June 4, 2025

Challenges in Charleston’s Shrimp Trawling Season

News Summary

The shrimp trawling season in Charleston has opened faced with unexpected challenges, including invasive seagrass disrupting local fishermen’s operations. Rocky Magwood, a fourth-generation shrimper, experienced difficulties on the first day of the season due to clogged nets. Local shrimpers are anxious as they adapt to the new conditions while competing against imported shrimp. Economic pressures are mounting, further complicating their situation during the new hurricane season. There are also initiatives underway to combat seafood fraud in the region, adding to the complexities faced by the fishing community.

Charleston, S.C. – The shrimp trawling season in the Lowcountry opened on June 2, 2023, but it has already encountered unforeseen challenges. Rocky Magwood, a fourth-generation shrimper based on Shem Creek, faced significant difficulties just minutes into the season when his nets became clogged with a mysterious seagrass. As a result, he only managed to catch 15 shrimp on the opening day.

This peculiar occurrence is causing stress among local shrimpers, as they have never experienced such a situation in Charleston before. Due to the seagrass disrupting his usual fishing grounds, Magwood indicated he would need to relocate to the south side of Folly Beach to continue his operations. He and his fellow fishermen, who have fished in Charleston their entire lives, now find themselves navigating new waters, literally and figuratively.

The troublesome seagrass has been reported in various locations across the north side of Charleston, including regions off Mars Island, Isle of Palms, and Sullivan’s Island, along with the south side of the Charleston jetties. Notably, there are no signs of the seagrass near Bulls Bay, which could potentially offer some respite for local fishermen. Some fishermen mentioned that they noticed the invasive grass as early as one and a half months ago, while Magwood first observed it around two weeks before the season commenced.

Concurrently, the appearance of the seagrass is causing further anxieties, as local biologists begin to sample the grass to understand its origins and why it has been spotted so far offshore. This issue is coupled with the onset of a new hurricane season in the Atlantic, with forecasts predicting an above-average number of storms for 2023, potentially complicating the fishing season even further.

Economic pressures are also mounting on local shrimpers. Imported shrimp from regions like Ecuador, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam continues to flood the U.S. market, making up 94% of shrimp consumption. This influx drives down prices, further straining the livelihoods of local fishermen. Reports indicate that the price for wild-caught shrimp has significantly decreased compared to prior years, resulting in financial difficulties for those participating in the local shrimping industry.

One initiative to combat seafood fraud is underway, with a research firm testing shrimp sold in local Charleston-area restaurants. This study aims to identify instances where imported shrimp may be falsely labeled as local wild-caught, which is a concern for many consumers and local fishermen alike.

To support the local shrimping community, consumers are encouraged to purchase wild-caught shrimp from restaurants and seafood markets that prioritize local sources. This action can help sustain the livelihood of fishermen like Magwood, who are facing the dual challenges of both an unforeseen seagrass invasion and stiff competition from imported seafood.

As the trawling season unfolds, the journey for local shrimpers appears to be fraught with unexpected challenges, but their resilience and adaptability remain key as they navigate through these obstacles.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.