TO AMEND SECTION 50-5-2730, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO FEDERAL FISHING REGULATIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE A SPECIFIC SIZE AND POSSESSION LIMIT FOR COBIA.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION    1.    Section 50-5-2730(B) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(B)    This provision does not apply to:

(1)    black sea bass (Centropristis striata) whose lawful catch limit is five fish per person per day or the same as the federal limit for black sea bass, whichever is higher. The lawful minimum size is thirteen inches total length. Additionally, there is no closed season on the catching of black sea bass (Centropristis striata); or

(2)    cobia (Rachycentron canadum) located in the Southern Cobia Management Zone. Subject to the size limit established by federal regulation a minimum size requirement of thirty-six inches in fork length, possession of cobia caught in the Southern Cobia Management Zone is limited to one per person per day, and no more than three per boat per day, from June 1 to April 30. It is unlawful to take and possess cobia in the Southern Cobia Management Zone from May 1 to May 31, and at any time federal regulations provide for the closure of the recreational cobia season in the waters of the South Atlantic Ocean; or

(3)    cobia (Rachycentron canadum) located in the waters of this State outside of the Southern Cobia Management Zone. Subject to a minimum size requirement of thirty-six inches in fork length, possession of cobia caught in the waters of this State outside of the Southern Cobia Management Zone is limited to one per person per day, and no more than six per boat per day."

SECTION    2.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.