddish-brown to almost black, counter shaded to dull reddish-
                         gray below. Dorsal and anal fins rounded, dorsal with 10 spines, the second spine much longer
                         than third; interspinous membrane deeply notched, anal fin with 3 spines and 9 soft rays. Pelvic
                         fins slightly longer than pectorals and inserted anterior to ventral end of pectoral fin base.

                    Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                    Other groupers - All have 9 or 11 spines in the dorsal fin (not 10) and all, except the red grouper, have
                         the third dorsal spine longer than the second.

                    Red grouper - Has angulate fins (not rounded), the interspinous membrane is not notched and the pelvic
                         fins are shorter and are inserted below or behind the pectoral fin base.

                    Yellowedge grouper - Has a distinct pearly-blue line running from eye to angle of preopercle, a yellow
                         margin to spiny part of dorsal fin, young have a dark saddle on caudal peduncle.

                    Snowy grouper - A black margin to spiny part of dorsal fin, young with a dark saddle on caudal pedun-
                         cle.

                    Gag and scamp - Body more elongate, both have 11 or 12 soft anal fin rays.

                    REGULATIONS

                    Possession limit:      Federal waters - There is an aggregate recreational bag limit of five grouper per
                                                   person per day not to include Nassau grouper or jewfish for which there is
                                                   no retention.
                                           State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                    Size limit:            Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                           State waters - No restrictions.


                    State seasonal restrictions:
                                           Recreational harvest - None.
                                           Commercial harvest - None.

                    Other restrictions:    Must be landed with head and tail intact. Federal permit required to exceed bag
                                           limit.


                    Notes:
                                                                       48







                                                                                  SNOWY GROUPER                                  Color Plate X11
                                                                                  Epinephelus niveatus





                                                                                                                     _2







                                        Identifying key characters: Body generally dark reddish, a little lighter below. Spiny part of dorsal fin with
                                              a black margin. Young have regular rows of pearly spots and a dark saddle-shaped blotch ante-
                                              rior to the tail fin which reaches below the lateral line. Dorsal fin has 11 spines, the interspinous
                                              membrane is notched, anterior soft dorsal rays shorter than longest dorsal spine. Anal fin with 3
                                              spines and 9 soft rays. Pelvic fins longer than pectorals and inserted well anterior to ventral end of
                                              pectoral fin base.

                                        Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                        Yellowedge grouper - Spiny pan of dorsal fin with a yellow margin, a distinct pearly-blue line running from
                                              eye to angle of preopercle. Young have a dark saddle anterior to tail fin with does not reach below
                                              lateral line.

                                        Warsaw grouper - Only 10 dorsal fin spines, no black margin on spiny dorsal fin, young do not have dark
                                              saddle anterior to tail fin.

                                        Nassau grouper and red grouper - Have vertical bars on body and pelvic fins inserted below or behind pecto-
                                              ral fin base.


                                        Speckled hind - Is densely spotted.

                                        Gag and Scamp - Body more elongated, 11 or 12 soft anal fin rays, both have distinctive color patterns.

                                        REGULATIONS

                                        Possession limit:       Federal waters - There is an aggregate recreational bag limit of five grouper per
                                                                       person per day not to include Nassau grouper or jewfish for which there is no
                                                                       retention.
                                                                State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                                        Size limit:             Federal waters - None.
                                                                State waters - None.


                                        State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                Recreational harvest - None.
                                                                Commercial harvest - None.

                                        Other restrictions:     Must be landed with head and tail intact. Federal permit required to exceed bag limit.

                                        Notes:
                                                                                            49







                                                               NASSAU GROUPER                                   Color Plate XI
                                                                Epinephelus striatus







                                                           -K





                      Identifying key characters: Body color ranges from tawny to pinkish or red and may have a orange
                           cast, five dark vertical bars on body join to form W-shaped marks, there is a distinct black
                           saddle anterior to tail fin and several distinct black spots below and behind eye. The third
                           spine of the dorsal fin is longer than the second spine and the interspinous membrane is
                           slightly indented. Anal fin with 3 spines and 8 soft rays. Pelvic fins shorter than pectorals and
                           inserted below ventral end of pectoral fin base.

                      Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                      Red grouper - May have light vertical bars but they do not form W-shaped marks, no dark saddle
                           anterior to tail fin, second dorsal fin spine longer than third, interspinous membrane notched.

                      Yellowedge grouper, warsaw grouper, and snowy grouper - Do not have vertical bars, the pelvic fins
                           are longer than the pectorals and are inserted anterior to ventral end of pectoral fin base.

                      Gag and scamp - Body more elongate, I I or 12 soft anal rays, both species have distinct color
                           patterns.


                      REGULATIONS


                      Possession limit:       Federal waters - Fishery closed.
                                              State waters - Fishery closed.

                      Size limit:             Federal waters - Fishery closed.
                                              State waters - Fishery closed.

                      State seasonal restrictions: Fishery closed


                      Other restrictions:


                      Notes:




                                                                          50







                                                                                        GAG                                   Color Plate XI
                                                                              Mycteroperca microlepis






                                                                                                  -7


                                                                                .............





                                        Identifying key characters: Body gray with darker gray vermiculations grouped into squarish
                                             blotches. Preopercle angulate, slightly notched and with a distinct lobe at the angle,
                                             opercle with 3 flat spines, middle one the largest, rays of vertical fins not prolonged.

                                        Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                        Scamp - Well separated spots on sides of head and body, rays of vertical fins greatly prolonged.

                                        Speckled hind, yellowedge grouper, red grouper, warsaw grouper, snowy grouper and nassau grou-
                                             per - Have 7 to 9 soft anal fin rays and body more robust being deepest at origin of dorsal fin.


                                        REGULATIONS


                                        Possession limit:      Federal waters - There is an aggregate recreational bag limit of five grouper
                                                                      per person per day not to include Nassau grouper or jewfish for which
                                                                      there is no retention.
                                                               State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                                        Size limit:            Federal waters - 20 inches total length.
                                                               State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                                        State seasonal restrictions:
                                                               Recreational harvest - None.
                                                               Commercial harvest - None.


                                        Other restrictions: Must be landed with head and tail intact. Federal commercial permit required
                                                               to exceed bag limit.

                                        Notes:






                                                                                          51








                                                                 SCAMP                               Color Plate XIII
                                                          Mycteroperca phenax



                                                                Y.t









                   Identifying key characters: Body light brownish-gray with small, well separated spots, a yellow
                        coloration on jaws. Preopercle angulate, with a marked notch above the angle followed
                        below by a prominent Serrated lobe, opercle with 3 flat spines with middle one the largest.
                        Rays of vertical fins greatly prolonged. Anal fin with 3 spines and I I soft rays.

                   Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                   Gag - Rays of vertical fins not prolonged, no well separated distinct spots on body.

                   Speckled hind, yellowedge grouper, red grouper, warsaw grouper, snowy grouper, nassau grouper -
                        7 to 9 soft anal fin rays, body more robust being deepest at origin of dorsal fin.

                   Yellowmouth grouper - Spots on side of head and body closer together. Fin rays in larger adults
                        shorter and more regularly spaced.


                   REGULATIONS


                   Possession limit:     Federal waters - There is an aggregate recreational bag limit of five grouper
                                                per person per day not to include Nassau grouper or jewfish for which
                                                there is no retention.
                                         State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                   Size limit:           Federal waters - 20 inches total length.
                                         State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                   State seasonal restrictions:
                                         Recreational harvest - No restrictions.
                                         Commercial harvest - No restrictions.


                   Other restrictions: Must be landed with head and tail intact. Federal commercial permit required
                                         to exceed bag limit.


                   Notes:

                                                                    52







                                                                                   BLUELINE TILEFISH                                 Color Plate X
                                                                                    Caulolatilus microps

                                          Other common name(s): Gray tilefish










                                          Identifying key characters: Body bluish-green, darker above, sides, under eyes and dorsal fin with
                                                yellow pigment. Dorsal fin is long and continuous, 7 spines and 25 rays, anal fin also long,
                                                I spine and 23 rays. Eye small, about one-fifth of head length. Predorsal ridge present and
                                                preoperculum serrated.

                                          Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                          Tilefish - Predorsal ridge present and developed into a fleshy flap anterior to dorsal fin. Dorsal fin
                                                with 7 spines and 14 to 15 rays, anal fin with 2 spine and 14 to 15 rays.

                                          Sand tilefish - No mid-dorsal ridge or fleshy flap in front of dorsal fin, preopercle margin smooth.
                                                Dorsal fin with 4 or 5 spines and 54 to 60 rays, anal fin with 1 spine and 48 to 55 rays.

                                          Blackline tilefish - Always 8 dorsal fin spines; dorsal fin membrane patterned; yellow-golden area
                                                under eye much broader, at least 3/4 diameter of pupil.


                                          REGULATIONS


                                          Possession limit:       Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                  State waters - No restrictions.


                                          Size limit:             Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                  State waters -No restrictions.


                                          State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                  Recreational harvest - No restrictions.
                                                                  Commercial harvest - No restrictions.


                                          Other restrictions:     Federal permit required to engage in a directed fishery. Must be landed with
                                                                  head and tail intact.


                                          Notes:



                                                                                              53







                                                                    TILEFISH                                   Color Plate X
                                                         Lopholatilus charnaeleonticeps






                                                                      '-X'@', 7









                    Identifying key characters: Body elongate, back and upper sides bluish-green changing to yellow
                          or rose of lower sides, head tinged in red, numerous irregular yellow and white spots over
                          body and fins. Predorsal ridge developed into an fleshy flap in front of dorsal fin. Dorsal
                          fin with 7 spines and 14 or 15 rays, anal fin with 2 spines and 14 or 15 rays.

                    Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                    Blueline tilefish - Predorsal ridge present but no fleshy flap in front of dorsal fin. Dorsal fin with 7
                          spines and 25 rays, anal fin with I spine and 23 rays. Preoperculum serrated.

                    Blackline tilefish - Always 8 dorsal fin spines; dorsal fin membrane patterned; yellow-golden area
                          under eye much broader, at least 3/4 diameter of pupil.

                    Sand tilefish - No mid-dorsal ridge, no fleshy flap in front of dorsal fin. Preopercle margin smooth.
                          Dorsal fin with 4 or 5 spines and 54 to 60 rays, anal fin with 1 spine and 48 to 55 rays.


                    REGULATIONS


                    Possession limit:       Federal waters - No limit.
                                            State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                    Size limit:             Federal waters - None.
                                            State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                    State seasonal restrictions:
                                            Recreational harvest - None.
                                            Commercial harvest - None.


                    Other restrictions: Federal permit required to engage in a directed fishery. Must be landed with
                                            head and tail intact.


                    Notes:



                                                                        54







                                                                                       BLUEFISH                                   Color Plate III
                                                                                   Pomatomus saltatrix














                                        Identifying key characters: Back greenish-blue, sides and belly silvery. Body compressed and
                                              head large. Mouth terminal, jaw teeth prominent and in a single row. Two dorsal fins, first
                                              short and low with 7 or 8 spines, the second long with 1 spine and 23 to 28 rays. Tail fin
                                              forked.


                                        Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                        No other species of similar appearance.


                                        REGULATIONS


                                        Possession limit:       Federal waters - Ten fish per person per day (Recreational harvest).
                                                                State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                                        Size limit:             Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                State waters - No restrictions.


                                        State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                Recreational harvest - None.
                                                                Commercial harvest - None.


                                        Other restrictions:


                                        Notes:














                                                                                            55







                                                                       COBIA                                   Color Plate III
                                                              Rachycentron canadum









                                                                        ............ . .







                      Identifying key characters: Back and sides dark brown, with 2 sharply defined silvery bands,
                           belly yellowish. Body elongate, head broad and depressed. Mouth large and terminal. First
                           dorsal fin with 7 to 9 short and strong isolated spines, not connected by a membrane, second
                           dorsal long with 27 to 33 rays. Upper lobe of tail fin longer than lower.

                      Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                      Sharksuckers (Remora) - Very similar, particularly to young cobia. Sharksuckers may be distin-
                           guished by the presence of a laminating adhesive disc on the top of their head.


                      REGULATIONS


                      Possession limit:      Federal waters - Two fish per person per day (Commercial and Recreational).
                                             State waters - Two fish per person per day (Commercial and Recreational).

                      Size limit:            Federal waters - 37 inches total length.
                                             State waters - 37 inches total length.


                      State seasonal restrictions:
                                             Recreational harvest - None.
                                             Commercial harvest - None.


                      Other restrictions: Must be landed with head and tail intact. Federal commercial mackerel per-
                                             mit required to exceed bag limit.


                      Notes:










                                                                          56







                                                                                      SILK SNAPPER                               Color Plate VIII
                                                                                     Lutjanus vivanus






                                                                                           ---- ---   --- - - ------






                                          Identifying key @characters: Back and upper sides pink to red, lower sides and belly lighter, with
                                               silver reflections. Body covered with very fine undulating yellow lines. Fins mostly reddish,
                                               except pectorals are pale yellow. Iris of eye yellow. Tooth parch on roof of mouth anchor-
                                               shaped. Dorsal fin with 10 spines and 13 or 14 rays, anal fin angulate with 8 rays, tail fin
                                               moderately forked.

                                          Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                          Red snapper - Back and upper sides deep red, iris of eye red, anal rays 9.

                                          Mutton snapper - Back, upper sides and upper tail fin lobe olive-green, 2 blue oblique stripes on
                                               snout and cheek, iris of eye red, tooth patch on roof of mouth chevton-shaped.

                                          Vermilion snapper - Back and upper sides vermilion, tooth patch on roof of mouth rhomboid-
                                               shaped, dorsal fin with 12 or 13 spines and 10 or I I rays.


                                          REGULATIONS


                                          Possession limit:       Federal waters - There is an aggregate daily bag limit of 10 snappers (exclud-
                                                                         ing ven-nilion snapper and allowing no more than 2 red snappers) per
                                                                         day.
                                                                  State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                                          Size limit:             Federal waters - 12 inches total length,
                                                                  State waters - 12 inches total length.

                                          State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                  Recreational harvest - None.
                                                                  Commercial harvest - None.


                                          Other restrictions: Must be landed with head and tail intact. Federal commercial permit required
                                                                  to exceed bag limit.

                                          Notes:                                               61







                                                            VERMILION SNAPPER                                Color Plate VIII
                                                            Rhomboplites aurorubens





                                                  -.0






                     Identifying key characters: Back and upper sides vermilion, lower sides and belly silvery with
                          a reddish tinge. Faint dark lines running forward and down from dorsal fin base, narrow
                          horizontal golden streaks below lateral line. Lower jaw slightly projecting beyond the
                          upper posterior extension of anchor-shaped tooth patch on roof of mouth very broad.
                          Dorsal fin with 12 weak spines and 10 or I I rays, tail fin forked.

                     Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                     All other snappers - None have similar color pattern, tooth patch on roof of mouth chevron-shaped
                          or triangular and all have less than 12 dorsal spines.


                     REGULATIONS


                     Possession limit:       Federal waters - 10 fish per person per day recreational bag limit.
                                             State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                     Size limil-             Federal waters - 10 inches total length for recreational caught fish.
                                                    12 inches total length for commercially caught fish.
                                             State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                     State seasonal restrictions:
                                             Recreational harvest - None.
                                             Commercial harvest - None.


                     Other restrictions: Must be landed with head and tail intact. Federal commercial permit required
                                             to exceed bag limit.


                     Notes:








                                                                         62







                                                                                 GREATER AMBERJACK                                 Color Plate XVI
                                                                                      Seriola dumerili














                                          Identifying key characters: Back and upper sides usually bluish-brown to olive, sides and belly
                                               lighter, usually a dark stripe runs through the eye to the dorsal fin origin, often an amber
                                               stripe runs from the eye along the middle of the body. Individuals over 12 inches have I I to 19
                                               gill rakers on the lower limb of anterior arch. Dorsal fin with 7 spines followed by I spine and
                                               29 to 35 soft rays. Second dorsal fin base about 1 1/2 times anal fin base. Deep grooves
                                               present (top and bottom) in front of tail fin.

                                          Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                          Almaco jack - Second dorsal fin lobe much higher. Height 4 to 5 times in fork length where as
                                               greater amberjack height is 7 or more times in fork length.

                                          Lesser amberjack - Has a greater number of gill rakers, 23 to 26 on first arch.

                                          Rainbow runner -- Has two rayed dorsal and anal finlets posterior to dorsal and anal fins.

                                          Pilotfish - Has 6 or 7 black bars against a silvery background, first dorsal fin with 3 to 5 spines, anal
                                               fin with only 15 to 17 soft rays.


                                          REGULATIONS


                                          Possession limit:       Federal waters - Three fish recreational bag limit per person per day.
                                                                  State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                                          Size limit:             Federal waters - 28 inches fork length (Recreational harvest).
                                                                                    36 inches fork length (Commercial harvest).
                                                                  State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                                          State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                  Recreational harvest - None.
                                                                  Commercial harvest - None.


                                          Other restrictions:     Must be landed with head and tail intact.


                                          Notes:
                                                                                               57







                                                                RED SNAPPER                                 Color Plate VIII
                                                             Lutjanus campechanus












                    Identifying key characters: Back and upper sides scarlet to brick red. Iris of eye red. Body
                         deep, head comparatively large. Tooth patch on roof of mouth anchor-shaped and well
                         developed. Dorsal fin with 10 spines and 14 rays, anal fin angulate with 3 spines and 9 rays.

                    Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                    Silk snapper - Body pink to red, iris of eye yellow, 8 anal fin rays.

                    Mutton snapper - Back, upper sides and upper tail fin olive-green. Two blue stripes on snout and
                         cheek and dark spot below soft portion of dorsal fin. Tooth patch on roof of mouth chevron-
                         shaped.

                    Wenchman snapper - Back and upper sides pink to rose, head region between eyes flat, tooth patch
                         on roof of mouth chevron-shaped, dorsal fin with 10 or I I rays.

                    Vermilion snapper - Back and upper sides vermilion, posterior extension of anchor-shaped tooth
                         patch on roof of mouth very broad, 12 or 13 spines and 10 or 11 soft rays in dorsal fin.

                    REGULATIONS


                    Possession limit:       Federal waters - Two per angler per day (Recreational harvest).
                                            State waters - Two per angler per day (Recreational harvest).

                    Size limit:             Federal waters - 20 inches total length.
                                            State waters - 20 inches total length.


                    State seasonal restrictions:
                                            Recreational harvest - None.
                                            Commercial harvest - None.


                    Other restrictions: Must be landed with head and tail intact. Federal commercial permit required
                                            to exceed bag limit.


                    Notes:
                                                                        58







                                                                                   CUBERA SNAPPER                                  Color Plate IX
                                                                                   Lutjanus cyanopterus













                                         Identifying key characters: Back and upper sides pale to dark gray with reddish tinges, especially
                                               anteriorly, pectoral fins almost colorless, anal and pelvic fins reddish and dorsal and tail fins grayish.
                                               Mouth large with large thick lips, the maxilla extending beyond center of pupil. Canine teeth in
                                               both jaws very strong and equally developed. Tooth patch on roof of mouth triangular. Dorsal fin
                                               with 10 spines and 14 rays, anal fin rounded, tail fin nearly truncate.

                                         Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                         Gray snapper - Very similar in appearance. Tooth patch on roof of mouth anchor-shaped, Mouth small,
                                               canine teeth in upper jaw much larger than lower canines.

                                         Schoolmaster snapper - Tooth patch on roof of mouth anchor-shaped, blue line below eye and all fins yellow
                                               to pale orange.

                                         Dog snapper - Tooth patch on roof of mouth anchor-shaped, a whitish bar between eye and comer of mouth.

                                         Mutton snapper - A conspicuous dark spot on sides below dorsal fin.

                                         Mahogany and Lane snapper - Tooth patch on roof of mouth anchor-shaped, a conspicuous spot on sides
                                               below dorsal.


                                         REGULATIONS


                                         Possession limit:       Federal waters - There is an aggregate daily bag limit of 10 snappers (excluding
                                                                         vermilion snapper and allowing no more than 2 red snappers) per day.
                                                                 State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                                         Size limit:             Federal waters - 12 inches total length.
                                                                 State water - Same as in federal waters.


                                         State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                 Recreational harvest - None.
                                                                 Commercial harvest - None.

                                         Other restrictions:     Must be landed with head and tail intact. Federal commercial permit required to
                                                                 exceed bag limit.

                                         Notes:

                                                                                             59







                                                             GRAY SNAPPER                                Color Plate IX
                                                              Lutjanus griseus








                                                                 ORO-






                    Identifying key characters: Highly changeable, back and upper sides dark gray to gray-green,
                         sometimes dark olive with a reddish tinge, may be blotched. No dark spots on body, often
                         orange to rusty dots on centers of scales on sides. Outer pair of canine teeth in upper jaw
                         much larger than lower canines, tooth patch on roof of mouth anchor-shaped. Dorsal fin
                         has 10 spines and 14 rays no scales on upper side of head, or snout or jaw.

                    Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                    Cubera snapper - Tooth patch on roof of mouth triangular, canine teeth in both jaws very strong and
                         equally well developed.

                    Schoolmaster - Pectoral reaching to anal opening when pressed against body, blue line under eye
                         and all fins are yellow.

                    Dog snapper - Pectoral reaching to anal opening when pressed against body, whitish bar between
                         eye and area immediately behind maxilla and blue line under eye.

                    Mutton, mahogany and lane snapper - A conspicuous dark spot present on sides below dorsal fin.

                    REGULATIONS

                    Possession limit:      Federal waters - There is an aggregate daily bag limit of 10 snappers (exclud-
                                                  ing vermilion snapper and allowing no more than 2 red snappers) per
                                                  angler.
                                           State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                    Size limit:            Federal waters - 12 inches total length.
                                           State waters - 12 inches total length.

                    State seasonal restrictions:
                                           Recreational harvest - None.
                                           Commercial harvest - None.


                    Other restrictions: Federal commercial permit required to exceed bag limit.

                    Notes:
                                                                     60







                                                                                        SHEEPSHEAD                                  Color Plate VII
                                                                                Archosargus probatocephalus



                                                                                          5,








                                           Identifying key characters: Gray with 5 or 6 dark vertical bars on body and one on nape (no
                                                dark spot near origin of latter line). Body nearly oval in shape. Jaws anteriorly with a
                                                series of 8 (4 on each side) broad, incisor-like teeth, their edges straight or only slightly
                                                notched, laterally several series of molar-like teeth present. Dorsal fin with 12 spines and
                                                11 soft rays, second anal spine very strong.

                                           Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                           Nothing similar in inshore waters.


                                           REGULATIONS


                                           Possession limit:       Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                   State waters - No restrictions.


                                           Size limit:             Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                   State waters - No restrictions.


                                           State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                   Recreational harvest - None.
                                                                   Commercial harvest - None.


                                           Other restrictions: Must be landed with head and tail intact.


                                           Notes:













                                                                                               63







                                                               KNOBBEDPORGY                                   Color Plate VII
                                                                 Calamus nodosus









                                                      0





                     Identifying key characters: Body rosy-silver, center of each scale light iridescent bluish, snout
                           purplish with bronze spots, and an iridescent blue stripe below eye. Body oval in shape, upper
                           head profile very steep, bony tubercle (knob) over eye well developed. Both jaws anterior-
                           ly with canine-like teeth of about equal size, laterally with 2 rows of molar-like teeth in
                           lower jaw and 3 rows in upper jaw, with an irregular inner series of teeth.

                     Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                     Whitebone porgy - Does not have an irregular inner series of teeth in addition to principal rows of
                           molars.


                     Jolthead porgy - Cheeks brassy with no blue markings, head profile not steep.


                     REGULATIONS


                     Possession limit:       Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                             State waters - No restrictions.


                     Size limit:             Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                             State waters - No restrictions.


                     State seasonal restrictions:
                                             Recreational harvest - None.
                                             Commercial harvest - None.


                     Other restrictions:     Must be landed with head and tail intact.


                     Notes:








                                                                         64







                                                                                      REDPORGY                                    Color Plate IX
                                                                                     Pagruspagrus


                                         Other common name(s): common seabream, silver snapper, pink porgy, Charleston snapper










                                         Identifying key characters: Back and upper sides pinkish-silver with an indistinct yellow spot
                                              on each scale of the upper half of the body, lower sides and belly with reddish tints, a wedge
                                              of yellow across inter-orbital space and some yellow on snout and upper lip, pectoral pink and
                                              tail fin pink with bright red margin. Posterior nostril oblong and larger than the anterior.
                                              Both jaws anteriorly with canine-like teeth, 4 in upper and 6 in lower, laterally with two
                                              rows of molar-like teeth. Dorsal fin with 12 spines and 10 soft rays, anal fin with 8 soft rays.

                                         Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                         Knobbed porgy - Posterior nost   ril slit-like and 10 to 11 anal fin rays.

                                         Scup - Body not pink, anterior teeth narrow, in several close-set bands.

                                         Sheepshead - Body not pink, anterior jaw teeth broad and flattened.


                                         REGULATIONS


                                         Possession limit:      Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                State waters - No restrictions.


                                         Size limit:            Federal waters - 12 inches total length.
                                                                State waters - 12 inches total length.

                                         State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                Recreational harvest - None.
                                                                Commercial Harvest - None.


                                         Other restrictions:    Must be landed with head and tail intact.


                                         Notes:




                                                                                            65







                                                                        SCUP                                   Color Plate VII
                                                                Stenotomus chrysops


                      Other common name(s): southern porgy, porgy









                      Identifying key characters: Body deep, color silvery with no dark markings, dorsal fin with 12
                           spines, preceded by one forward-directed spine, and 12 soft rays. Front teeth strongly
                           flattened, narrow, in close-set bands, teeth in outer band a little enlarged, compressed and
                           narrower at base, laterally two rows of molar-tike teeth in upper and lower jaws.

                      Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                      Red porgy - Body pink, anterior teeth in both jaws canine-like, laterally two rows of molar-like
                           teeth.


                      Knobbed porgy - Posterior nostril slit-like, anterior teeth in both jaws canine-like, laterally upper
                           jaw with three rows of molar-like teeth.


                      REGULATIONS


                      Possession limit:       Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                              State waters - No restrictions.


                      Size limit:             Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                              State waters - No restrictions.


                      State seasonal restrictions:
                                              Recreational harvest - None.
                                              Commercial harvest - None.


                      Other restrictions: Must be landed with head and tail intact.


                      Notes:








                                                                           66







                                                                                 SPOTFED SEATROUT                                  Color Plate V
                                                                                  Cynoscion nebulosus


                                         Other common name(s): winter trout, Speckled trout




                                                                                                                       IS






                                         Identifying key characters: Dark gray above with bluish refections and numerous round black
                                              spots irregularly scattered on back and sides, also extending to soft part of dorsal and tail
                                              fins. A pair of large canine-like teeth at tip of upper jaw, remaining teeth small and in lower
                                              jaw gradually increasing posteriorly. Chin without barbels or pores, snout with only 2 marginal
                                              pores. Anterior dorsal fin with 9 or 10 spines and second dorsal with I spine and 25 to 28 rays,
                                              soft portion of dorsal unscaled.

                                         Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                         Weakfish - Dark spots on back and sides small, forming faint irregular, oblique streaks along scale
                                              rows, soft portion of dorsal fin covered with small scales up to one-third of fin.


                                         REGULATIONS.


                                         Possession limit:      Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                State waters - Fifteen fish per angler per day.


                                         Size limit:            Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                State waters - 12 inches total length.

                                         State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                Recreational harvest - None.
                                                                Commercial harvest - None.


                                         Other restrictions: Game fish - May be taken only by rod and reel year round or by gigging from
                                                                March through November. S.C. native fish may not be sold.

                                         Notes:







                                                                                            67







                                                                   RED DRUM                                   Color Plate IV
                                                                Sciaenops ocellatus



                      Other common name(s): channel bass, puppy drum, spottail bass, redfish



                                                                                                  zmm*




                      Identifying key characters: Iridescent silvery-gray with a cooper cast, darker above, one or more
                           ocellate blotches present on upper sides from below soft portion of the dorsal fin to the
                           base of the tail fin. Mouth inferior, horizontal, teeth set in bands in both jaws. Chin with
                           barbels, pre-opercular margin smooth.

                      Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                      Other croakers and drums - None have large black spots on posterior halves of upper sides.

                      Black drum - Has many barbels on chin.

                      Atlantic croaker - Has small barbels and pre-opercular margin serrate with 3 to 5 strong spines at its
                           angle.


                      REGULATIONS


                      Possession limit:      Federal waters - Fishery closed, no possession.
                                             State waters - Five fish per angler per day.

                      Size limit:            Federal waters - Fishery closed
                                             State waters - 14 inches total length minimum, 27 inches total length
                                                   maximum.


                         le seasonal restrictions:
                                             Recreational harvest - Gigging legal only from March through November.
                                             Commercial harvest - Fishery closed.

                               Arictions: Game fish - May be only taken by rod and reel year round or by gigging from
                                             March through November. Fish taken in S.C. may not be sold.





                                                                         68







                                                                                           HOGFISH                                 Color Plate XVI
                                                                                    Lachnolaimus maximus



                                           Other common name(s): hog snapper










                                           Identifying key characters: Generally pink, reddish-brown or wine color with scales on back
                                                 edged in yellow and a black spot at rear of dorsal fin. Dorsal profile of head rather deep,
                                                 dorsal fin continuous, with 14 spines of which the first three are extended into long fila-
                                                 ments.


                                           Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                           Nothing occurs in area which is of similar appearance.


                                           REGULATIONS


                                           Possession limit:       Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                   State waters - No restrictions.


                                           Size limit:             Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                   State waters - No restrictions.


                                           State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                   Recreational harvest - None.
                                                                   Commercial harvest - None.


                                           Other restrictions: Must be landed with head and tail intact.


                                           Notes:













                                                                                               69







                                                              KING MACKEREL                                    Color Plate V
                                                            Scomberomorus cavalla


                    Other common name(s): silver king, king fish




                                                 --------------------------


                                                                                    ------------------







                    Identifying key characters: Back iridescent bluish-green, sides silvery; first dorsal fin lightly and
                         uniformly pigmented, lateral line abruptly curving downward below second dorsal fin,
                         snout much shorter than rest of head, posterior part of maxilla exposed, reaching posterior
                         margin of eye.

                    Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                    Spanish mackerel - Lateral line not abruptly curving downward under second dorsal fin, first dorsal
                         fin with 17 to 19 spines and anterior third of first dorsal fin black.

                    Wahoo - 24 to 26 spines in first dorsal fin, snout about as long as rest of head, numerous vertical
                         stripes on sides of body.


                    REGULATIONS


                    Possession limit:       Federal waters - Five fish per angler per day recreationally.
                                            State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                    Size limit:             Federal waters - 20 inches fork length.
                                            State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                    State seasonal restrictions:
                                            Recreational harvest - Fishery closed when quota reached. If overfished.
                                                   Currently not overfished.
                                            Commercial harvest - Fishery closed when quota reached. If overfished.
                                                   Currently not overfished.

                    Other restrictions: Commercial fishermen must obtain a federal permit to fish for king mackerel
                                            in federal waters.


                    Notes:


                                                                        70







                                                                                SPANISH MACKEREL                                  Color Plate V
                                                                              Scomberomorus maculatus














                                        Identifying key characters: Back bluish-green, sides silvery with numerous yellow to bronze
                                             spots and no streaks, anterior third of first dorsal is black. Two scarcely separated dorsal
                                             fins, first with 17 to 19 spines, lateral line gradually curving down toward tail region.

                                        Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                        King mackerel - Lateral line abruptly curving downward under second dorsal fin, first dorsal fin
                                             with 14 to 16 spines and uniformly dusky in color. Young king mackerel may have yellowish-
                                             bronze spots similar to adult Spanish mackerel.

                                        Cero mackerel - Sides of body with spots and I or 2 longitudinal stripes, pectoral fins covered with
                                             scales.


                                        Wahoo - 24 to 26 spines in first dorsal fin, snout as long as rest of head, numerous vertical stripes
                                             on sides of body.


                                        REGULATIONS


                                        Possession limit:       Federal waters - 10 fish per angler per day recreationafly.
                                                                State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                                        Size limit:             Federal waters - 14 inches total length.
                                                                State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                                        State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                Recreational harvest - Season closed when quota reached. If overfished.
                                                                       Currently no overfished.
                                                                Commercial harvest - Season closed when quota reached. If overfished.
                                                                       Currently no overfished.

                                        Other restrictions: Commercial fishermen must obtain a federal permit to fish for Spanish mack-
                                                                erel in federal waters. Must be landed with head and tail intact.

                                        Notes:                                             71







                                                                  BLUEFIN TUNA                                Color Plate XIV
                                                                  Thunnusthynnus












                      Identifying key characters' Back dark blue or black, lower sides silvery; first dorsal fin yellow or
                           bluish, the second reddish-brown, anal fin and finlets dusky-yellow edged in black. Pecto-
                           ral fins very short, less than 80 percent of head length, not reaching posterior margin of first
                           dorsal fin.


                      Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                      Albacore - Pectoral fin usually reaching nearly to second dorsal finlet, tail fin with a white margin.

                      Yellowfin tuna - Dorsal and anal fins bright yellow, dorsal and anal finlets bright yellow with black
                           margins. Body usually with 20 broken, nearly vertical lines.

                      Blackfin tuna - Second dorsal and anal fins dusky with silvery lusters, Pectoral fins longer about 30
                           percent of fork length.


                      REGULATIONS


                      Possession limit:       Federal waters - A special federal permit for each fish retained must be
                                                     obtained prior to harvest.
                                              State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                      Size limit:             Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                              State waters - No restrictions.


                      State seasonal restrictions:
                                              Recreational harvest - None.
                                              Commercial harvest - None.


                      Other restrictions:     Special permit and tags required to harvest and sell bluefin tuna.


                      Notes:




                                                                          72







                                                                                        SWORDFISH                                 Color Plate XIV
                                                                                       Xiphias gladius












                                          Identifying key characters: Body rounded, back and upper sides brownish-black, lower sides and
                                                belly light brown. Pelvic fins absent and scales absent in adult. Snout ending in long, nat-
                                                tened sword. A single, strong, lateral keel on each side of caudal peduncle (area just in front
                                                of tail).

                                          Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                          Other billfish - Bill rounded in cross section, not flattened; pelvic fins present, long, narrow and
                                                rigid, and there are two keels on each side of caudal peduncle.


                                          REGULATIONS


                                          Possession limit:       Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                  State waters - No restrictions.


                                          Size limit:             Federal waters - No more than 15 % of the total number of swordfish landed
                                                                          (commercial and recreational) during each trip can be less than 31
                                                                          inches dressed carcass length or less than 41 pounds.
                                                                  State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                                          State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                  Recreational harvest - None.
                                                                  Commercial harvest - None.


                                          Other restrictions: Seasonal quotas for commercial harvest.


                                          Notes:










                                                                                              73







                                                                    SAILFISH                                Color Plate XIV
                                                             Istiophorus platypterus












                    Identifying key characters: First dorsal fin sail-like, considerably higher than body depth
                          throughout most of its length, membrane blue-black, covered with many small black spots,
                          pelvic fins very long, almost reaching to anus and consisting of one spine and two soft
                          rays. Body covered with rather sparsely imbedded scales with a blunt point. Anus close to
                          origin of first anal fin.

                    Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                    White marlin - Dorsal fin not sail-like, pelvic fins much shorter, far from reaching anus.

                    Blue marlin - Dorsal fin not sail-like, lateral line branched over body, and not in a straight line.

                    Longbill spearfish - Dorsal fin not sail-like, anus placed well in front of first anal fin.

                    REGULATIONS


                    Possession limit:       Federal waters - No restrictions (Recreational harvest).
                                            State waters - No restrictions (Recreational harvest).

                    Size limit:             Federal waters - 57 inches-lower jaw to fork length.
                                            State water - Same as in federal waters.


                    State seasonal restrictions:
                                            Recreational harvest - None.
                                            Commercial harvest - None.


                    Other restrictions: May be taken by rod and reel only and may not be purchased, bartered,
                                            traded or sold.


                    Notes: There is no retention on commercial long-line boats.




                                                                        74







                                                                                     BLUE MARLIN                                 Color Plate XV
                                                                                    Makaira nigricans













                                         Identifying key characters: Height of anterior part of first dorsal fin smaller than body depth,
                                              lateral line reticulated, hard to see in large specimens, anus close to origin of first anal fin,
                                              body covered with densely imbedded scales ending in I or 2 long acute spines.

                                         Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                         Sailfish - First dorsal fin sail-like, its height much greater than body depth, covered with numerous
                                              black spots; pelvic fins very long, reaching almost to anus; lateral line single, not reticulated,

                                         White marlin - Height of anterior part of first dorsal fin nearly equal to body depth. Tip of first
                                              dorsal, first anal and pectoral fins rounded, lateral line single, not reticulated.

                                         Longbill spearfish - Height of anterior part of first dorsal fin slightly greater than body depth, the
                                              posterior part of fin high throughout length, anus placed well in front of origin of first anal fin;
                                              lateral line single,"not reticulated; scales ending in several points.


                                         REGULATIONS


                                         Possession limit:       Federal waters - No restrictions (Recreational harvest).
                                                                 State waters - No restrictions (Recreational harvest).

                                         Size limit:             Federal waters - 86 inches - lower jaw to fork of tail.
                                                                 State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                                         State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                 Recreational harvest - None.
                                                                 Commercial harvest - None.


                                         Other restrictions:     May be taken by rod and reel only and may not be purchased, bartered,
                                                                 traded or sold.


                                         Notes: There is no retention on commercial long-line boats.


                                                                                             75







                                                                WHITE MARLIN                                 Color Plate XV
                                                               Tetrapturus albidus












                    Identifying key characters: Height of anterior part of first dorsal fin nearly equal to body
                          depth, posteriorly fin long and low, tips of first dorsal, first anal and pectoral fins rounded,
                          lateral line single and visible, body covered with densely imbedded scales each ending in a
                          single acute point.

                    Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                    Sailfish - First dorsal fin sail-like, its height much greater than body depth; pelvic fins very long,
                          reaching almost to anus.

                    Blue marlin - Height of anterior part of dorsal fin smaller than body depth; lateral line system
                          branched over body, not in a straight line.

                    Longbill spearfish - First dorsal fin not as low posteriorly; anus placed well in front of origin of first
                          anal fin, scales ending in several points.


                    REGULATIONS


                    Possession limit:       Federal waters - No restrictions (Recreational harvest).
                                            State waters - No restrictions (Recreational harvest).

                    Size limit:             Federal waters - 62 inches - lower jaw to fork of tail.
                                            State waters - Same as in federal waters.


                    State seasonal restrictions:
                                            Recreational harvest - None.
                                            Commercial harvest - None.


                    Other restrictions: May be taken by rod and reel only and may not be purchased, bartered,
                                            traded or sold.


                    Notes: There is no retention on commercial long-line boats.


                                                                        76







                                                                                 LONGBILL SPEARFISH                                Color Plate XV
                                                                                    Tetrapturus pfluegeri







                                                                                      ------- - ------ - --------







                                          Identifying key characters: Anus well in front of origin of first anal fin, body covered with
                                                densely imbedded scales ending in several points, bill slender and round in cross section,
                                                first dorsal long and rather high throughout its length, pelvic fins slightly longer than pectoral
                                                fins.


                                          Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                          Sailfish - First dorsal sail-Ue, its height much greater than body depth; pelvic fins very long, reach-
                                                ing almost to anus.

                                          Blue marlin - Height of anterior part of dorsal fin smaller than body depth; lateral line system
                                                branched over body, not in a straight line.

                                          White marlin - First dorsal fin much lower posteriorly; anus placed close to origin of first anal fin;
                                                scales ending in a single point.


                                          REGULATIONS


                                          Possession limit:       Federal waters - No restrictions (Recreational harvest).
                                                                  State waters - No restrictions (Recreational harvest).


                                          Size limit:             Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                  State waters - No restrictions.


                                          State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                  Recreational harvest - None.
                                                                  Commercial harvest - None.


                                          Other restrictions:     May not be purchased, bartered, traded or sold in State.

                                          Notes:





                                                                                               77







                                                            SUMAIER FLOUNDER                                  Color Plate IV
                                                             Paralichthys dentatus






                                                                4----------- 40 -------






                    Identifying key characters: Color variable upper side assumes color of surroundings, ranges from
                         nearly white to hues of gray, greenish, brownish to almost black. Five prominent ocellated
                         dark spots on posterior potion of body in a double triangular pattern. Dorsal fin with 85 to
                         94 rays and originates opposite the forward margin of the eye, anal fin has 60 to 73 rays, tail
                         fin rounded.


                    Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                    Southern flounder - No ocellated spots, only diffuse spots and blotches.


                    REGULATIONS


                    Possession limit:       Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                            State waters - Twenty fish (all flounder species) per angler per day if taken by
                                                   rod and reel, gig or spear.

                    Size limit:             Federal waters - No restrictions (South of North Carolina).
                                            State waters - Twelve inches total length.


                    State seasonal restrictions:
                                            Recreational harvest - None.
                                            Commercial harvest - None.


                    Other restrictions:


                    Notes:
                                                                ----------- @@7




                                                                        78







                                                                                SOUTHERNFLOUNDER                                   Color Plate IV
                                                                                 Paralichthys lethostigma












                                          Identifying key characters: Body olive-brown with diffuse dark spots and blotches, no distinct
                                               ocellated spots. Space between eyes about as wide as eye diameter, dorsal fin originating
                                               slightly in front of upper eye and containing 80 to 95 rays, pectoral fin with I I to 13 rays, and
                                               anal fin with 63 to 74 rays.

                                          Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                                          Summer flounder - Five prominent ocellated dark spots on body in a double triangle pattern.


                                          REGULATIONS


                                          Possession limit:       Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                  State waters - Twenty fish ( all flounder species   per angler per day, if taken
                                                                         by hook and line, gig or spear.


                                          Size limit:             Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                                                  State waters - Twelve inches total length.

                                          State seasonal restrictions:
                                                                  Recreational harvest - None.
                                                                  Commercial harvest - None.


                                          Other restrictions:


                                          Notes:













                                                                                              79







                                                             GRAY TRIGGERFISH                               Color Plate XVI
                                                                Balistes capriscus












                    Identifying key characters: Body generally grayish with green overtones and about 3 dark blotch-
                          es or irregular bars across the back, small bluish to purplish spots on the upper body, soft
                          dorsal and anal fins with spots tending to form rows. Scales enlarged above the pectoral fin
                          base and just behind the gill slit to form a flexible structure (a tympanum). Scales of body
                          without prominent keels, not forming longitudinal ridges. Mouth terminal, teeth notched. Tail
                          fin slightly prolonged above and below.

                    Distinguishing characters of similar species:

                    Queen triggerfish - Two broad blue lines on cheek from above mouth to below the region in front of
                          pectoral-fin base, tail fin greatly prolonged both above and below.


                    REGULATIONS


                    Possession limit:       Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                            State waters - No restrictions.


                    Size limit:             Federal waters - No restrictions.
                                            State waters - No restrictions.


                    State seasonal restrictions:
                                            Recreational harvest - None.
                                            Commercial harvest - None.


                    Other restrictions:


                    Notes:










                                                                         80








                                                            FEDERAL AND STATE FISHERIES REGULATIONS


                                            The following is a synopsis of current State and Federal regulations which manage, regulate and
                                     protect the marine species common to South Carolina waters. Pertinent regulations ( State codes, Federal
                                     Acts and Regional Fisheries Management Plans) have been referenced and appear beneath each species. Foi
                                     a detailed description of these regulations the following source documents must be consulted:


                                     State
                                            Code of Laws of South Carolina (COLOSQ.


                                     Federal
                                            Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act (PL 94-265)
                                            Atlantic Swordfish Fishery Management Plan (50 CFR Part 630)
                                            Spiny Lobster Fishery Management Plan (50 CFR Part 640)
                                            Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources Management Plan (50 CFR Part 642)
                                            Atlantic Billfish Fishery Management Plan (50 CFR Part 644)
                                            South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan (50 CFR Part 646)
                                            Atlantic Coast Red Drum Fishery Management Plan (50 CFR Part 647)
                                            Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973
                                            Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972



                                                                 SYNOPSIS OF CURRENT REGULATIONS


                                            Horseshoe crabs
                                     Horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) - may be harvested only by special State permit.
                                            - Section 50-17-165 COLOSC. Unlawful to take or possess horseshoe crabs except by permit.


                                            Lobsters
                                     Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) - 6 lobsters per person per day. Carapace length must be more than 3
                                     inches with a tail length more than 5.5 inches. Fishery closed I April through 24 July in State waters
                                     and I April through 5 August in Federal waters.
                                             Spiny Lobster Fishery Management Plan (50 CFR Part 640)
                                             Section 50-17-5 10 COLOSC. Season and size limit.


                                            Shrimp
                                     White shrimp (Penaeus setiferus) - 48 quarts whole or 29 quarts headed (all shrimp species) per seine (if
                                     seine used) or per set of poles (if bait is used) or per boat (if boat is used) or per person (if no boat,
                                     bait or seine is used). A 60 day season, between September I and November 15, requires a special
                                     permit to use bait. Shrimp taken over bait may not be sold. Commercial shrimping requires license8
                                     and seasons are set annually.
                                            - Section 50-17-6 10 COLOSC. Lawful area to trawl for shrimp during period from May 15 through
                                             December 1.
                                            - Section 50-17-615 COLOSC. Lawful area to trawl for shrimp during period from August 15 to
                                            December 15 and from September I to November 1.
                                             Section 50-17-616 COLOSC. Unlawful to trawl for shrimp during closed season.
                                             Section 50-17-617 COLOSC. Charts referred to for descriptions in lawful areas.
                                             Section 50-17-618 COLOSC. Certain sounds and bays closed to trawling at all times.
                                             Section 50-17-620 COLOSC. Unlawful to trawl for shrimp near fishing piers.
                                             Section 50-17-625 COLOSC. Unlawful to trawl for shrimp during closed season near certain

                                                                                    81







                              beaches of Hunting Island, Hilton Head Island, and Fripp Island.
                             -Section 50-17-630 COLOSC. Shortening, extending, opening or closing seasons for trawling in
                              lawful areas.
                             -Section 50-17-640 COLOSC. Hours for trawling for shrimp.
                             -Section 50-17-645 COLOSC. Unlawful to trawl for shrimp except in areas and for purposes and
                              at times as provided by law.
                             -Section 50-17-650 COLOSC. Penalties for violation of shrimp trawling provisions.
                             -Section 50-17-660 COLOSC. Use of cast nets for taking shrimp in baited areas; baiting season;
                              permit requirements; penalties.
                             -Section 50-17-665 COLOSC. Shrimp catch limits; penalties.
                             -Section 50-17-670 COLOSC. Registration numbers on licensed shrimp trawlers; display of num-
                              bers.
                             -Section 50-17-675 COLOSC. Certain conduct constitutes illegal trawling.
                             -Section 50-17-681 COLOSC. Dumping of refuse from nets near shore in Game Zones No. 7
                              and 9.
                             -Section 50-17-685 COLOSC. Use of turtle excluder devices.


                     Brown shrimp (Penaeus aztecus) - Same as those for white shrimp.

                     Pink shrimp (Penaeus duorarian) - Same as those for white shrimp.

                             Crabs
                     Blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) - Carapace width (point to point) must be 5 inches or more, female
                     crabs with egg mass (sponge) must be returned to the water unharmed. Commercial crabbing license
                     required and recreational crabbers limited to two marked traps.
                             -Section 50-17-710 COLOSC.      Protection of certain female crabs; importation of sponge crabs.
                             -Section 50-17-716 COLOSC.      Crab pots and crab pot floats.
                             -Section 50-17-720 COLOSC.      Minimum size of blue crabs which may be caught or possessed.
                             -Section 50-17-721 COLOSC.      Importation of undersized crabs.
                             -Section 50-17-730 COLOSC.      Peeler and soft shell crabs; permit requirements.
                             -Section 50-17-740 COLOSC.      Crab trawling season; permits; net mesh; penalty.
                             -Section 50-17-745 COLOSC.      Shrimp trawlers may retain and market crabs caught betwccn June
                              I and November 30.
                             -Section 50-17-750 COLOSC.      Size of mesh in nets or bags; chafing gear on tail bag.
                             -Section 50-17-760 COLOSC.      Closed season for using crab pots for commercial purposes in
                              certain areas.
                             -Section 50-17-770 COLOSC.      Registration numbers on licensed crab trawler; display of numbers.
                             -Section 50-17-780 COLOSC.      Crab license reciprocity.
                             -Section 50-17-790 COLOSC.      Penalties.


                     Stone crab (Menippe mercenaria) - Unlawful to possess any stone crab body, live or dead, only the
                     larger of the two claws of any stone crab may be removed and the forearm must be or exceed 2 3/4                            0
                     inches in length.
                             - Section 50-17-725 COLOSC. Protection of stone crabs.


                             Clams
                     Hard clarn (Mercenaria mercenaria) - one-half U.S. bushel may be harvested recreationally from public
                     oyster or state shellfish grounds per person per day. Commercial license and permits required. All
                     clams must have a minimum thickness of I inch. Season - 15 September through 15 May, usually Out
                     may vary.

                                                                          82







                                                  Section 50-17-350 COLOSC. Requirements on harvesting shellfish for personal use.
                                                  Section 50-17-360 COLOSC. Commercial shellfish harvesting permit requirements; night time
                                                  harvesting prohibited.
                                                  Section 50-17-365 COLOSC. Shellfish harvesting season.
                                                  Section 50-17-366 COLOSC. Size limit on clams.


                                                Oysters
                                        American Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) - Two bushels may be harvested recreationally from public
                                        oyster grounds or State shellfish grounds per person per day. Commercial license and permits re-
                                        quired. Season - 15 September through 15 April, usually but may vary.
                                                - Section 50-17-350 COLOSC. Requirements on harvesting shellfish for personal use.
                                                - Section 50-17-360 COLOSC. Commercial shellfish harvesting permit requirements; night time
                   0                              harvesting prohibited.
                                                - Section 50-17-365 COLOSC. Shellfish harvesting season.


                                                Whelks
                                        Knobbed whelk (Busycon carica) - Commercial harvest requires state permit. Minimum size is 4 1/2
                                        inches.
                                                - Section 50-17-160 COLOSC. License and permit requirements for harvesting whelks (conchs) by
                                                  trawling.

                                        Channeled whelk (Busycon canaliculatum) - Commercial harvest requires State permit. Minimum size
                                        is 4 1/2 inches.
                                                - Same as those for knobbed whelk.


                                                Sea Turtles
                                        Atlantic loggerhead (Caretta caretta) -Unlawful to harm, kill, possess or interfere with the well being of
                                        any turtle or turtle eggs.
                                                - Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973.

                                        Atlantic green sea turtle (Chelonia mydasa) - Same as for loggerhead.

                                        Atlantic hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) - Same as for loggerhead.

                                        Atlantic ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) - Same as for loggerhead.

                                        Atlantic leatherback turtle (Derntochelys coriacea) - Same as for loggerhead.

                                                Terrapins
                                        Diamondback teff apin (Malaclemys terrapin) - unlawful to take, purchase, possess terrapins between I
                                        April and 15 July, median line of bottom shell must be 5 inches or more.
                                                - Section 50-17-910 COLOSC. Closed season for terrapin; reports of left-over terrapin.
                                                - Section 50-17-920 COLOSC. Minimum size of terrapin.
                                                - Section 50-17-940 COLOSC. Terrapin illegally taken constitutes contraband and must be re-
                                                  turned to water.
                                                - Section 50-17-950 COLOSC. Penalties.


                                                Sharks
                                        Management Plan currently being prepared by the Secretary of Commerce which may set several
                                        possession and size limits and require identification of many species.
                                                                                             83







                           Sturgeons (Acipenseridae)
                    Shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) - Fishery closed
                           -Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973.
                           -Section 50-17-805 COLOSC.  Fishing license required for sturgeon fishing.
                           -Section 50-17-830 COLOSC.  Sturgeon seasons, size limits and areas.
                           -Section 50-17-835 COLOSC.  Unlawful to catch, buy, sell or ship shormose sturgeon at any time.
                           -Section 50-17-840 COLOSC.  Fishing with nets near Winyah Bay jetties.
                           -Section 50-17-880 COLOSC.  Size of mesh in sturgeon nets.
                           -Section 50-17-886 COLOSC.  Sturgeon nets must be removed at close of season.
                           -Section 50-17-887 COLOSC.  Confiscation of net or seine found with decomposed sturgeon
                            therein.
                           -Section 50-17-895 COLOSC.  Penalties.
                           - Section 123-150 COLOSC. Non-aame and endangered species.

                    Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrhynchus) - Fishery closed in State waters.
                           - Same as those for shortnos6 sturgeon.

                           Tarpons (Elopidae)
                    Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) -One fish per person per day, game fish -may be taken in State waters
                    only by rod and reel and may not be sold.
                           - Section 50-17-540 COLOSC. Tarpon are gamefish; limits; penalties,

                           Herrings (Clupeidae)
                    Hickory shad (Alosa mediocris) - May be taken recreationally by hook and line year round and a
                    South Carolina freshwater fishing license required.
                           -Section 50-17-805 COLOSC.  Fishing license required for shad and herring fishing.
                           -Section 50-17-810 COLOSC.  Closed and open seasons on shad.
                           -Section 50-17-811 COLOSC.  Open season for shad in Game Zone 7.
                           -Section 50-17-812 COLOSC.  Catching or setting nets or similar devices for shad on certain days.
                           -Section 50-17-813 COLOSC.  Setting nets for catching shad in Game Zones 5 and 8.
                           -Section 50-17-814 COLOSC.  Using nets to catch shad in the Savannah River.
                           -Section 50-17-815 COLOSC.  Setting nets to catch shad in Game Zones 7 and 9.
                           -Section 5,0-17-816 COLOSC. Setting nets to catch shad in Game Zone 10.
                           -Section 50-17-817 COLOSC.  Using nets to catch shad on Santee River.
                           -Section 50-17-820 COLOSC.  Using drift nets for shad in Georgetown County between mouth of
                            Waccamaw River and Butler's Island.
                           -Section 50-17-840 COLOSC.  Fishing with nets near Winyah Bay jetties.
                           -Section 50-17-850 COLOSC.  Issuance of "sets" to catch shad on Savannah River; terms and
                            conditions.
                           -Section 50-17-855 COLOSC.  Issuance of "sets" to catch shad on certain portions of Edisto River.
                           -Section 50-17-860 COLOSC.  Restrictions on use of nets for catching shad.
                           -Section 50-17-865 COLOSC.  Special provisions for catching shad in certain waters.
                           -Section 50-17-867 COLOSC.  Unlawful to fish for shad with a net measuring more than 200 yards
                            in certain waters.
                           -Section 50-17-870 COLOSC.  Mesh size on herring gill nets.
                           -Section 50-17-886. Shad nets must be removed at close of season.
                           -Section 50-17-887 COLOSC. Confiscation of net or seine found with decomposed shad therein.
                           -Section 50-17- 890 COLOSC. Records and reports of persons dealing in shad.
                           -Section 50-17-895 COLOSC. Penalties.


                                                                  84






                                        American shad (Alosa sapidissma)-May be taken recreationally by hook and line only year round and a
                                        South Carolina freshwater license is required.
                                               - Same as those for hickory shad.

                                        Blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis) - no restrictions in marine waters.
                                               - Same as those for hickory shad.


                                               Temperate basses (Percichthyidae)
                                        Wreckfish (Polyprion americanus) - Commercial quota established annually and there is an individual
                                        transferable quota system.
                                               - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                        Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) - 10 fish per person per day except in Wando and Cooper Rivers and
                                        Santee River seaward to the Intracoastal Waterway, the limit is 5 fish per person per day. Garnefish -
                                        may be taken only with rod and reel and may not be sold. No sale provision dose not include aquacul-
                                        ture reared fish. Unlawful to take striped bass or striped bass/ white bass hybrids from the Savannah
                                        River upstream to New Savannah Bluff Lock Dam in South Carolina waters until July 1, 1996.
                                               - Section 50-13-220 COLOSC. Daily creel limit for striped bass on certain waters.


                                               Sea basses (Serranidae)
                                        Bank sea bass (Centropristis ocyurus) - no restrictions.
                                               - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                        Rock sea bass (Centropristis philadelphia) - no restrictions.
                                               - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.- Same as for bank sea bass.

                                        Black sea bass (Centropristis striata) - 8 inches total length, must be landed head and tail in tact.

                                               - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.
                                               - Section 50-17-510 COLOSC. Seasons and size limits on fish.


                                        Rock hind (Epinephelus adscensionis) - grouper aggregate bag limit of five grouper per person per day,
                                        excluding Nassau grouper and jewrish. Must be landed with head and tail intact.
                                               - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan

                                        Graysby (Epinephelus cruentatus) - grouper aggregate bag limit of five grouper per person per day,
                                        excluding Nassau grouper and jewfish. Must be landed with head and tail intact.
                                               - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                        Speckled hind (Epinphelus drummondhayi) - grouper aggregate bag limit of five grouper per person
                                        per day, excluding Nassau grouper and jewfish. Must be landed with head and tail intact.
                                               - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                        Yellowedge grouper (Epinephelusflavolimbatus) - grouper aggregate bag limit of rive grouper per
                                        person per day, excluding Nassau grouper and jewfish. Must be landed with head and tail intact.
                                               - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                        Coney (Epinephelusfulvus) - grouper aggregate bag limit of five grouper per person per day, excluding
                                        Nassau grouper and jewfish. Must be landed with head and tail intact.
                                               - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                                                                           85






                   Red hind (Epinephelus gutratus) - grouper aggregate bag limit of five grouper per person per day,
                   excluding Nassau grouper and jewfish. Must be landed with head and tail in tact.
                         - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                   Jewfish (Epinephelus mystacinus) - Fishery closed.
                         - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                   Red grouper (Epinephelus morio) - 20 inches total length, grouper aggregate bag limit of five grouper
                   per person per day, excluding Nassau grouper and jewfish. Must be landed with head and tail intact.
                         - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                   Misty grouper (Epinephelus mystacinus) - grouper aggregate bag limit of five grouper per person per
                   day, excluding Nassau grouper and jewfish. Must be landed with head and tail intact.
                         - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                   Warsaw grouper (Epinephelus nigritus) - grouper aggregate bag limit of five grouper per person per
                   day, excluding Nassau grouper and jewrish. Must be landed with head and tail intact.
                         - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                   Snowy grouper (Epinephelus niveatus) - grouper aggregate bag limit of rive grouper per person per
                   day, excluding Nassau grouper and jewfish. Must be landed with head and tail intact.
                         - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                   Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus) - Fishery closed.
                         - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                   Black grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci) - 20 inches total length, grouper aggregate bag limit of rive
                   grouper per person per day, excluding Nassau grouper and jewfish. Must be landed with head and
                   tail intact.
                         - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                   Yellowmouth grouper (Mycteroperca interstitialis) - 20 inches total length, grouper aggregate bag limit
                   of five grouper per person per day, excluding Nassau grouper and jewfish. Must be landed with head
                   and tail intact.
                         - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                   Gag grouper (Mycteroperca microlepis) - 20 inches total length, grouper aggregate bag limit of rive
                   grouper per person per day, excluding Nassau grouper and jewfish. Must be landed with head and
                   tail intact.
                         - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                   Scamp grouper (Mycteroperca phenax) - 20 inches total length, grouper aggregate bag limit of rive
                   grouper per person per day, excluding Nassau grouper and jewfish. Must be landed with head and
                   tail intact.
                         - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                   Tiger grouper (Mycteroperca figis) - grouper aggregate bag limit of rive grouper per person per day,
                   excluding Nassau grouper and jewfish. Must be landed with head and tail intact.
                         - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.


                                                                    86






                                       Yellowfin grouper (Mycteroperca venenosa) - 20 inches total length, grouper aggregate bag limit of five
                                       grouper per person per day, excluding nassau grouper and jewfish. Mustbe landed with head and tail
                                       intact.
                                                South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                              Tilefishes (Malacanthidae)
                                       Blueline tilefish (Caalolatilus microps) - no restrictions.
                                                South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                       Tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps) - no restrictions.
                                              - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                              Bluefishes (Pomatomidae)
                                       Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) - 10 fish per person per day.
                                              - Mid-Adantic Bluefish Management Plan.

                                              Cobias (Rachycentridae)
                                       Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) - 2 fish per person per day, 37 inches total length. Must be landed with
                                       head and tail intact.
                                              - Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources Plan.

                                              Jacks (Carangidae)

                                       Yellow jack (Caranx bartholomaei) - no restrictions.
                                              - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                       Blue runner (Caranx crysos) - no restrictions.
                                              - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                       Crevalle jack (Caranx hippos) - no restrictions.
                                              - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                       Bar jack (Caranx ruber) - no restrictions.
                                              - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                       Greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) - 28 inches fork length for recreational fishermen and 36 inches
                                       fork length (coring is allowed with a 28 inch core minimum ) for commercial fishermen, recreational
                                       bag limit is 3 fish per person per day.
                                              - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                       Lesser amberjack (Seriolafasciata) - no restrictions.
                                                South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                       Almaco jack (Seriola rivoliana) - no restrictions.
                                              - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                       Banded rudderfish (Seriold zonata) - no restrictions.
                                              - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.



                                                                                          87






                           Snappers (Lutjanidae)
                    Black snapper (Apsilus dentatas) - aggregate bag limit of 10 snapper per person per day, excluding
                    vermilion snapper and allowing no more than two red snapper. Must be landed with head and tail
                    intact.
                           - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                    Queen snapper (Erelis oculatus) - 12 inches total length, aggregate bag limit of 10 snapper per person
                    per day, excluding vermilion snapper and allowing no more than two red snapper. Must be landed
                    with head and tail intact.
                           - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                    Mutton snapper - (Lutjanus analis) - 12 inches total length, aggregate bag limit of 10 snapper per
                    person per day, excluding vermilion snapper and allowing no more than two red snapper. Must be
                    landed with head and tail intact.
                           - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                    Schoolmaster (Lutjanus apodus) - 12 inches total length, aggregate bag limit of 10 snapper per person
                    per day, excluding vermilion snapper and allowing no more than two red snapper. Must be landed
                    with head and tail intact.
                           - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                    Blackfin snapper (Lutjanus buccanella) - 12 inches total length, aggregate bag limit of 10 snapper per
                    person per day, excluding vermilion snapper and allowing no more than two red snapper. Must be
                    landed with head and tail intact.
                           - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                    Red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) - 20 inches total length and a recreational bag limit of 2 per
                    person per day. Must be landed with head and tail intact.
                           - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                    Cubera snapper (Lutjanus cyanopteras) - 12 inches total length, aggregate bag limit of 10 snapper per
                    person per day, excluding vermilion snapper and allowing no more than two red snapper. Must be
                    landed with head and tail intact.
                           - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                    Gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus) - 12 inches total length, aggregate bag limit of 10 snapper per person
                    per day, excluding vermilion snapper and allowing no more than two red snapper. Must be landed
                    with head and tail intact.
                           - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                    Dog snapper - (Lutjanusjocu) - 12 inches total length, aggregate bag limit of 10 snapper per person per
                    day, excluding vermilion snapper and allowing no more than two red snapper. Must be landed with
                    head and tail intact.
                           - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                    Mahogany snapper (Lutjanus mahogni) - 12 inches total length, aggregate bag limit of 10 snapper per
                    person per day, excluding vermilion snapper and allowing no more than two red snapper. Must be
                    landed with head and tail intact.
                           - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.


                                                                       88






                                        Lane snapper (Lutjanus synagis) - 8 inches total length, aggregate bag limit of 10 snapper per person
                                        per day, excluding vermilion snapper and allowing no more than two red snapper. Must be landed
                                        with head and tail intact.
                                               - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                        Silk snapper (Lutjanus vivanus) - 12 inches total length, aggregate bag limit of 10 snapper per person
                                        per day, excluding vermilion snapper and allowing no more than two red snapper. Must be landed
                                        with head and tail intact.
                                               - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                        Yellowtail snapper (Ocyrus chrysurus) - 12 inches total length, aggregate bag limit of 10 snapper per
                                        person per day, excluding vermilion snapper and allowing no more than two red snapper.Must be
                                        landed with head and tail intact.
                                               - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.
                                               - Section 50-17-5 10 COLOSC. Seasons and size limits on fish.


                                        Vermillion snapper (Rhomboplites aurorubens) - 10 inches total length for recreational fishermen and
                                        12 inches for commercial fishermen, a recreational bag limit of 10 fish per person per day. Must be
                                        landed with head and tail intact.
                                               - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                               Grunts (Haemulidae)
                                        Black margate (Anisotremus davidsoni) - no restrictions.
                                               - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                        Porkfish (Anisotremus virginicus) - no restrictions.
                                               - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                               Porgies (Sparidae)
                                        Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) - no restrictions.
                                               - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                        Grass porgy (Calamus arcifrons) - no restrictions.
                                                 South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                        Jolthead porgy (Calamus banjondo) - no restrictions.
                                               - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                        Saucereye porgy (Calamus calwnus) - no restrictions.
                                               - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                        Whitebone porgy (Calamus leuosteus) - no restrictions.
                                               - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                        Knobbed porgy (Calamus nodosus) - no restrictions.
                                               - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                        Red porgy (Pagrus pagrus) - no restrictions.
                                               - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan


                                                                                         89







                   Longspine porgy - (Stenotomus caprinus) - no restrictions.
                          - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                   Scup (Stenotomus chrysops) - no restrictions.
                          - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                          Drums (Sciaenidae)
                   Spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) - 15 fish per person per day, 12 inches total length. Game fish -
                   may be taken only by rod and reel or by gigging from March through November. S.C. native fish
                   may not be sold.
                          - Section 50-17-5 10 COLOSC. Seasons and size limits on fish.
                          - Section 50-17-520 COLOSC. Spotted seatrout declared gamefish.

                   Red drum (Scianops ocellatus) - Fishery closed in Federal waters, 5 fish per person per day with no fish
                   over 27 inches, in State waters. Minimum size limit 14 inches total length. Game fish - may be only
                   taken by rod and reel or by gigging from March through November. S.C. native fish may not be sold.

                          - Atlantic Coast Red Drum Fishery Management Plan.
                          - Section 50-17-5 10 COLOSC. Seasons and size limits on fish.
                          - Section 50-17-520 COLOSC. Red drum declared gamefish.

                          Wrasses (Labridae)
                   Hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus) - no restrictions.
                          - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                          Mackerals (Scombridae)
                   King mackeral (Scomberomorus cavalla) - 5 fish per person per day and 20 inches fork length. Com-
                   mercial fishermen must obtain a special mackerel permit and a commercial quota is set annually.
                          - Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources Management Plan.
                          - Section 50-17-510. Seasons and size limits on fish.


                   Spanish mackeral (Scomberomorus maculatus) - 10 fish per person per day and 14 inches total length.
                   Commercial fishermen must obtain a special mackerel fishing permit and a commercial quota is set
                   annually.
                          - Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources Management Plan.
                          - Section 50-17-5 10. Seasons and size limits on fish.


                   Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) - A special federal permit is required to harvest these fish.
                          - Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources Management Plan.

                          Swordfishes (Xiphiidae)
                   Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) - No more than 15% of the total number of swordfish landed (commercial
                   or recreational) during each trip can be less than 31 inches dressed carcass length or less than 41
                   pounds.
                          - Atlantic Swordfish Fishery Management Plan (Depatrment of Commerce Secretariat Plan).






                                                                   90







                                              Billrishes (Istiophoridae)
                                       Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) - 57 inches measured from lower jaw to fork of tail, may be taken
                                       only by rod and reel and may not be purchased, bartered, traded or sold.
                                              - Atlantic Billfish Fishery Management Plan.
                                              - Section 50-17-530 COLOSC. Prohibits the purchase, barter, trade or sale of certain species of
                                                billfish and provides penalties.

                                       Blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) - 86 inches measured from lower jaw to fork of tail, may be taken
                                       only by rod and reel and may not be and may not be purchased, bartered, traded or sold.
                                                Atlantic Billfish Fishery Management Plan (Department of Commerce Secretarial Plan).
                                                Section 50-17-530 COLOSC. Prohibits the purchase, barter, trade or sale of certain species of
                                                billfish and provides penalties.

                                       White marlin (Tetrapturus albidus) - 62 inches measured from lower jaw to fork of tail, may be taken
                                       only by rod and reel and may not be and may not be purchased, bartered, traded or sold.
                                                Atlantic Billfish Fishery Management Plan(Department of Commerce Secretarial Plan).
                                                Section 50-17-530 COLOSC. Prohibits the purchase, barter, trade or sale of certain species of
                                                billfish and provides penalties.

                                       Longbill spearfish (Tetrapturus pflaegeri) - May not be purchased, bartered, traded or sold.
                                              - Section 50-17-530 COLOSC. Prohibits the purchase, barter, trade or sale of certain species of
                                                billfish and provides penalties.

                                              Lefteyed flounders (Bothidae)
                                       Summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) - 20 fish (all flounder species) per person per day if taken by
                                       rod and reel, gig or spear and must be 12 inches total length.
                                                Section 50-17-510 COLOSC. Seasons and size limits offish.
                                                Section 50-17-520 COLOSC. Possession limit on flounder.


                                       Southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) - 20 fish (all flounder species) per person per day if taken
                                       by rod and reel, gig or spear and must be 12 inches total length.
                                              - Same as for summer flounder.


                                              Leatherjackets (Balisfidae)
                                       Gray triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) - No restrictions.
                                              - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                       Queen triggerfish (Balistes polylachner) - no restrictions.
                                              - South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                       Ocean triggerfish (Canthidermis sufflamen) - no restrictions.
                                                South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

                                       Marine Mammals
                                              It is unlawful (state and federal law) for any person to net, trap, harpoon, molest, feed or
                                       otherwise interfere with the well-being or normal activity of all marine mammals including: bottle.
                                       nose dolphin, spotted dolphin, common dolphin, manatee, porpoise, harbor sea] and all species of
                                       whales.
                                              - Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972.


                                                                                        91
















                                      Regulations pertaining to the size and daily catch limits for saltwater fish and shellfish taken in South Carolina and federal waters off South Carolina: Note: Fishery Regulations am subject to
                                      change (TL=Total Length, FL=Fork Length) (Abundance in South Carolina waters = a/abundant, c/common, o/occasional, r/rare). All finfish must be landed with head and tail intact,
                                      except for greater arnberjack aboard vessels with valid permits and swordfish. State waters extend from the fresh/saltwater dividing tine to 3 miles offshore. Federal waters extend from 3
                                      miles to 200 miles offshore.           Rev: August 26, 1993

                                      SPECIES/Abundance                        RECREATIONAL SIZE 11NUT                       RECREATIONAL CATCH LIMIT                        OTHER


                                      SHELLFISH
                                        AND
                                      CRUSTACEANS


                                      Blue crabs/a                             Carapace width (point to point) must          No catch limit - No more than two pots          Female blue crabs with egg mass (sponge)must be returned to
                                                                               be no less than 5 inches (state waters)       or traps per person, with owner's name          water unharmed (state waters),
                                                                                                                             attached to the float, for recreational
                                                                                                                             purpose$.

                                      Stone crabs/c                            Stone crab clown must have a forearm          No catch limit on the number of claws,          It is unlawful to possess any stone crab body, live or dead.
                                                                               (propodus) = > 2 3/4 inches (state            however only the larger of the two claws        Claws may not be removed from a fernale with egg mass
                                                                               waters).                                      of any stone crab may be removed.               (sponge) (state waters).
                                      Shrimp/a                                 No size limit currently in effect.            48 quarts whole or 29 quarts headed             'Mere is a 60 day season and a special permit required to
                                                                                                                             shrimp per seine (if used), or per set of       harvest shrimp if bait is utilized and shrimp taken over bait may
                                                                                                                             marked poles (if bait is used), or per          not be sold (state waters).
                                                                                                                             boat (if boat is used without using bait)
                                                                                                                             or per person (if no boat, bait or seine in
                                                                                                                             used), (state waters).

                                      Spiny lobster/r                          Carapace length must be mom than 3            6 lobsters per person per day (federal          Season closed I April through 5 August in federal waters and I
                                                                               inches with a tail length mom than 5.5        waters),                                        April through 24 July in state waters.
                                                                               inches (state and federal waters).

                                      Oystera/a                                No size limit currently in effect.            Two U.S. bushels of oysters may be              Season typically Sept. 16 through May 14; may be shortened or
                                                                                                                             harvested from public or state shellfish        extended by Department following notification.
                                                                                                                             grounds per person per day (state
                                                                                                                             waters).

                                      ciamala                                  One inch in thickness (minimum).              One half of one U.S. bushel of clams            Season typically Sept. 16 through May 14; may be shortened or
                                                                                                                             may be harvested from public or state           extended by Department following notification.
                                                                                                                             shellfish grounds per person per day
                                                                                                                             (state waters).





                                       Regulations pertaining to the size and daily catch limits for saltwater fish and shellfish taken in South Carolina and federal waters off South Carolina: Note: Fishery Regulations are subject to
                                       change (Tl=Total Length, FL=Fork Length) (Abundance in South Carolina waters = a/abundant, c/common, o/occasional, r/rare). All finfish most be landed with head and tail intact,
                                       except for greater anberjack aboard vessels with valid permits and swordfish. State waters extend from the fresh/saltwater dividing line to 3 miles offshore. Federal waters extend from 3
                                       miles to 200 miles offshore.           Rev: August 26, 1993

                                       SPECIES/Abundance                         RECREATIONAL SIZE LIMIT                      RECREATIONAL CATCH LIMIT                         OTHER


                                       PORGIES AND SNAPPERS

                                       Rod Porgy/c                               12 inches (TL) (state and federal            No catch limit currently in effect.              12' TL commercial size limit
                                                                                 waters).                                                                                      (state and federal waters).

                                       Vermilion Snapper/c                       10 inch" (TL (state and federal              10 fish per person per day (state and            12" TL commercial size limit
                                                                                 waters).                                     federal waters).                                 (state and federal waters)

                                       Red Snapper*/c                           20 inches (TL) (state and federal             2 fish per person per day.                       20" TL commercial size limit
                                                                                 waters).                                     (state and federal waters)                       (state and federal waters).


                                       Lane Snapper*/r                           8 inches (TL) (state and ferderal            *Aggregate of 10 snappers per person             8' TL commercial size limit
                                                                                 waters).                                     per day. No more than 2 red snappers             (state and federal waters).
                                                                                                                              (state and federal waters).

                                       Black Snapper*/r                          No size limit currently in effect.           *Aggregate of 10 snappers per person
                                                                                                                              per day. No more than 2 red snappers
                                                                                                                              (state and federal waters).


                                       Other Snappers:*                           12 inches (TL) (state and federal             *Aggregate of 10 snappers per person             12" TL commercial size limit
                                       Blackfin/r, Cubera/r, Dog/r,               waters).                                     per day. No more than 2 red snappers             (state and federal waters).
                                       Gray/r, Mahogany/r, Mutton/o,                                                          (state and federal waters).
                                       Queen/r, Schoolmaster/r, Silk/o,
                                       Yellowtail/r
 

0














                                       Regulations pertaining to the size and daily catch limits for saltwater fish and shellfish taken in South Carolina and federal waters off South Carolina: Note: Fishery Regulations are subject to
                                       change (TL=Total Length, FL=Fork Length) (Abundance in South Carolina waters = a/abundant, c/commicin, o/occasional, r/rare). All finfish must be aided with head and tail intact,
                                       except for greater ambeiJack aboard vessels with valid permits and swordfish. State waters extend from the fresh/saltwater dividing line to 3 miles offshore. Federal waters extend from 3
                                       miles to 200 miles offshore.             Rev: August 26, 1993

                                       SPECIES/Abundance                          RECREATIONAL SIZE 11NHT                         RECREATIONAL CATCH LIMIT                          OTHER


                                       SEA BASS AND GROUPERS

                                       Black Seabass/a                            8 inches (TL)(state and federal                 No catch limit currently in effect.               8" TL commercial size Limit (state and federal waters).
                                                                                  waters).

                                       Nasaint Grouper/r                          All sizes prohibited,                           Possession is prohibited (state and
                                                                                                                                  federal waters).

                                       Jewfish/r                                  All sizes prohibited.                           Possession is prohibited (state and
                                                                                                                                  federal waters).

                                       Other Groupers; +                          20 inches (TL) (state arid federal              Aggregate of 5 fish per person per day            20' TL commercial size limit (state and federal waters).
                                       Gag/c, Scamp/c, Black/r, Rod/r,            waters).                                        (state and federal waters).
                                       YcUowrtn/o, Yellowmouth/o


                                       BILLFISH

                                       Blue Marlio/c                              86 inches (FL) (state arid federal              No catch limit currently in effect.               Game fish may be taken only by rod and reel and may not be
                                                                                  waters).                                                                                          purchased, bartered, traded or sold (state    and federal waters).

                                       White Martin/c                             62 inches (FL) (state and federal               No catch limit currently in effect.               Game fish may be taken only by rod and        reel and may not be
                                                                                  waters).                                                                                          purchased, bartered, traded or sold (state and federal waters).

                                       Sailfish/c                                 57 inches (FL) (state and federal               No catch limit currently in effect.               Game fish may be taken only by rod and reel and may not be
                                                                                  waters).                                                                                          purchased, bartered, traded or sold (state mid federal waters).

                                       Swordfish/c                                31 inches carcass length (55 lbs.               No catch limit currently in effect.               No more than 15 % of the total number of swordfish lariled
                                                                                  whole wt., 41 lbs. dressed) (state and                                                            (commercial and recreational) during a trip can be less than 31
                                                                                  federal waters).                                                                                  inches dressed carcess length or less than 41 lbs. dressed.

                                       Longbill Spearfish/r                       No size limit currently in effect.              No catch limit currently in effect.               May not be purchased, bartered, traded or sold (State)
 

0



                                                                 00                                                                                                                       60







                                    Regulations pertaining to the size and daily catch limits for saltwater fish mid shellfish taken in South Carolina and federal waters off South Carolina: Note: Fishery Regulations are subject to
                                    change (TL=Total Length, FL= Fork Length) (Abundance in South Carolina waters = a/abundmt, c/common, o/occasional, r/rare). All finfish must be lainded with head and tail intact,
                                    except for greater aniberjack aboard vessels with valid permits and swordfish. State waters extend from the fresh/saltwater dividing line to 3 miles offshore. Federal waters extend from 3
                                    miles to 200 miles offshore.           Rev: August 26, 1993

                                    SPECIES/Abundance                        RECREATIONAL SIZE LINflT                      RECREATIONAL CATCH LINUT                        OTHER


                                    STURGEON

                                    Shortnose sturgeon/o                     All sizes prohibited.                         It is unlawful to catch, or buy, sell or        Classified m endangered by state and federal law.
                                                                                                                           ship shorinose sturgeon at my time
                                                                                                                           (state and federal waters).

                                              sturgeon/o                     All sizes prohibited.                         It unlawful to catch, buy, sell or ship         All state waters closed to fishing for Atlaritic Sturgeon until
                                                                                                                           Atlantic sturgeon at any time (state            further notice.
                                                                                                                           waters).


                                    SHARKS

                                    Dog Fish (Spiny and Smooth)/c            No size limit currently in effect.            No catch limit currently in effect.

                                    Small Coastal Species:                   No size limit currently in effect.            5 from this group per person per day.
                                    Atlantic Sharpnose/a,                                                                  (federal waters)
                        tA          Bonnethead/c, Finctooth/r,
                                    Blacknose/r, Atlantic Angle/r

                                    Large Coastal Species:                   No size limit currently in effect.            4 from this group and/or Pelagic group          Permits required for commercial fishing vessels. Commercial
                                    Sandbar/c, Blacktip/c, Dusky/c,                                                        combined per boat per day.ffederal              uotas in effect.
                                    Spinner/c, Silky/c, Tiger/c,                                                           waters)
                                    Lerrunon/c, Sand Tiger/c,
                                    Nurse1c, Scalloped
                                    Hatrunerhead/c, Smooth
                                    Hannimerhead/c, Night/r, Bull/o,
                                    Great Hmunerhread/o Whale/r,
                                    Basking/r, White/r

                                    Pelagic Offshore Species:                No size limit currently in effect.            4 from this group and/or Large Coastal          Permits reuired for commercail fishing vessels. Commercial
                                    Blue/c, Shortfin/r, Porbeagle/r,                                                       group combined per boat per                     uotas in effect.
                                    Tliresher/r, Bigeye Tresher/r,                                                         day federal waters)
                                    Oceanic Whitetiplr
 

0











                                    Regulations pertaining to the size and daily catch limits for saltwater fish and shellfish taken in South Carolina and federal waters off South Carolina: Note: Fishery Regulations am subject to
                                    chmge(TL= Total Length, FI-= Fork Length) (Abundance in South Carolina waters = a/abundant, c1common,o/occasional, r/rare). All finfish must be landed with head and tail intact,
                                    except for greater amberjack aboard vessels with valid permits and swordfish. State waters extend from the freah/saltwater dividing line to 3 miles offshore. Federal waters extend from 3
                                    miles to 200 mil" offshore.             Rev: August 26, 1993

                                    SPECIES/Abundance                          RECREATIONAL SIZE LIMIT                       RECREATIONAL CATCH LIMIT                         OTHER


                                    SPORT FISH

                                    Channel Bass/a                             Unlawful to posom my clumnel bass             5 fish per person per day (state waters).        Game fish can be taken only by rod and reel or by gigging
                                                                               less than 14 inchea(TL) or greater            No channel bass may he harvested from            during March through November. South        Carolina native caught
                                                                               dum 27 inches (TL)(state waters)              federal waters.                                  fish may not be sold (state waters).

                                    Spotted Seatrout/a                         12 inches (TL) (state waters)                 15 fish per person per day (state waters).       Game fish can be taken only by rod and re,el or by gigging
                                                                                                                                                                              during March through November. South Carolina native caught
                                                                                                                                                                              fish may not be sold (state waters).

                                    Flounders:                                 12 inches (TL) (state waters).                20 fish per person per day (rod and reel         Size limits apply to both mcmational and commercial fishing.
                                      Southern mid Summer/a                                                                  and gigging only), (state waters).               Catch limit applies only to rod mid reel or gigging. Special
                                                                                                                                                                              gigging permit reuired in Jasper, Colleton and Beaufort
                                                                                                                                                                              Counties.

                                    Striped bass/c                             No size limits currently in effect in         10 fish per person per day. In Wando             Game fish may be taken only by rod and reel and may not be
                                                                               saltwater.                                    and Cooper Rivers and Santee River               sold (state waters). Unlawful to take in saltwaters of the
                                                                                                                             seaward to the ICW, 5 fish per person            Savannah River.
                                                                                                                             per day. (state waters).

                                    Wmg Mackerella                             20 inches (FI-) (state and federal            5 fish per person per day     (state and         Fishing year I lantutry to 31 December, fishery may be closed
                                                                               waters)                                       federal waters). Federal commercial              to all harvest if total allowable catch exceeded (state and federal
                                                                                                                             mackerel permit needed to exceed bag             waters)
                                                                                                                             limit.

                                    Spanish Mackerel/a                         14 inches (TL) 12 inches (FL) (state          10 fimh per person per day (state and            Fishing year I January to 31 December, fishery may be closed
                                                                               wW federal waters).                           federal waters). Federal commercial              to all harvest if total allowable catch exceeded (state and federal
                                                                                                                             mackerel permit needed to exceed bag             waters).
                                                                                                                             limit.

                                    Bluefish/c                                 No size limit currently in effect.            10 ftsh per person per day (state and
                                                                                                                             federal waters).

                                    Cobis/c                                    37 inches (TL) 33 inches (FL) (state          2 fish per person per day (state and
                                                                               and federal waters).                          federal waters). Federal commercial
                                                                                                                             mackerel permit needed to exceed limit.

                                    Tarpon/c                                   No size limit cuffently in effect.            I fish per person per day (state waters).        Game fish may be taken only by rod and reel and may not be
                                                                                                                                                                              sold (state waters).

                                    Greater Amberjack/c                        28 inches (FL) (state and federal             3 fish per person per day (state and             Federally permitted vessels - cornmercial harvest is 36 inches
                                                                               waters).                                      federal waters).                                 (FL), 28 inches if head removed.
 


























                                                                        P



                                     SHORTNOSE STURGEON - head and body covered with bony plates or shields; no plates poste-
                                        rior to dorsal fin; inferior mouth receded by four barbels. p. 33








                                                                               W_ M., ORPM


                                     ATLANTIC STURGEON - head and body crowded with bony plates or shields, two rows of
                                        plates posterior to dorsal and anal fins; mouth preceded by four barbels. p. 34












                                     STRIPED BASS - 7 or 8 dark horizontal stripes marking scale rows on upper sides; anal fin with 3
                                        strong spines and 7 to 13 soft rays; area between eyes not scaled. p. 40


                                                                                  Plate I





















                    HICKORY SHAD - point of origin of dorsal fin is considerably in front of the mid-point of its
                       body; lower jaw projects farther beyond the upper when its mouth is closed. p. 36















                    AMERICAN SHAD - dark shoulder spot followed by several more spots; dorsal fin slightly anteri-
                       or to center point of body; belly with scutes forming a keel. p. 37










                                                                             -@4
                                                                    e




                    BLUEBACK HERRING - dorsal fin origin near center point of body; upper jaw with a distinct
                       median notch and minute teeth; belly with scutes forming a distinct keel. p. 38


                                                                  Plate 11




















                                        TARPON - lower jaw projecting; dorsal fin origin near mid point of body with last dorsal fin ray
                                           filamentous and very long. p. 35











                                                                   1p,



                                        BLUEFISH - head large; mouth terminal, teeth prominent and in single row; two dorsal fins, first
                                           short with 7 or 8 spines, second long with 23 to 28 rays. p. 55














                                        COBIA - back and sides dark brown, with two sharply defined silvery bands, head broad and
                                           depressed; first dorsal with 7 to 9 short strong isolated spines. p. 56


                                                                                      Plate III
























                                                                     NN   k




                   RED DRUM - one or more ocellated dark spots present on upper sides from below soft portion of
                      dorsal fin to base of tail; mouth inferior, horizonal, teeth set in bands in both jaws. p. 68














                   SUMMER FLOUNDER - five prominent ocellated dark spots on posterior portion of body in a
                      double triangular pattern. p. 78















                   SOUTHERN FLOUNDER - no distinct ocellated spots, dorsal fin originating slightly in front of
                      upper eye. p. 79


                                                                Plate IV





















                                      SPOTTED SEATROUT - numerous round black spots irregularly scattered on back and sides; d
                                         pair of large canine-Re teeth at tip of upper jaw. p. 67













                                      KING MACKEREL - back iridescent bluish green; first dorsal fin lightly and uniformly pigment-
                                         ed; lateral line abruptly curving downward below second dorsal fin. p. 70











                                                                                  4W




                                      SPANISH MACKEREL - anterior third of dorsal fin is black; sides with numerous yellow to
                                         bronze spots and no streaks; lateral line gradually curving. p. 71


                                                                                   Plate V











                                                                         I W-1 @ I M_ IT.



                  BANK SEA BASS - sides with three rows of black blotches and numerous blue and yellow stripes;
                     middle tail ray and dorsal spines with jet black spots. p. 41



                                                           AL









                  ROCK SEA BASS - sides with seven brownish bars; yellowish band across anal fin; distinct black
                     spot at base of last three dorsal spines. p. 42















                  BLACK SEA BASS - tail fin rounded with a single upper ray very elongated; body color very
                     dark; preopercle finely serrate. p. 43


                                                               Plate VI




















                                       SHEEPSHEAD - gray with 5 or 6 dark vertical bars on body and one on nape; jaws with a series of
                                           8 broad, incisor-like teeth, several series of lateral molar-like teeth. p. 63













                                       KNOBBED PORGY - upper head profile very steep; bony tubercle over eyes; jaws with canine-
                                          like teeth of about equal size; 2 rows molar-like teeth in lower jaw and 3 rows in upper. p. 64









                                                                                      "M





                                       SCUP - dorsal fm with 12 spines preceded by one forward-directed spine; front teeth strongly
                                          flattened, in close-set bands; two rows of molar-like teeth in both jaws. p. 66


                                                                                    Plate VII





















                 RED SNAPPER - back and upper sides scarlet to brick red; iris of eye red; tooth patch on roof of
                    mouth anchor-shaped and well developed. p. 58














                 SILK SNAPPER - back and upper sides pink to red with fine yellow undulating lines; iris of eye
                    yellow; tooth patch on roof of mouth anchor-shaped. p. 61






                                                                                  mar






                 VERMILION SNAPPER - back and upper sides vermilion, faint dark lines running forward and
                    down from dorsal fin base; tooth patch on roof of mouth very broad. p. 62


                                                            Plate VIII

























                                                                 ,4@,
                                                                          Ayk



                                      RED PORGY - back and upper sides pinkish silver with an yellow spot on each scale of the upper
                                         half of the body; jaws with canine teeth 4 in upper 6 in lowerjaw. p. 65.














                                      CUBERA SNAPPER - back and upper sides pale to dark gray with reddish tinges; mouth large
                                         with thick lips; canine teeth both jaws and strongly developed. p. 59














                                     GRAY SNAPPER - rusty dots on centers of scales; outer pair of canine teeth in upper jaw much
                                         larger than lower canines; tooth patch on roof of mouth anchor-shaped. p. 60


                                                                                  Plate IX





















                   SPECKLED HIND - red body; fins, head and body with creamy white spots. p. 44










                                                                          01
                                                       'k@



                   TILEFISH - predorsal ridge developed into a fleshy flap in front of dorsal fin; dorsal fin with 7
                      spines and 14-15 rays. p. 54















                   BLUELINE TILEFISH - dorsal and anal fins are long and continuous; eye small, one fifth of head
                      length; predorsal ridge present; preoperculum serrated. p. 53


                                                                Plate X




















                                       RED GROUPER - body brownish red, lighter below, pattern of whitish spots and irregular bars.
                                          p. 47













                                       NASSAU GROUPER - five vertical bars on body join to form w-shaped marks; distinct black
                                          saddle anterior to tail fin. p. 50
















                                       GAG - body gray with dark vermiculations grouped into square blotches; preopercle angulate with a
                                          distinct lobe at the angle. p. 51


                                                                                    Plate XI

























                                                                                 ;IA



                 YELLOWEDGE GROUPER - front part of dorsal fin with a broad yellow margin; pearly blue
                    line on preopercle. p. 45














                 WARSAW GROUPER - body reddish brown to black, dull reddish brown below; dorsal and anal
                    fins rounded. p. 48





                                                        'A










                 SNOWY GROUPER - spiny part of dorsal fin with a black margin; young with dark saddle shaped
                    blotch anterior to the tail which reaches below lateral line. p. 49


                                                            Plate XII






















                                       SCAMP - body light brownish gray with well separated spots; yellow coloration on jaw; preopercle
                                          with prominent serrated lobe-, vertical fins greatly prolonged. p. 52













                                       WRECKFISH - body strongly flattened sideways, about 2 1/2 to 3 times as long as deep; body
                                          protuberances over eyes and nape; mouth large and lower jaw projecting. p. 39















                                       JEWFISH - greenish or grey body with black spots; very robust body nearly round in cross section;
                                          may exceed 500 lbs. p. 46


                                                                                   Plate XIII




















                                                                U








                   BLUEFIN TUNA - first dorsal fin yellow or bluish and second reddish brown; anal fin and finlets
                      dusky yellow edged in black; pectoral fins short, less than 80% of head length. p. 72
                                                                           4-














                  SAILFISH - first dorsal fin sail-like; pelvic fins very long almost reaching to anus and consisting of
                      one spine and two soft rays. p. 74














                  SWORDFISH - snout ending in long, flattened sword; single, strong, lateral keel on each side of
                      caudal peduncle in front of tail. p. 73


                                                                Plate XIV





















                                         BLUE MARLIN - height of anterior part of first dorsal fin smaller than body depth, lateral line
                                             reticulated, anus close to origin of first anal fin. p. 75







                                                                                                                    Alf






                                         WHITE MARLIN - height of first dorsal fin nearly equal to body depth, lateral line single and
                                             easy to see; tips of first dorsal, first anal & pectoral fins rounded. p. 76















                                         LONGBILL SPEARFISH - anus well in front of orgin of first anal fin, body covered withdensly
                                             imbedded scales ending in several points. p. 77


                                                                                       Plate XV






















                   GREATER AMBERJACK - usually a dark stripe runs through the eye to the dorsal fin origin;
                      deep grooves present (top and bottom) in front of tail fin. p. 57













                   GRAY TRIGGERFISH - grayish/green with three dark blotches or irregular bars,scales enlarged
                      above pectoral fin base forming a flexible structure. p. 80















                   HOGFISH - dorsal fin with 14 spines of which the first three are extended into long filaments;
                      body general pink to reddish brown with scales edged in yellow; dorsal spot. p. 69


                                                               Plate XVI



















































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