It’s so cold that some sea turtles are becoming “cold stunned,” making them lethargic and unable to swim. Meanwhile, shrimpers are fretting. The valuable spring roe crop, currently growing in area estuaries, may be jeopardy if the freezing temperatures persist.
While the seemingly endless spate of cold weather is making it uncomfortable for residents and visitors across the Lowcountry, continued lows near freezing and daytime highs in the 40s or low 50s can potentially be deadly for marine life. And the National Weather Service in Charleston says more of the same can be expected next week.
DNR watching situation closely
Jeff Brunson, the DNR’s crustatian fisheries manager, said the major temperature threshold for shrimp is roughly 48 degrees. At that point, shrimp won’t suddenly die but they will begin to feel the effects of the cold. At around that temperature, he said, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources will begin looking at taking steps to protect the spawning stock, including the possibility of closing the trawling season.
Currently, the water temperature is about 50.2 degrees in the Charleston Harbor, he said…