As Hurricane Milton looms over the Gulf of Mexico, communities across the southeastern United States, particularly near the Florida-Georgia border, are anxiously tracking its path. In Darien, Georgia—a town deeply tied to shrimping—local shrimpers are still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and another storm raises fresh concerns.

Shrimping plays a pivotal role in the local economy, making these storms more than just weather events; they are economic threats. “It has all the shrimp boat owners and captains pretty nervous about everything,” says Jamey Bennett, a veteran shrimper. While shrimpers continue to recover from Helene, they are also forced to prepare for Milton, embodying the resilience that characterizes this coastal industry.

Unrelenting preparation

In Darien, many shrimpers haven’t yet undone the safety measures from Helene. Dwight “Wynn” Darwin Gale, another local shrimper, says many boat owners have left protective lines in place, anticipating the next storm. “Most of the boats at this dock didn’t even take the lines off from the other hurricane because we saw the other one was brewing,” Gale explains.

Preparation is a constant cycle for these shrimpers, who must balance safeguarding their vessels with maintaining their livelihoods. As storms churn offshore, shrimpers face tough choices: remain docked or venture into dangerous waters where their catch awaits. While hurricanes can stir the ocean and sometimes drive shrimp into more accessible waters, the risks often outweigh the potential rewards.

Shrimp shortages and disrupted livelihoods

The recent experience of Hurricane Helene underscores the volatility. Instead of bringing an abundance of shrimp to Darien’s shores, the storm scattered them. “They couldn’t hardly find nothing,” Gale recalls, noting that shrimpers had to travel up to Savannah or even South Carolina in search of shrimp. For a town dependent on this industry, such shortages ripple through the community.

Now, as Milton approaches, shrimpers in Darien are reinforcing their lines and double-checking that their vessels can withstand another battering. “Making sure the boat’s going to be okay, dock’s going to hold up,” says Bennett, outlining the checklist that has become second nature to these coastal workers. Any lapse in readiness could be catastrophic.

Bracing for impact

McIntosh County’s emergency management teams are closely monitoring Hurricane Milton, urging residents to prepare early and stock up on necessary supplies. While community-wide readiness is essential, for the shrimpers of Darien, preparation is twofold: both for personal safety and the preservation of their livelihoods. As each storm approaches, the delicate balance between economic survival and personal safety grows ever more precarious.

For now, Darien’s shrimpers will wait, tethered to the hope that their boats—and their industry—will weather yet another storm.