Shrimping Smarter, Not Harder!
Here in South Carolina, shrimp is more than just a dinner option—it’s a way of life. Whether you’re digging into a Lowcountry boil with friends or grabbing a shrimp po’boy from a food truck, there’s something special about fresh-caught Carolina seafood.
But lately, what’s on the menu isn’t just about flavor—it’s about sustainability. A growing group of local shrimpers is embracing eco-friendly practices that protect our coast while keeping your plate full of the good stuff.
Green Boats, Clean Nets
Down in Beaufort, Georgetown, and the Sea Islands, some shrimpers are trading in diesel engines for solar-powered boats. Not only do these boats reduce pollution, but they’re also quiet enough to let marine life thrive—shrimp included. Others are swapping old-school nets for biodegradable ones, which help prevent “ghost fishing” (when lost nets keep catching sea life).
Many shrimpers are also using TEDs (Turtle Excluder Devices), which allow sea turtles and other non-target species to escape unharmed, a practice that’s required by law but increasingly fine-tuned by local captains who care about marine conservation. Others are adjusting their trawl times and routes to minimize disruption to sensitive habitats like seagrass beds, where juvenile sea life often shelter.
These green shrimpers are proving you can still haul in a great catch without wrecking the environment. It’s sustainability with a Southern twist—and it’s catching on.
Where to Eat Sustainably
You don’t have to sacrifice flavor for eco-friendliness. A few South Carolina seafood spots are making sustainability part of their mission. Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar in Charleston is a South Carolina Aquarium Good Catch Partner, highlighting their commitment to using responsibly sourced seafood across the board. Over in Murrells Inlet, Lee’s Inlet Kitchen has been family-owned for generations and works with local shrimpers to source locally caught seafood. And if you’re in Port Royal, Fishcamp on 11th Street offers a dockside experience and sources much of its seafood locally.
Get Involved
Want to learn more? Book a shrimping eco-tour with May River Excursions or Vagabond Cruise, where you can see firsthand how sustainable shrimping works, from dock to dish! It’s a fun, educational way to connect with the water—and appreciate what goes into your shrimp cocktail.
Why It Matters
South Carolina’s coast is one of our state’s greatest treasures, and sustainable shrimping helps keep it that way. Supporting eco-friendly shrimpers means cleaner waters, healthier marine life, and plenty of shrimp for future generations. Plus, let’s be honest—shrimp tastes even better when it’s caught with care.
So next time you’re craving shrimp, think green and eat local. Your stomach—and the ocean—will thank you.
Reel in more fresh finds and coastal bites at www.guidetosouthcarolina.com/seafood-restaurants!
