Dock Construction and Repair Services
Dock Construction and Repair Services
After a refreshing weekend spent hiking and exploring Henry C Chambers Waterfront Park near Beaufort, SC, Mark returned to his lakefront home, eager to unwind by the water's edge. As he approached his property, however, a sinking feeling settled in the pit of his stomach. The once sturdy dock that invited friends and family for leisurely afternoons now sagged precariously, with several boards cracked and rotting. It was a disheartening sight that marred his peaceful retreat, leaving him with the urgent realization that he needed to seek a professional dock construction company to restore the structure to its former glory. The thought of finding the right experts weighed heavily on his mind, as he knew that a well-maintained dock was essential for both safety and enjoyment at his beloved lakeside haven.
Docks play a vital role in enhancing waterfront properties, providing access for recreational activities, boating, and fishing, all while adding aesthetic appeal to the surroundings. However, the wear and tear that comes with exposure to water, weather, and heavy use can lead to the need for constructions. Unfortunately, finding quality dock construction companies can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be challenging to find dedicated professionals who understand the intricacies of dock maintenance and restoration. Fortunately, Charleston Dock & Construction exists - and is more than qualified to tackle your dock maintenance and construction needs.
To understand why dock construction is so important, let's first examine why you should consider dock construction and look at some common problems that dock owners face in South Carolina.
A boat dock is more than just a place to park your boat; it's the centerpiece of any waterfront property. Whether it's a private getaway or a busy marina, a well-maintained dock can prevent costly issues down the line.
Docks face challenges from water exposure and daily wear. Small cracks or unstable boards might seem minor now but can lead to major constructions or a full replacement. That's where professional dock construction comes in. It's like a tune-up for your dock, catching problems early and reinforcing its structure. A properly serviced dock not only looks great but also lasts longer, saving you stress, time, and money in the end.
A rusty bolt here. A wobbly bolt there. On the surface, such issues don't seem to be pressing. But "minor" problems like these have a tendency to get out of hand. Perhaps worse, they can deplete your bank account. Some common dock issues include the following:
Similarly, if you don't monitor your dock regularly, issues can arise unexpectedly. That's why working with a dock construction company makes so much sense. Pros know what to look for and can identify minor problems before they escalate into costly constructions. By addressing these issues early on, you can avoid the stress of emergency fixes and continue enjoying your time by the water
To have a great dock at home or at your place of business, it needs to be durable and safe. That's why dock merepairsan more than putting a Band-Aid on a problem. At Charleston Dock & Construction, our technicians prioritize:
As an example of how we reinforce your dock's structural integrity, we may need to swap out old wooden decking for a more durable, weather-resistant option. That way, we can boost your dock's lifespan and cut down on the hassles of ongoing maintenance.
Ignoring dock maintenance isn't merely a risk of potential damage. It also impacts your finances. Addressing constructions with a professional now can save you a significant amount in the long run.
Your dock is more than just a structure on your property. It serves as your gateway to the water, a gathering spot for lakeside memories, and an essential part of your home or business. However, like any outdoor investment, it faces a constant battle against the elements. Sun, water, wind, and time all take their toll. If you overlook the early warning signs, minor dock issues can escalate into major constructions-or worse, lead to complete replacements.
At Charleston Dock and Construction, our team of certified dock inspectors will tell you that understanding what to look for is crucial in protecting your boat dock and avoiding expensive constructions. Here are the five most common dock problems: what causes them, how they can impact you, and what steps you can take to address them before they spiral out of control. Whether you have a new dock or are keeping an eye on an older one, regular preventative maintenance is key for long-term use.
When you step onto your dock and hear it creak-or feel it shift beneath you-it's likely a sign of loose or warped boards. This isn't just a nuisance. It can be dangerous. The potential for tripping, unstable surfaces, and compromised structural integrity are risks that shouldn't be ignored.
The main culprits behind these issues are often fluctuations in temperature and moisture. Wood naturally expands and contracts, which can cause fasteners to loosen over time or boards to distort. Additionally, corrosion can weaken the screws or bolts that hold everything together.
To resolve this issue, you can either secure the boards with corrosion-resistant screws or replace any that have become permanently warped. While this isn't a huge construction task, it significantly enhances both safety and usability. Even swapping out a few boards can greatly improve the functionality of your dock.
The key is to be proactive with maintenance, whether you're doing it yourself or hiring dock contractors. Incorporating deck board inspections into your seasonal maintenance routine can save you a lot of time and money on constructions down the line. A few minutes spent tightening screws now can prevent hours of work later on.
Wood rot poses a significant threat to any timber dock, often going unnoticed in its early stages. It begins deep within the wood fibers, fueled by constant moisture and poor airflow, gradually deteriorating the structure from the inside out. Eventually, you may notice areas that feel spongy, soft planks, or dark spots that remain damp.
The impact of rot goes beyond aesthetics; it compromises the entire integrity of the dock. If not addressed, it can lead to the failure of crucial support beams. The solution involves replacing any damaged sections with pressure-treated or composite materials. After the constructions, using a high-quality marine-grade sealant is essential to prevent moisture and fungal spores from causing further issues.
Prevention is key to avoiding these problems. Conducting regular inspections, particularly after heavy rains or flooding, can help identify rot early on. If your dock hasn't been waterproofed in a couple of years, consider contacting us at Charleston Dock and Construction. We provide thorough inspections, routine maintenance, and prompt constructions to ensure your dock remains in excellent condition.
Without the metal fixtures on your dock, you wouldn't really have a dock. However, it doesn't take a graduate from University of South Carolina Beaufort Bluffton campus in Beaufort, SC, to know that metal is vulnerable to corrosion. That's especially true for your:
This issue is especially common in saltwater and humid environments, and even freshwater can accelerate corrosion with incompatible metals. To combat rust, replace damaged hardware with marine-grade stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized metal, designed to resist corrosion. If you notice any rust, inspect all connections, as one corroded part often signals others are affected.
To prevent future corrosion, regularly clean your hardware and avoid mixing different metal types in connections, which can lead to galvanic corrosion. At Charleston Dock and Construction, we use high-quality materials to safeguard your dock against the elements.
Pilings are the essential support for your dock. If they begin to crack or split, particularly near the waterline, your dock's integrity is at risk. This is common in areas with freezethaw cycles, where water seeps into small openings and expands, leading to deep cracks and uneven surfaces.
You might not always see the damage, as cracks can hide below the water or blend in with old wood. If your dock feels unstable or tilts, it's a sign that something is wrong. Compromised pilings pose serious safety hazards if left unaddressed.
To fix this, you may need to reinforce or replace damaged pilings. Marine-treated wood and PVC sleeves offer durable solutions that prevent water damage and prolong your dock's lifespan. Catching problems early makes constructions easier and keeps your dock safe, saving you time and money in the long run.
If your dock is tilting, sinking, or floating unevenly, it may be experiencing issues with shifting or sinking platforms. Problems like this happen often due to:
Fixed docks can suffer from eroded soil beneath the footings, while older floating docks may have floats that take on water or collapse. Addressing these issues quickly is very important, as an unlevel dock can stress joints and increase the risk of collapse. Solutions vary based on dock design: fixed docks may need deep, erosion-resistant footings or re-anchoring, while floating docks may require new flotation devices or adjustable legs.
Regularly monitoring shoreline erosion and dock alignment can help spot issues early, preventing safety hazards. In severe cases, full dock replacement may be necessary if extensive damage occurs.
Over the last two decades, Charleston Dock & Construction has consistently built a reputation for quality dock construction for new projects and expert constructions throughout the Lowcountry. We continue to provide a service based on honesty, integrity, and superior quality construction and design. Our list of accomplishments is long, and we look forward to being the leading dock builder in the Lowcountry for decades to come.
We specialize in dock construction in Beaufort, SC as well as other dock solutions for home and business owners in The Palmetto State, including:
When it comes to constructing new docks, our goal is to ensure a seamless process from permit acquisition to the completion of punch list items, covering every step in between. With nearly twenty years of experience in the Lowcountry, we have built a reputation as the go-to choice for dock building by tackling challenges head-on and crafting solutions where others might see obstacles. Our keen attention to detail, coupled with our innovative approach to marine construction, drives us to ensure that every dock we create perfectly meets our customers' specific needs. We are dedicated to going the extra mile to deliver exactly what we've promised.
Whether you're dealing with sinking posts or warped deck boards, we provide top-notch constructions while enhancing the beauty and functionality of your dock. Our goal is to address any dock construction challenge with professionalism and exceptional craftsmanship. If you're facing any dock construction issues, let us take care of the hard work for you. Schedule your inspection today!
At Charleston Dock and Construction, we believe that every corner of our beautiful area deserves to be explored, and we go above and beyond to ensure you can experience the stunning marshlands, sea, and marine life up close. When it comes to communityoriented marine construction, choose wisely - don't leave the team you hire to chance. Opt for a trusted leader with a solid reputation in dock and marine construction.
We've been building floating docks for nearly two decades, combining expertise with creativity to produce reliable products. Whether you need a dock for a speedboat, fishing boat, or paddleboards, our commitment is to turn your vision into reality, ensuring it meets your practical needs and aesthetic desires. We take pride in our craftsmanship, attention to detail, and our ability to solve challenges with innovative solutions.
A boat lift should not only be functional but also beautiful. We dedicate ourselves to delivering alluring projects with meticulous attention to detail, setting us apart in the Charleston area and beyond. Whether you need a lift for a fishing boat or a leisure vessel, our goal is to guide you through every step of the process-from design to completion. We aim to educate you along the way, ensuring you end up with a durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing boat lift or drive-on that perfectly complements your dock.
At Charleston Dock and Construction, we bring nearly 20 years of marine construction experience, making us experts in overcoming challenges in erosion control. With a deep understanding of the Lowcountry's unique conditions, we are the clear choice for your needs.
Our strong reputation is built on exceptional customer service, quality craftsmanship, and our commitment to guiding water flow effectively to prevent issues. Let us tackle your water erosion challenges with the expertise and dedication that define our company.
At Charleston Dock & Repair, we provide expert dock construction services designed to enhance your waterfront property. Whether you need a brand-new dock, replacement of an aging structure, or custom solutions tailored to your shoreline, our skilled team delivers safe, durable, and long-lasting results.
From design and permits to installation and repair, we handle the entire process with professionalism and care. Using high-quality materials and proven techniques, we ensure your dock not only looks great but also stands strong for years of enjoyment.
Take a look up to the heavens starting on Wednesday and you’ll see the last supermoon of the year light up the sky over Beaufort, SC. December’s cold moon will be the next full moon and it will be the final supermoon of 2025, making it one of the biggest full moons of the year, illuminating the sky for several nights.The moon will turn full at 8:20am on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. Named for the chilly temperatures at this time of year in North America, this moon is not only the second-biggest full moon of 2025 — a &ldquo...
Take a look up to the heavens starting on Wednesday and you’ll see the last supermoon of the year light up the sky over Beaufort, SC. December’s cold moon will be the next full moon and it will be the final supermoon of 2025, making it one of the biggest full moons of the year, illuminating the sky for several nights.
The moon will turn full at 8:20am on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. Named for the chilly temperatures at this time of year in North America, this moon is not only the second-biggest full moon of 2025 — a “supermoon” — but it reaches higher into the sky than any other.moon
It will look full the night before and the night after, but the best time to watch it rise in Beaufort will be at moonrise during dusk on Friday, Dec. 5, when it will appear on the eastern horizon shortly after sunset.
It will be the third of three supermoons this year. The three supermoons in 2025 occured on October 6, November 5, and this one on December 4. The first was the Harvest Moon. The second was the Beaver Moon, and this one is the Cold Moon.
In addition, the near coincidence of this full moon with perigee will result in a dramatically large range of high and low ocean tides. Any coastal storm at sea around this time would almost certainly aggravate coastal flooding problems at high tide, or, in the case of a strong wind pushing the water offshore, it would create a very low water situation at low tide.
Supermoons by definition happen “when a full moon coincides with the Moon’s closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit, a point known as perigee,” according to NASA.
“During every 27-day orbit around Earth, the Moon reaches both its perigee, about 226,000 miles (363,300 km) from Earth, and its farthest point, or apogee, about 251,000 miles (405,500 km) from Earth.”
Supermoons in general appear 17% bigger and 30% brighter than when the moon is at its farthest point away from Earth, according to NASA. Supermoons are slightly bigger and brighter than most full moons, too. Just because it’s bigger and brighter doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll see it unaided, so binoculars may give you a better view.
You’ll be able to step outside and enjoy the view with the supermoon brightly illuminating our late autumn evening sky.
The town is getting ready for the holidays and everyone is looking forward to the upcoming City of Beaufort Holiday Weekend Celebration. But there’s a few other happenings that will help you show your holiday spirit.The weekend of December 6th through 8th will be packed with music, food, entertainment, shopping, parades – and Santa, of course!Friday night, December 5th The weekend kicks off with Night on the Town at 6 p.m. on Friday. Bay Street will be closed to traffic. Downtown retailers will be o...
The town is getting ready for the holidays and everyone is looking forward to the upcoming City of Beaufort Holiday Weekend Celebration. But there’s a few other happenings that will help you show your holiday spirit.
The weekend of December 6th through 8th will be packed with music, food, entertainment, shopping, parades – and Santa, of course!
Friday night, December 5th The weekend kicks off with Night on the Town at 6 p.m. on Friday. Bay Street will be closed to traffic. Downtown retailers will be open. Roving choirs will be singing Christmas carols and other performers will also be taking the stage as well.
The Community Bible Church Soul Patrol Puppet Team will perform at Bay and Carteret streets. LOTS OF FOOD will be available along Bay Street from various vendors. Parents can bring their kiddies to have their pictures taken with Santa from 6-8 p.m. And, a recital of “The Night Before Christmas” will occur on the main stage just before the Christmas tree lighting culminates the evening around at 8pm
Saturday, December 6th The Gullah Taste of Christmas kicks off at 11 a.m. at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. With live music, a Rice Cookoff, food vendors, a kid’s village and more, the event is a beautiful celebration of Gullah traditions that will have you singing and dancing with joy.
Then, the super-popular Christmas Boat Parade begins at 5:30 p.m. – grab a seat at the park to get a great view.
Sunday, December 7th The annual Christmas Parade, led by Santa and featuring local bands and lots of floats, begins at 3 p.m. in downtown Beaufort.
There’s more!
During the Night on the Town Celebration, catch a Christmas double feature under the stars at the downtown waterfront as J.P. Signature Group at Keller Williams Realty is hosting its annual Movie Night Meets Night On The Town, featuring two free movies with The Grinch and Elf. Refreshments, hot cocoa, and popcorn will be served.
Also, capture the magic with Santa himself as jolly ol’ St. Nick is available for photos outside the Beaufort Candy Shoppe on select dates. Share your wishes and spread joy with Santa on November 29th (1-5pm), November 30th (12-4pm), December 6th (12-4pm), December 13th (12-4pm), and December 20th (12-4pm).
Christmas in the South is amazing, and so is all of the fun at Beaufort’s Holiday Weekend.
Find more Holiday fun in Beaufort SC
Imagine Bedford Falls but draped in Spanish moss instead of snow. That’s Christmas in Beaufort, South Carolina. Like the fictional town in the classic movie It’s a Wonderful Life, Beaufort is a place where the bustling historic district is relatively compact yet stuffed full as Santa’s sack with character. During the season, residents spread cheer with abandon and the true spirit of the holidays prevails, even for a bewildered George Bailey. You can almost picture James Stewart, as Bailey, ambling down Beaufort&rsq...
Imagine Bedford Falls but draped in Spanish moss instead of snow. That’s Christmas in Beaufort, South Carolina. Like the fictional town in the classic movie It’s a Wonderful Life, Beaufort is a place where the bustling historic district is relatively compact yet stuffed full as Santa’s sack with character. During the season, residents spread cheer with abandon and the true spirit of the holidays prevails, even for a bewildered George Bailey. You can almost picture James Stewart, as Bailey, ambling down Beaufort’s Bay Street, perhaps ducking into Kilwins candy shop, where a sugary praline is sure to set things right. In both Bedford Falls and Beaufort, miracles seem at the ready.
This Lowcountry gem nestled on Port Royal Island is magical year-round, but at Christmas, Beaufort’s glow twinkles even brighter. Maybe it’s the soaring tree sparkling in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park or perhaps the decked out vessels gliding along the river for the always-popular Light Up the Night Boat Parade. Or maybe it’s simply that a sense of "“goodwill to all” feels genuine here. It surely does as you hold back tears while watching the annual laying of thousands of real evergreen wreaths on headstones at Beaufort National Cemetery in a moving tribute to our country’s veterans as part of Wreaths Across America.
To get Beaufort’s fullest flavor, aim to visit during the first weekend of December, when the festivities are nonstop. On Saturday evening, streets close and pedestrians flood Bay Street and its offshoots to celebrate Night on the Town. Merchants stay open late, offering complimentary treats and beverages to shoppers looking for unique, often handmade or locally sourced gifts. A still-fresh Santa (it’s early December, so he’s just getting started) poses for photos with kids outside The Beaufort Candy Shoppe, and the Parris Island Marine Band presents a free concert of seasonal tunes. The annual reading of “A Visit From St. Nicholas” concludes with the town’s tree lighting, complete with faux snow, delivering the full cinematic effect.
One of Beaufort’s charms is that the busy downtown shopping area is hardly just another “Anywhere, U.S.A.” Don’t expect to find many big-box retailers here. Instead, stores like Sweet Bay (with exquisitely curated home accessories, jewelry, and art) and Southern Tide (featuring coastal-casual attire for men, women, and children) populate the historic commercial district, which means your presents will stand apart from Aunt Beverly’s gift cards. Even if there are no little ones on your list, don’t miss Monkey’s Uncle, a locally owned toy shop that will tug at the hopeful, excited-for-the-holidays kid who still lives inside each of us.
“Christmas in Beaufort is special because we’re small enough to still have that community homecoming-type feeling. There’s a true sense of celebration,” says Anita Singleton Prather, a Beaufort County Sea Island native who’s better known in these parts as “Aunt Pearlie Sue,” her stage-and-storytelling persona. Her Gullah Kinfolk Traveling Theater highlights the rich cultural heritage of the Gullah community, descendants of the enslaved Africans who made South Carolina’s lucrative rice economy (and Beaufort’s antebellum homes) possible.
Their musical, Christmas Wish...Freedom, revisits the last holiday season before the start of the Civil War. “As I researched, I was fascinated to find that many of their traditions we still carry on,” says Prather, whose childhood memories include being gifted “a brown sack full of pecans, oranges, and peppermint sticks” at Christmastime, “which is what some plantation owners gave the enslaved, especially the peppermint.” Her original production tells about how the holidays were a popular time for “jumping the broom” (getting married), as it was the only time of the year when enslaved men and women might be able to get more than one day off. And because the plantation owners were distracted by their own celebrations, this was when enslaved people often tried to escape. “Their Gullah Christmas wish,” she says, “was always a wish for freedom.”
In addition to the performances, Prather and her team also organize the Gullah Taste of Christmas and Rice Cookoff at Waterfront Park, a Saturday full of showcasing (and enjoying) winter favorites, with vendors and artisans providing foods and crafts. “If folks come to everything, when they leave, they be Gullahed up and down,” Prather adds with an Aunt Pearlie Sue chuckle.
You’ll experience plenty of merriment beyond that first December weekend, especially if you’re seeking a reprieve from holiday-hubbub overload. Beaufort’s relaxed pace and oak-canopied streets invite meandering. During this time of year, strolling or biking through the historic district in the town’s quaint Northwest Quadrant (where glossy magnolia wreaths and fresh cypress swags decorate homes) will stir imagination and wonder—and will likely prompt a Zillow click or two.
Fuel your ramblings with a late breakfast or lunch at Lowcountry Produce, where you can also shop for the food lovers and cooks on your list. Their specialty linens and artisan sundries, such as stone-ground grits, make excellent host gifts. But save room for dinner: Saltus River Grill offers fresh regional seafood, including tasty sushi, with indoor and outdoor dining along Waterfront Park.
Credit:
Peter Frank Edwards
Bay Street is a popular spot for boutique shopping. Credit:
Peter Frank Edwards
For a fancy night out, Ribaut Social Club (inside the historic hotel Anchorage 1770) has lovely river views and serves dishes like dry-aged pork chops or gnocchi with lamb Bolognese.
In the Lowcountry, December can also be an ideal month, weather wise (no humidity or mosquitoes), to enjoy presents that don’t have price tags—the natural treasures of Beaufort’s marshes and waterways. Coastal Expeditions offers naturalist-guided kayak outings as well as a dolphin-and-history boat tour.
And if time allows, it’s well worth taking the easy 30-minute drive to Hunting Island State Park, where you can explore maritime forests and 5 miles of beaches, check out a 19th-century lighthouse, and catch the sunset from a boardwalk. It’s a sure way to find what we’re all really seeking over the holidays—peace on earth.
After a recent renovation, this 18th-century mansion shines, hitting the perfect balance of period grandeur and modern comfort. The wicker-furnished front porch provides a classic and comfortable Southern welcome.
This boutique waterside inn is Beaufort’s oldest and largest tabby structure that’s still in use—and it’s one of the town’s most beautiful places to stay.
With 22 upscale motel-style rooms, City Loft adds a hip, retro vibe to Beaufort’s historic ambience. Located at the edge of The Point neighborhood, it’s convenient for shopping and wandering around.
It’s no secret that Hardeeville is booming.Located about 20 miles from Hilton Head Island, this once quaint and quiet South Carolina city was noted as one of the fastest growing municipalities last year – and the construction popping up across town makes it clear why.From new neighborhoods and multi-use developments to a Buc-ee’s and major statewide projects like Interstate 95 improvements, Hardeeville is starting to shed its small-town image and staking a claim on the map.But amid these other big-ticke...
It’s no secret that Hardeeville is booming.
Located about 20 miles from Hilton Head Island, this once quaint and quiet South Carolina city was noted as one of the fastest growing municipalities last year – and the construction popping up across town makes it clear why.
From new neighborhoods and multi-use developments to a Buc-ee’s and major statewide projects like Interstate 95 improvements, Hardeeville is starting to shed its small-town image and staking a claim on the map.
But amid these other big-ticket projects, smaller but critical improvements are also underway on Argent Boulevard, a key connector road linking Beaufort and Jasper Counties’ major routes, S.C. 170 and U.S. 278.
While this two-lane road may not seem like much, it’s classified as a major collector, carrying up to 14,800 vehicles per day, according to a 2023 traffic study by Kimley-Horn, a national engineering and design consulting firm.
To accommodate the city’s rapid growth and improve safety and traffic flow, construction began to improve this corridor in September, aiming to keep the road – and the city – moving forward.
Here’s what folks can expect as this project continues and what upgrades it will bring to this major connecting road.
The main focus of this $6.6 million project on Argent Boulevard happens at the intersection of Short Cut Road and Jasper Station Road.
Currently, Short Cut Road does not line up with Jasper Station Road, where both approach the busy corridor. Because of this offset intersection, the South Carolina Department of Transportation has been unable to install a traffic signal there, said Josh Gruber, city manager for the City of Hardeeville.
Without those roads being aligned, the SCDOT can’t install a traffic signal.
To solve this, the City of Hardeeville is realigning Short Cut Road, shifting it slightly south so it lines up cleanly with Jasper Station Road.
As folks travel through, the ongoing tree clearing, groundbreaking and cone placements at this intersection reflect this planned shift.
Once the city completes the realignment, which is set to conclude by June 2026, SCDOT will install a fully signalized four-way intersection, easing the flow of traffic and making it easier for drivers to cross or turn in a given direction.
Drivers should expect ongoing work in the area, largely occurring in the evenings, to minimize traffic impact.
This schedule will continue until the city completes the realignment. Afterward, SCDOT will follow with the installation of the traffic signal equipment, but a specific timeline for that portion has not yet been released.
In addition to the Short Cut Road improvements, Gruber confirmed that SCDOT is moving forward on a new signal at the intersection of Argent Boulevard and U.S. 278.
While also in early stages, he states that the SCDOT recently put that project out to bid to select a contractor. Once that step is complete, construction on that light will follow.
Once both projects are finished and the signals are installed, drivers are expected to have a much safer and more efficient travel through the corridor – something local residents have long requested.
As the city continues with its piece of the project to realign the roads, one aspect that remains open is whether lane widening will take place.
As a part of this project with road realignment and light installation, Gruber clarified that Argent Boulevard will not be widened.
“We’re still at the very beginning of what that entire corridor improvement is going to look like,” he said.
Any future changes to the broader Argent corridor fall under the new Jasper County Transportation Sales Tax program, which only began collecting this year. Surveys and feasibility studies are still needed due to the wetland areas surrounding Argent, meaning that there’s still a lot to uncover about what’s going to be possible in terms of improvements, Gruber states.
A handful of other projects are currently taking place in the Hardeeville area, ranging from road updates, new developments and more.
Notable construction that folks will see stretching from Argent Boulevard, down to Exit 8 on I-95 includes:
Some beachgoers were in for a surprise on Wednesday when a bizarre looking prehistoric fish washed ashore on a local Beaufort County beach. The rare Atlantic sturgeon was found Wednesday afternoon and shown on Facebook for identification by John Billings.A sturgeon washing up on a beach is pretty rare because sturgeon are pretty rare.“We see them maybe a few times a year at best,” said Mike Wagner of Shore Beach Service on Hilton Head when one washed ashore there awhile back. “They’re not what people typ...
Some beachgoers were in for a surprise on Wednesday when a bizarre looking prehistoric fish washed ashore on a local Beaufort County beach. The rare Atlantic sturgeon was found Wednesday afternoon and shown on Facebook for identification by John Billings.
A sturgeon washing up on a beach is pretty rare because sturgeon are pretty rare.
“We see them maybe a few times a year at best,” said Mike Wagner of Shore Beach Service on Hilton Head when one washed ashore there awhile back. “They’re not what people typically see washed up on the beach.”
They are quite rare indeed. To see this one washed ashore at Islanders Beach Park must have been a sight for Hilton Head beachgoers.
Known to live to be over 60 years old, grow to 14 feet in length and weigh up to 800 pounds, the sturgeon is indeed a prehistoric species. They appear in the fossil record more than 200 million years ago and are commonly referred to as ‘a living fossil’.
A century ago, in the late 1890s, there was a huge fishery for sturgeon all over the East Coast revolving around harvesting of the eggs for caviar. It was so popular, it was dubbed ‘The Black Gold Rush’.
According to NOAA Fisheries, Atlantic sturgeon were once found in great abundance, but their populations have declined greatly due to over-fishing and habitat loss. Atlantic sturgeon were prized for their eggs, which were valued as high-quality caviar. During the late 1800s, people flocked to the Eastern United States in search of caviar riches from the sturgeon fishery.
By the beginning of the 1900s, sturgeon populations had declined drastically. Close to 7 million pounds of sturgeon were reportedly caught in 1887, but by 1905 the catch declined to only 20,000 pounds. By 1989 only 400 pounds of sturgeon were recorded.
Sturgeon are born in the freshwater or brackish water estuaries along the SC coast, particularly in the Edisto, Savannah and Pee Dee Rivers, and head to the ocean after a few years to mature. Atlantic sturgeon are the largest fish living in freshwater on the entire Atlantic coast.
During the mid-1970s, half of the US landings of Atlantic sturgeon came from South Carolina. The sturgeon fishery in South Carolina was officially closed in 1985
Today, all five U.S. Atlantic sturgeon population segments are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
You’ve heard the term, “a dinosaur washed up on the beach.” This Atlantic sturgeon on Hilton Head Island is the real deal.
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