Crab Bank: A Brief History 

Over 40 years ago the first bird nest was found on Crab Bank, a small island near the mouth of Shem Creek. Serving as one of five bird sanctuaries along the South Carolina coast, Crab Bank has played a huge role as a safe habitat for thousands of local birds and those migrating through. 

In 2017 Hurricane Irma caused catastrophic erosion to the island making it no longer available to nesting birds. After a large project, spearheaded by many local organizations and supported by the whole community, a new Crab Bank was developed in the Fall of 2021.  This year marked the inaugural season of the new Crab Bank and thankfully we are seeing successful nesting happening. The next chapter will be constant stewardship by the community. Our collective goal should be to see the birds thrive and populate there undisturbed.  

The Crab Bank Steward Program
Sponsored by: Island Brands, Free Fly Apparel, and Rheos Nautical Eyeware

 Now that Crab Bank is complete and birds are actively nesting on the island, it is important that we continue educating the Charleston community about Crab Bank Seabird Sanctuary.  South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Audubon SC are already patrolling the island during nesting season to protect this bird sanctuary. The Crab Bank Steward Program is designed to help with their message by educating boaters and paddlers.

Through an exciting partnership with three local businesses, we’ve designated a fleet of kayaks that will be used as ambassador boats for Crab Bank.   Each of these companies are based in Charleston and have deep connections with the waters that we paddle.

Coastal Expeditions guides will use these expedition-style sea kayaks on tour as a way to begin conversations about Crab Bank and create a connection with the conservation work that we’re doing in Shem Creek and beyond.

In addition, our staff and Coastal Expeditions Foundation volunteers will paddle these boats out to Crab Bank periodically as ambassador boats to help educate boaters and paddlers that may be tempted to beach on the nesting island.

The sponsorship by Rheos Eyewear, Free Fly Apparel and Island Brands provides the funding necessary for the Coastal Expeditions Foundation to help monitor Crab Bank, organize creek and island sweeps and distribute educational materials to the local community.

What can you do as a boater and paddler?

DO NOT LAND ON CRAB BANK FROM March 15th- October 15th! This is bird nesting season and the island is completely off limits to any boaters or paddlers. Keep in mind a $500 fine comes along with landing on Crab Bank during nesting season. 

Most of the nesting birds on Crab Bank utilize cryptic nesting, meaning that you can hardly tell a difference between an egg and the sand it’s laying on, making stepping on a nest extremely likely. Another important reason you’d want to stay away from Crab Bank is that these birds need their space to feel comfortable and safe while they are nesting, resting, and tending to their young. Causing a stressful environment for these animals could cause them to not return in future years. 

• Do not land after March 15th or before October 15th  
• Keep your distance from Crab Bank when boating 
• Know the signs and signals birds use to let humans know they are too close 
• Utilize your voice when seeing someone on Crab Bank during nesting season 
• Save the SCDNR Game Thief phone number to call in boat landings: 1-800-922-5431 
• Educate yourself, your friends, and your peers about respecting nesting birds 
• When the Crab Bank is open to humans stay below the marked signs 

Current Nesting Bird Species:

American Oystercatcher
Black Skimmers
Gull-billed Tern
Least Tern

We’d like to give a gracious thank you to Island Brands, Free Fly Apparel, and Rheos Nautical Eyeware for sponsoring the kayaks designed to keep Crab Bank a safe place for nesting birds. These brands are actively recognizing the need for education and awareness regarding the Crab Bank Bird Sanctuary and that is greatly appreciated.  We’d also like to thank Charleston Wraps for their beautiful job on branding the kayaks.