News Summary
The commercial shrimp trawling season in South Carolina has commenced, with a notable increase in participation and positive outlook among shrimpers. Contributing factors include rising shrimp prices and reduced diesel fuel costs. Observers reported numerous boats fishing along the coast, nearly double the number from last year. While concerns linger about potential impacts from weather, current assessments indicate stable shrimp populations, allowing for cautious optimism as efforts continue to promote local shrimp production.
Beaufort, South Carolina – The commercial shrimp trawling season in South Carolina opened at 8 a.m. on June 2, 2025, marking a significant increase in participation this year as shrimpers express optimism for the upcoming season. Factors contributing to this hopeful outlook include higher shrimp prices and a reduction in diesel fuel costs, which have led to a resurgence of fishing activities along the coast.
On the opening day, numerous boats were seen actively fishing near Fripp and Pritchards islands. Observers reported a significant turnout, with approximately 35 boats from Georgia, the Carolinas, and Florida counted off Fripp, nearly double the number from the previous year. Additionally, around 30 boats started their operations north of Kiawah Island, emphasizing marked growth in the industry compared to past seasons.
As the season commenced, four boats successfully unloaded between 2,500 to 3,000 pounds of white shrimp at Gay Shrimp docks. This year, shrimpers primarily target roe white shrimp, which are large, early-season shrimp known to command higher prices in the market. The arrival of summer will introduce brown shrimp, which are similar in size and taste to white shrimp, while the fall and winter seasons will bring another crop of white shrimp, descendants of spring roe shrimp.
All legal state waters are currently open for trawling, extending from close to shore out to five miles. This opening followed the earlier allowance of eight provisional areas on April 24, 2025, that permitted fishermen to harvest larger white shrimp ahead of schedule. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) dictated the opening date based on biological assessments aimed at ensuring sustainable shrimp populations.
Despite the positive indicators, there are lingering concerns regarding the potential impact of a cold snap experienced in late January, which could have affected shrimp survivability. However, current assessments indicate that white shrimp populations are near long-term averages, allowing for cautious optimism among shrimpers. Yet, some continue to express concerns over possible adverse effects from the cold weather at the beginning of the year.
This year’s shrimp prices have seen a rise, increasing by 50 cents to $1 per pound compared to the previous year, which translates to retail prices rising by $1 to $2. In recent years, the local shrimp industry has faced significant challenges, including pronounced price drops attributed to a surge in foreign farm-raised shrimp during the COVID-19 pandemic. To offset this and support local shrimping industries, regulatory changes were implemented during the Trump administration to impose tariffs on shrimp imports, decreasing competition from subsidized foreign sources.
To further bolster local shrimp sales, advocacy efforts are ongoing, aiming to educate consumers about the origins of shrimp and the benefits of choosing domestically caught seafood. The Southern Shrimp Alliance has initiated genetic tests on shrimp available in local markets to verify their sources, ensuring consumers are accurately informed regarding the shrimp they purchase.
As the season progresses, shrimpers are preparing for the influx of fishing activities, buoyed by higher prices and increased participation, though the industry remains watchful of environmental factors that could impact their yield. With ongoing efforts to sustain and promote local shrimp production, the mood among shrimpers is cautiously optimistic as they navigate this bustling season.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
- Wikipedia: Shrimp
- Live 5 News: South Carolina Commercial Shrimp Trawling Season
- Google Search: South Carolina shrimp trawling season
- Explore Beaufort SC: 2025 Shrimp Season
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fishing
- ABC News 4: South Carolina Shrimp Trawling Season
- Google News: South Carolina shrimp fishing
