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Committee reports bill to raise blue catfish daily limit outside Santee River system
Summary
Senate Bill 337, introduced by Sen. Rick Bach and explained to the Senate Fish, Game and Forestry Committee, would raise the daily blue catfish limit outside the Santee River system; the committee reported the bill out after discussion and a subcommittee amendment increasing the outside limit.
Senate Bill 337, sponsored by Sen. Rick Bach, was reported out of the Senate Fish, Game and Forestry Committee after committee members discussed changes to daily take limits for blue catfish.
Brian, speaking for the bill presentation, said, "Senate bill 3 37 proposes to increase the daily take limit for blue catfish outside of the Santee River system, which includes Santee River, Lake Marion, and Lake Moultrie, from 25 to 75." He added that the daily limit within the Santee River system would remain unchanged at 25 and noted that a subcommittee had adopted an amendment increasing the outside-of-system limit to 150 per day.
The bill also removes a restriction on possessing more than two blue catfish over 32 inches outside the Santee River system. Senator Florence praised collaboration between the bill sponsor, DNR staff and constituents, saying DNR provided data showing local blue catfish numbers and that the process "was a great example of collaboration because this bill came up last year." Ross Self of DNR was acknowledged for preparing data for the committee.
After brief discussion and no additional questions from members, a motion to move the bill was made, seconded and carried by voice vote; the committee chair announced the bill was reported out to the full body.
The committee record does not include a roll-call vote or numeric tally; the action was recorded as a voice vote with no recorded opposition.
