ST. HELENA, S.C. () – Questions are being raised about where South Carolina’s shrimping industry stands, especially after a challenging season.

Shrimping isn’t just a Lowcountry tradition, it’s a way of life. For many shrimpers, it’s also their livelihood.

“Mild winters are what I pray for,” says Craig Reeves, owner of Sea Eagle Market. However, a mild winter isn’t what’s forecasted for January, and this is creating anxiety for shrimpers across the state.

Reaves warns, “If we get to 48 or below, it’s like a critical temperature where we can start having some issues.”

That cold weather could put an early end to the season, and with it, a major setback for an already struggling industry.

Since 2021, shrimpers have faced a series of tough challenges. High fuel prices and the rising competition from imported shrimp from overseas.

As Reaves puts it, “They started increasing the amount of shrimp being imported into the country, which depleted the prices or made the collapse of shrimp prices, and so that’s made it more difficult.”

Nonetheless, they started their season with high hopes, but Mother Nature had other plans. Shrimpers were quickly humbled by unexpected cold fronts and high winds, which project a quicker shutdown than anticipated. While the season closure is frustrating, many agree it’s necessary to protect the industry in the long run.

“In 2018, when we had the big snow, we had a 98 or 99% death rate of our wintering shrimp,” says Reaves. “We’re sitting at about 50 or 51 degrees right now. So, you know, if we have a week or ten days of cold weather, we’re going to be pushing that critical area.”

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Crustacean Specialist Jeff Brunson confirmed that no final decision has been made on when the season will close. However, with the forecasted drop in temperatures, they are closely monitoring the waters and expect to make a decision sometime this month.