News Summary
The South Carolina Shrimpers Association has filed a lawsuit against 40 Charleston restaurants for allegedly misrepresenting the origins of shrimp served to customers. A recent report by SeaD Consulting showed that 90% of sampled restaurants served imported shrimp, falsely claiming them as local. The lawsuit raises concerns over deceptive marketing practices, potential violations of the Lanham Act, and the sustainability of the shrimp industry in the region. The Shrimpers Association aims to enhance transparency in seafood labeling to protect local fishermen and maintain authenticity in Lowcountry cuisine.
Charleston, SC – The South Carolina Shrimpers Association has initiated a lawsuit against 40 unspecified restaurants in Charleston, accusing them of misrepresenting the origins of shrimp served to customers. The legal action stems from findings in a recent report by SeaD Consulting, which revealed a troubling trend in the local dining scene, where up to 90% of sampled establishments served imported shrimp while marketing their products as local.
The allegations assert that several of the accused restaurants have misleadingly referenced regional heritage, such as shrimp boats and “Lowcountry” traditions, despite actually serving shrimp farmed under questionable conditions. The lawsuit argues that these practices violate the United States Lanham Act and the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act due to their deceptive nature.
The South Carolina Shrimpers Association is seeking an injunction from a federal judge to force the restaurants to eliminate these misleading claims. Consumers, under the impression they are enjoying genuine Lowcountry seafood, may be unknowingly consuming shrimp sourced from foreign operations, often suspected of involving low production standards and even slave labor.
In light of these revelations, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has cautioned restaurant owners against misleading customers about the origins of their seafood. This legal battle comes amidst broader concerns over the sustainability of the shrimp industry and its capability to meet local demand for shrimp products.
The genetic testing conducted in the SeaD Consulting report discovered that only four out of 44 sampled restaurants provided domestic, wild-caught shrimp, highlighting an alarming lack of authenticity in the marketing of local seafood products. The S.C. Shrimpers Association is pushing for enhanced transparency in seafood labeling practices within the state, emphasizing the need for clearer guidelines to protect local fishermen and maintain the integrity of Lowcountry cuisine.
Local seafood suppliers have indicated that even consolidating the catches of all local shrimpers would fall short of meeting the increasing demand from restaurants. Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reflects a growing appetite for shrimp among consumers, with the average American consuming 6.9 pounds of shrimp in 2022. Furthermore, fishermen from the Gulf and South Atlantic collectively brought in about 184 million pounds of shrimp last year, whereas an estimated 630 million pounds would be required to satisfy consumer demand.
Recent statistics reveal a decline in the number of commercial licenses held by shrimpers in South Carolina, dropping from 367 in 2023 to 329 in 2025. This decline underscores the competitive pressures from imported shrimp, which often dominate the market due to lower prices driven by unethical production practices abroad.
In the local marketplace, Tarvin Seafood, a seafood business operating a few trawlers, currently supplies around 50 restaurants and orders between 260 to 300 pounds of shrimp weekly during peak summer months. However, concerns have been raised regarding the insufficient supply of local shrimp to meet the bustling demand of area eateries.
Restaurant operators within the region have expressed their reliance on imported shrimp as a direct consequence of current supply dynamics. Ann Warner, co-owner of The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene restaurant, highlighted the vital importance of serving fresh, local seafood to maintain quality and build trust with patrons. The suit has ignited conversations about improving seafood labeling laws to better protect local fishermen and ensure authenticity for customers seeking genuine Lowcountry dining experiences.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shrimpers Association Sues Restaurants for Mislabeling Shrimp
90% of Restaurants in Charleston Sell Imported Shrimp
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Charleston Wild-Caught Shrimp Demand
- Spectrum Local News: Shrimpers Sue Charleston Restaurants
- ABC News: Shem Creek Shrimp Plant Renovation
- Count on 2: Mount Pleasant Unveils Statue to Honor Shrimp Captain Wayne Magwood
- Live 5 News: Blessing of the Fleet
- Wikipedia: Shrimp
- Google Search: South Carolina Shrimpers Association
- Google Scholar: Seafood Sustainability
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shrimp
- Google News: Charleston Restaurant Shrimp Fraud
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The HERE Charleston Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Charleston community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Charleston : Our team includes lifelong Charleston residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Charleston's equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Charleston Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
