An event to support Alabama shrimpers as they face industry challenges is being held on Saturday.
“The Shrimp Lady” is hosting the SOS – Save Our Shrimpers event to raise awareness of the economic damages caused by foreign imports.
The Alabama Extension reports shrimp is the largest commercial fishery in Alabama, making up 80% of the state’s fisheries harvest in recent years. The state lands millions of pounds of wild shrimp each year, in addition to 200,000 to 300,000 pounds of farm-raised shrimp.
Still, 85% of shrimp consumed in the United States is imported from other countries.
In 2023, Bayou La Batre, Alabama’s “Seafood Capital,” issued a disaster declaration due to foreign impact.
To counter that problem, the Alabama Legislature passed a food labeling bill this year that requires businesses to specify the origin of food. The law will go into effect this October.
The Save Our Shrimpers rally will be at The Shrimp Lady restaurant in Satsuma from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday. There will be music, fresh shrimp and information on how locals can support Alabama shrimpers.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning or become a member to gain access to exclusive content and 1819 News merch.
