Exploring the Blue Crab Fisheries of Beaufort: A Day in the Life of Brett Everett
On a muggy 71-degree morning in the charming city of Beaufort, Brett Everett, a lifelong crab fisherman, sets out across the serene Morgan River in his robust 22-foot boat. The glassy water stretches out before him as he and his dedicated crew, William Beveride and “Lucky” Alewine, prepare for a demanding day that’s far from leisurely. They aren’t simply enjoying the sights; they’re on a mission to dive deep into the area’s salt marshes and pull up a treasure trove of Atlantic blue crab.
The Blue Crab: A Lowcountry Delight
Highly sought after for their sweet meat and stunning blue claws, blue crabs are regarded as a delicacy along the East Coast. “They’re a delicacy,” Everett shares, although he humorously adds, “but they’re mean as hell.” These feisty crustaceans thrive in South Carolina’s coastal waters, camouflaging themselves among the dense smooth cordgrass and oyster reefs, where they feast on anything they can muster, be it oysters, clams, or snails. At times, they can be spotted peeping out from their muddy burrows, ready to pounce on a passing snack.
Ben Dyar, director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Fisheries Management, emphasizes the importance of this fishery, both economically and culturally. Annually, nearly 3 million pounds of blue crab are harvested in coastal South Carolina. Commercial fishermen like Everett assist in providing a healthy portion of that catch, supplemented by recreational crabbers.
A Shift in Regulations
However, a storm is brewing over the state’s $6 million blue crab fishery as new regulations are set to reshape the fishing landscape. Following years of declining crab numbers and minimal regulation, the 2024 legislative session implemented pot restrictions and licensing requirements for both commercial and recreational crabbers. This has left Everett, who built his business, Rusty Crabs, from the ground up, feeling anxious about the future.
“Now they are changing the laws on me, and it’s going to hurt,” he expresses, worrying that state-imposed caps on the number of pots he can use could force him to sell off some of his boats.
Crabbing: A Tough Yet Rewarding Life
Everett’s life as a crabber began in 1995, learning the trade from his father. On his very first day, he made more than he would in two weeks at his grocery store job. “I don’t want to do anything else,” he asserts, revealing a deep satisfaction in his hard work. His days involve hauling crab pots, sometimes pulling in as many as ten bushels of crabs—a single bushel containing between two to six dozen, depending on size.
The job brings together a unique blend of talent; he has to be a skilled boat builder, mechanic, and fisherman. He markets his catch through roadside stands and social media, claiming, “The online marketing, basically, has saved us.” With crabbing season in full swing, his eyes are set on the bustling Maryland market, which often relies on South Carolinian crabs once local waters grow sparse.
A Day on the Water
As the team sets out on their boat, the atmosphere is filled with camaraderie and a shared sense of purpose. “Let’s go baby!” calls Beveride, a former motorcycle technician from New Mexico, eager to tackle the day ahead. After prepping at dawn, they launch into the Jenkins Creek, and it’s not long before they reach their first set of crab pots.
Working tirelessly for hours, they haul pots filled with crabs, scrutinizing each catch. As Alewine sorts through the crabs, he jokes about the risks of getting pinched—a rite of passage for any newcomer. “You gotta get in there,” Everett encourages, embodying a spirit of teamwork that defines their days on the water. “Teamwork makes the dream work!” he quips, keeping the mood light amidst the labor.
With gentle excitement, Alewine rejoices when an elusive crab latches onto his hand. The laughter amongst the crew cuts through the tension, a reminder of the unique bond fostered by this challenging way of life.
Facing Challenges with Optimism
As they continue working through the day’s catch, they keep in mind the looming changes as the SCDNR monitors the fishery. “There are crabs, but everybody is pulling them out of the water and selling them out of their front yards,” Everett says, observing the challenges faced by commercial fishers amidst an influx of unregulated crabbers.
When the sun begins to set, Everett and his crew unload their haul, having built a solid day’s worth of business. Local customers, including vendors like John Pierce, eagerly await their fresh catch, proving that blue crabs continue to be a staple in the Lowcountry’s culinary scene.
Delighting in the Fruits of Labor
As a day filled with hard work draws to a close, Everett takes a moment to cook a steaming pot filled with their catch, savoring the taste of success alongside his crew. “People these days don’t know where their food comes from,” he reflects, as they enjoy their meal together, cracking open claws and relishing the flavors of their hard labor.
With changes on the horizon but a spirit of determination, Brett Everett and his crew are prepared not just to weather the storm but to adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of blue crab fishing in Beaufort. As they build not just a business but a resilient community, their clasp on the Lowcountry’s fishing traditions remains firmly in hand.
