Why We Must Support U.S. Shrimpers and Regulate Farmed Shrimp Imports
One of the most common arguments from those who oppose stricter regulations on imported farmed shrimp is that Americans consume far more shrimp than we produce. Hence, they argue, we must rely on imports to fill the market gap.
While it’s true that the U.S. imports a large majority of the shrimp it consumes, this reasoning falls apart with just a little scrutiny. The reality is that this argument is often used as an excuse for not supporting domestic shrimpers, and it overlooks the real crisis facing one of the country’s most culturally and economically significant industries. Let’s break down some numbers:
The Shrimping Industry is in Crisis
Just how many U.S. shrimpers are left? That’s difficult to determine, especially given that their numbers have been shrinking at an alarming rate due to economic pressures, competition from cheap imports, and a lack of policy support.
• In 2000, Louisiana had 11,592 fishing vessels landing shrimp at docks. By 2008, that number had already plummeted to 2,919—a staggering 75% decline in just eight years.
• Today, according to NOAA, there are only 1,405 permitted shrimp vessels in the entire Gulf of Mexico.
• In Texas, the number of commercial shrimp boats has dropped by more than 80% since the 1980s, from over 5,000 to fewer than 1,000 today.
• The total number of active commercial shrimpers in the U.S. has declined by more than 60% over the past two decades. While some reduction in fleet size is natural due to technological advancements and efficiency gains, this rapid and dramatic decline signals an industry on the brink of collapse.
Why Are We Losing So Many Shrimpers?
Several factors contribute to the crisis, but the primary reason is the overwhelming influx of cheap, often low-quality, and sometimes contaminated farmed shrimp imports.
1. The Flood of Imported Shrimp
• The U.S. imports over 90% of the shrimp it consumes, with India, Ecuador, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand being the top suppliers.
• In 2022 alone, the U.S. imported more than 1.8 billion pounds of shrimp, a record high.
• Imported shrimp prices have driven down the value of domestic shrimp to unsustainable levels, with dock prices in some Gulf states dropping to under 50 cents per pound, well below the cost of production.
• Countries like India and Ecuador have been accused of dumping shrimp at artificially low prices, taking advantage of U.S. markets while heavily subsidizing their own production.
2. Quality and Safety Concerns
• FDA testing has found that over 20% of imported shrimp from certain regions contains harmful antibiotic residues, some of which are banned in the U.S. due to their links to antibiotic resistance.
• Reports from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) show that only about 2% of imported seafood is inspected by the FDA, meaning unsafe and contaminated shrimp frequently reaches American consumers.
• In contrast, U.S. wild-caught shrimp undergo rigorous quality and safety checks, ensuring a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable product.
3. Shrimpers Can’t Afford to Stay Afloat
• With fuel, ice, and labor costs rising, shrimpers need at least $2.50-$3.00 per pound at the dock just to break even. Yet, many are receiving less than $1.00 per pound, forcing them into debt or out of business entirely.
• Many shrimping families have been in the industry for generations, but today’s youth are hesitant to take over the business due to economic hardship and uncertain futures.
4. The Cultural and Economic Loss
• Gulf shrimping is not just an industry, it’s a way of life. The communities that rely on it small fishing towns in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida—face economic devastation as shrimpers leave the business.
• Losing our shrimping industry means losing centuries-old traditions, culinary heritage, and a key part of the $212 billion U.S. seafood economy.
What Can We Do?
The idea that we must rely on imports to meet demand is misleading because U.S. shrimpers could supply far more domestic shrimp—if given the chance. Instead, we’ve created an environment where they are being priced out of their own market.
Here’s what we can do:
1. Demand Transparency & Support Domestic Shrimp
• When buying shrimp at grocery stores or restaurants, ask where it comes from.
• In Louisiana, by law, menus must state if shrimp is imported. If you suspect violations, report them to local health departments.
• Seek out “Wild-Caught U.S. Gulf Shrimp” or “Domestic Shrimp” labels.
2. Advocate for Stronger Policies
• The U.S. government should enforce anti-dumping laws against countries that flood the market with artificially cheap shrimp.
• Stricter testing and inspections should be required for imported shrimp to ensure safety and fair competition.
• Tariffs and import quotas could help stabilize prices and give U.S. shrimpers a fighting chance.
3. Engage with Coastal Communities
• Attend shrimp festivals, fishery events, and seafood markets to connect with local shrimpers.
• Buy shrimp directly from docks and local seafood markets when possible. • Support initiatives like dockside sales and community-supported fisheries (CSFs), which allow shrimpers to sell directly to consumers.
The Bottom Line
If we continue down the path of unregulated shrimp imports, we may soon find ourselves in a situation where there are no domestic shrimpers left at all. It’s not just about economics—it’s about food security, sustainability, and preserving a vital part of America’s coastal heritage.The next time you order shrimp, remember: Your choice matters. By supporting wild-caught U.S. shrimp, you’re investing in quality, sustainability, and the future of our fishing communities.
