Shrimp Gate: Here's What The SC Shrimpers Association is Saying

Shrimping isn’t just an industry here in South Carolina, it’s a tradition woven into our coast. Towns like McClellanville have built their identity around it, celebrating with things like the annual Blessing of the Fleet: a ritual that’s as much about honoring hardworking families as it is about blessing the boats themselves.

South Carolina’s white and brown shrimp are widely considered some of the best in the world: sweet, clean, and unmatched in flavor. And the act of Shrimping is not just luck. Generations of shrimpers have learned how to work these waters responsibly, using turtle excluder devices, bycatch reduction tools, and careful trawl sampling to balance harvest with stewardship. That kind of mindful fishing is something that should be celebrated - shrimpers here aren’t just catching seafood, they’re being conscious of our ecosystems, while providing us with sustainable, local resources. 

“Shrimp Gate” cracked open an unfortunate reality that has been hiding in plain sight in Charleston, SC. DNA testing performed by SeaD Consulting, a private food safety technology company, showed that while many Charleston menus boasted “local shrimp,” the vast majority were serving imported shrimp instead - farmed overseas in crowded ponds, often with antibiotics and additives. Diners thought they were paying a premium for South Carolina shrimp, but in truth, they were being served a less expensive substitute.

For local shrimpers, that revelation cut deep. They’re already competing against a tidal wave of imports - the U.S. already brings in more than 90% of its shrimp from other countries. For these shrimpers who have dedicated their lives to putting fresh seafood on our tables, seeing their product misrepresented in their own backyard is more than just a financial hit - it’s a blow to heritage and trust.

Here’s the good news: we’re not powerless. Every time you choose genuine South Carolina wild-caught shrimp, you’re supporting local families, fueling coastal economies, and making sure traditions like the Blessing of the Fleet aren’t just stories we tell, but celebrations that continue.

So how do we do that? 

• Start by asking questions: Where did these shrimp come from? 
• Buy direct from local docks, trusted seafood markets 
• Choose restaurants that are transparent about sourcing. 

These are small shifts, but ones that carry weight across the whole coast.

The story of shrimping in South Carolina is bigger than what’s on your plate. It’s about truth in our food, respect for tradition, and the health of the waters we all share. “Shrimp Gate” may have exposed a problem, but it also handed us a solution: stand with local fishermen.

That’s why Toadfish is proud to have recently made a donation in support of the South Carolina Shrimpers Association through the Toadfish Conservation Coalition - to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people who keep this tradition alive. Because when you eat true South Carolina shrimp, you’re not just eating seafood. You’re supporting a way of life worth protecting. #putemback