Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia has signed into law House Bill 1341, designating the white shrimp as the state’s official crustacean. This new state symbol represents a significant acknowledgment of the role that white shrimp play within Georgia’s economy, culture, and environment.

Importance to Georgia’s Seafood Industry

White shrimp are a crucial component of Georgia’s seafood industry, constituting more than two-thirds of the state’s shrimp harvest. This designation underscores their economic importance and their deep-rooted connection to Georgia’s coastal heritage.

Speaker of the House Jon Burns emphasized the symbolic significance of this designation, highlighting the unique position of white shrimp as an emblem of Georgia’s coastal heritage. The bill’s enactment recognizes the integral role of white shrimp in sustaining Georgia’s coastal ecosystem.

Seasonal and Ecological Significance

White shrimp spawn in the Atlantic Ocean from late March to September, contributing to the ecological diversity and richness of Georgia’s natural resources. Representative Steven Sainz, who sponsored the legislation, emphasized the ecological impact of white shrimp and their representation of Georgia’s diverse coastal ecosystem.