(A) It is unlawful to take or possess a stone crab or stone crab parts except as provided herein. (B) A stone crab having two claws may be temporarily taken for removal of the larger claw provided the larger claw is two and three-fourths inches in length or larger measured by a straight line from the elbow to the tip of the lower immovable claw finger, and the crab must be returned immediately to the water. (C) It is unlawful to possess a female stone crab bearing visible eggs or to remove visible eggs or either claw from a female stone crab bearing visible eggs. (D) It is unlawful to possess, sell, or offer for sale any stone crab claw which has a forearm (propodus) of less than the size provided in subsection (B). (E) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. HISTORY: 2000 Act No. 245, Section 7.
South Carolina Legal Code