Shrimp Secrets: Federal investigation looking into effect foreign shrimp has on American market

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - There is a new federal investigation that Georgia shrimpers are calling a make or break for the industry.

WTOC Investigates has been tracking the issue of imported shrimp possibly tanking the market for locals.

The number of Georgia shrimpers has dipped to a record low as the International Trade Commission continues looking into the effect foreign shrimp has on the American market. We’ve compiled some information you need to know before you make your next seafood purchase.

“The more these consumers buy from us, the more we can buy from these local fishermen and help them support their families,” said James McKinzie, McKinzie Seafood Company.

James McKinzie owns McKinzie Seafood Company in Darien – buying shrimp directly from local fishermen to sell at his market.

“I’ve probably fielded six phone calls today from guys out there fishing right now wanting to know if I’ll buy their shrimp, because they have nowhere to go with it.”

This as shrimpers struggle to compete with the low price of imported shrimp after the U.S. imported a record of more than 1.8 billion pounds in 2021.

“This is make or break for the industry. We have a lot of shrimpers who love what they do, and want their future generations to join the business, but right now, prices are so unsustainable,” said Jennifer Smith-Veluz, Lead Council of U.S. Shrimpers Coalition.

WTOC Investigates obtained data on just how many shrimpers are left in Georgia.

According to the state’s Coastal Resources Division for this shrimping season, there are only 126 registered trawlers. That’s down nearly 60 boats from last year’s number of 184, and way down from the state’s highest of 1,471 boats in 1979.

So, how can you help? At the grocery store, you can check the label.

“Down at the bottom in some very small print, they will tell you what that product is—this particular one is a farm-raised product from Indonesia.”

Federal law requires grocery stores to show country of origin on shellfish… but restaurants are exempt from this, so you have to ask.

“We’re asking consumers to ask—where is this shrimp from? Is this a wild-caught local shrimp? Is this a domestic product,” said McKinzie.

As for where to get local shrimp, it’s easiest to find in a locally owned fish market.

Meanwhile, those in the industry are hoping the ITC investigation can help level the playing field.

“We believe the record will show in the final phase of the ITC that these imports are causing severe harm to all players in the domestic industry, processors and shrimpers alike,” said Smith-Veluz.

At this phase in the ITC investigation, they’re collecting survey data from people in the industry. If you’d like to complete a survey to show how your business has been impacted by imports, you can do so here. It’s due by July 26th. The ITC is expected to have a final vote on the matter in November.

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