South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium research and technology transfer efforts have resulted in the propagation of South Carolina-based seed stock to supply the rapidly emerging oyster-farming industry in South Carolina; with a potential value at harvest reaching $1,000,000 and potential restaurant retail value estimated at $4,000,000.

In 2016, as a result of South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium efforts, the seed orders for all South Carolina oyster farmers were filled with seed produced in-state using South Carolina broodstock. Two growers in North Carolina were also able to procure seed from South Carolina. A total of 2.6 million seed were sold, which represents a conservative average market value to the harvester of $1,092,000.

Stormwater ponds are among the most widely used engineering practices for controlling stormwater quantity and improving water quality in South Carolina, with approximately 9,000 dedicated ponds across the state’s eight coastal counties. Stormwater pond systems can play a significant role in watershed function, providing for flood management, pollution mitigation and other amenities to communities.

The South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium responded to the need to extend the latest scientific information on stormwater ponds to pond managers and owners in the public and private sectors by co-organizing and co-leading a regional pond conference in Charleston. The purpose of the conference was to increase awareness of the function and maintenance needs of stormwater ponds; provide participants the information needed to overcome common pond management challenges; and integrate communities with service providers to assist in inspection and management actions and capital reserves planning.

Charleston, South Carolina has seen a 409% increase in the number of nuisance flooding days since the 1960s. To increase its resilience to future flooding due to sea level rise (SLR), the City of Charleston consulted with the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium to define the issue and develop a sea level rise strategy. This strategy was adopted by Charleston City Council and is being considered as a priority by all department heads as part of their newly established Flood Action Work Group. In consultation with the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium and NOAA, the City of Charleston determined that planning for a SLR of 1.5 feet by 2040 and 2.5 feet by 2060 was most appropriate for the city’s current needs; these targets will be reassessed every five years.