In South Carolina, the initial phase of the shrimp season has commenced, albeit with restrictions in certain areas. This cautious approach is pivotal until the S.C. Department of Natural Resources confirms successful reproduction among the majority of female white shrimp.

Positive Signs for Population

According to Jeff Brunson, DNR crustacean management biologist, trawl surveys indicate that the white shrimp population has remained above the long-term average since January. This positive trend is attributed largely to warmer waters, as temperatures during the past winter stayed above the critical threshold of 48.2 degrees Fahrenheit (9 degrees Celsius), which is conducive to shrimp reproduction.

Shrimpers are eager to resume their activities, buoyed by the promising population numbers. However, they remain cautiously optimistic due to challenges in the market. The influx of imported farm-raised shrimp has saturated the local market, affecting prices and posing significant hurdles for local shrimpers.

Action Against Dumping

In response to these market pressures, South Carolina shrimpers, along with their counterparts from other states, took a stand against countries suspected of dumping imported farm-raised shrimp. This concerted effort aims to address unfair market practices that have driven prices down and hindered the livelihoods of local shrimpers.

Following compelling testimony from shrimpers representing South Carolina and other Southern states, the International Trade Commission initiated an investigation. The probe seeks to determine whether imported shrimp is being sold at less than fair value in the U.S. market and if it is illegally subsidized by the governments of India, Ecuador, Vietnam, and Indonesia.