July 28, 2025

Beaufort, SC Launches ‘Only from Our Waters’ Program to Promote Local Seafood Authenticity

News Summary

Beaufort, South Carolina, is set to launch the ‘Only from Our Waters’ program aimed at promoting local seafood authenticity. This initiative will support local restaurants serving genuine American-harvested seafood through a rigorous verification process. Establishments that meet the criteria will showcase a dedicated logo on their menus, helping to build consumer confidence. The program aligns with recent regulations in neighboring Georgia and aims to preserve Beaufort’s fishing legacy while boosting the local economy and community support for fresh seafood.

Beaufort, SC Launches “Only from Our Waters” Program to Promote Local Seafood Authenticity

This fall, Beaufort, South Carolina, will unveil the “Only from Our Waters” program to promote the consumption of locally sourced seafood. The initiative, spearheaded by the Beaufort Area Hospitality Association (BAHA), aims to support local restaurants that serve genuine American-harvested seafood, benefiting both the local economy and the fishing community.

The program will implement a rigorous testing process that restaurants in the region must undergo to verify the authenticity of their seafood offerings. Only restaurants that can demonstrate their commitment to using local or American wild-caught seafood will be recognized with this initiative. Establishments that fail to meet the criteria will not receive any designation.

As part of this initiative, selected restaurants will display an exclusive logo on their menus, storefronts, and promotional materials. This logo will signify their commitment to sourcing seafood that is truly local and helps build consumer confidence in the seafood they serve.

The current landscape of seafood consumption in the United States reveals a significant reliance on imports. Approximately 35-38% of seafood consumed in the country is domestically produced, while 62-65% is imported. Alarmingly, it is estimated that if ten random shrimp are served at a restaurant, only one will be wild-caught American shrimp, underscoring the need for clearer seafood sourcing practices.

This movement towards more transparent seafood sourcing aligns with recent regulations in neighboring Georgia, where a truth-in-menus regulation has been passed. This regulation requires restaurants to disclose the country of origin for the seafood they serve. BAHA is taking a page from Georgia’s playbook, assessing seafood authenticity in Beaufort to uplift local shrimpers and fishermen.

The “Only from Our Waters” program is set to launch in October, coinciding with Beaufort’s annual Shrimp Festival, a traditional event that celebrates the city’s rich maritime culture. Local merchants and shrimpers are showing their strong support for this initiative, emphasizing the importance of utilizing fresh, locally sourced seafood. They believe that supporting local fisheries is crucial not only for maintaining quality but also for upholding the area’s reputation as a destination for fresh seafood.

Beaufort’s fishing legacy has been vital for the region’s economic stability, and this program aims to preserve that heritage while simultaneously enhancing the local economy. By promoting authenticity in seafood sourcing, BAHA hopes to build consumer trust and encourage diners to choose local options when dining out.

In conclusion, the “Only from Our Waters” program is a significant step towards ensuring that the seafood served in Beaufort’s restaurants is both authentic and locally sourced. With the implementation of a systematic verification process and the use of a recognizable logo, the initiative aims to foster a deeper connection between local fisheries, restaurants, and the consumers who value quality seafood.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Beaufort Ranks as One of the Best Towns for Retirees
Beaufort Celebrates 69th Annual Water Festival
Enchanting Escapes in South Carolina Towns for Families
Discover North Carolina’s Friendliest Towns: 9 Charming Destinations
Explore the Hidden Charms of South Carolina’s Small Towns
South Carolina Celebrates Unique Festivals Across Eight Towns
Beaufort County Restaurants Receive Mixed Grades in Health Inspections
Seafood Fraud Lawsuit and Beaufort’s Shrimp Initiative: Protecting Brand Integrity
Beaufort Hosts Cultural and Culinary Celebrations
South Carolina’s Commercial Shrimp Trawling Season Begins

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

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