S.C. Code Regs. § 123-150.1

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 3, March 22, 2024

Section 123-150.1 - Cheloniidae and Dermochelyidae (Sea Turtles)

1. The remaining species of the families Cheloniidae and Dermochelyidae (sea turtles) not listed in South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department Regulation Regulation 123-150 are considered threatened and in need of management.

2. That is shall be unlawful for any person to take, possess, barter, trade, transport, export, process, sell or offer for sale or ship, and for any contract carrier knowingly to transport or receive for shipment any such species or products or parts or eggs thereof except by permit for scientific or educational purposes issued by the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department, except that incidental catch of sea turtles while engaged in otherwise legal fishing, trawling or research activities at sea would be exempt under the taking clause of this regulation.

3. Sea turtles captured incidentally to legal fishing and/or research activities which appear vigorous when removed from the net, will be immediately returned to the water, exercising due care to prevent injury. Release should be from a location on the vessel which will minimize the possibility of the turtle being damaged by the vessel's propeller. The release will be made only when all sets of trawl doors or otter boards are hanging from the boom or outriggers.

4. Sea turtles which show no sign of life or those that are obviously weak, will be turned on their back and held on deck until they regain their strength or it appears that the turtle is definitely dead. In no cases, will weakened or apparently dead turtles be released until they have been held on deck for 30 minutes and attempts at revival have been made, i.e., pressing or pumping plastron (belly shell) to expel water and stimulate breathing.

5. That the penalty for the violation of this Rule and Regulation shall be prescribed by Section 50-15-80, 1976 South Carolina Code of Laws, as amended.

6. That except as modified or changed hereby, all prevailing laws, rules and regulations concerning wildlife in South Carolina shall remain in full force and effect.

S.C. Code Regs. 123-150.1