Making the Case for Oysters with Andy Hollis (SCDNR)

Written By Nicole Pehl

On this episode, we are joined by Andy Hollis, the manager of the Shellfish Management Section at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Andy transports us to South Carolina's vast system of estuaries as he describes the South Carolina oyster: its history, its impact on the Lowcountry's landscape and culture, its role as a habitat and a resource, and how SCDNR is working to manage the fishery and restore oyster beds across the coast. Through his passion and deep knowledge of this pivotal creature, Andy reminds us to respect and value the oyster and to always recycle your oyster shells!

Learn more:

  • Buy a saltwater fishing license.

  • Learn more about SCDNR's Shellfish Management Section, view recreational oyster harvest maps, find oyster shell drop-off locations, and more.

  • Volunteer with SCORE.

  • Check out the video of Andy's interview on the "Put 'em Back" podcast by Toadfish.

Conversing with Nature is hosted by Dr. Liz Fly, edited by Nicole Pehl and Dr. Liz Fly, and produced by The Nature Conservancy. Original music provided by Matt Williams, cover art designed by Amy Nguyen, and funding provided by the Therblig Foundation.

Published: June 6, 2025

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music

Nicole Pehl
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