Challenges still remain for Georgia shrimpers post COVID-19

BRUNSWICK, Ga (WSAV) — Georgia Governor Brian Kemp shining a spotlight on the shrimping industry at a time when shrimpers are facing a crisis of foreign competition.

Wednesday, the governor announced the white shrimp as the state’s official crustacean. Anchored Shrimp Company in Brunswick told us they are grateful that the government is recognizing shrimp.

“We appreciate anything that brings shrimp to a forefront.” John Wallis, Anchored Shrimp Company’s owner said. “It’s good for the industry.”

They say any positive recognition is good for the industry, especially post covid. Wallis has been shrimping for more than 30 years. He said he is experiencing hardships as a shrimper post covid.

One reason being foreign unregulated shrimp.

“Naturally our customers, restaurants or the different places that are around – they get offered these cheap shrimps and it’s hard to turn them down,” Wallis said. “So, we have to compete with them to a certain level.”

He continues, “In 1970, I was only getting over $7 a pound for the same shrimp that I am getting $4.50 a pound for.”

He told News 3 he is getting hit from two directions: competing with unregulated shrimp and inflation. We asked Wallis, how do we as consumers help Georgia shrimpers during this hard time?

“Shop Georgia,” he responded. “Our shrimp does get spread throughout – not so much that it’s in a specific county or there. Georgia could consume all the shrimp that Georgia produces 5 times over.”