Shrimp Boats Is A-Comin’
“Shrimp boats is a-comin’
Their sails are in sight.”
—Jo Stafford, 1951
O
Story and photographs by Tina Schell
ne of the most iconic sights we are fortunate to
see from Kiawah’s beach are working shrimp
boats. From afar, these vessels are glorious—
masts shining in the sun, birds following close
behind hoping for an easy catch. Sadly, the reality is a bit less
romantic. With significant fluctuations ranging between 1.3
to 6 million pounds in a given year, shrimpers are struggling
to stay afloat in the face of ever-growing challenges.
Each year the boat operators face a myriad of obstacles,
including an aging fleet, weather woes, diminishing supply,
the rising cost of fuel and insurance, competition from low-
cost foreign suppliers, and increasing regulatory demands.
More lucrative waterfront property developments are
replacing commercial fishing docks, necessary for offloading,
fueling, taking on provisions, and selling product. In 2013,
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for example, the Post and Courier reported that of the 50 or
60 boats typically found in nearby Shem Creek’s heyday, only
five remain. Furthermore, in 2018 the last commercial fishing
dock in that area went up for sale and will most likely go to a
real estate developer.
These challenges notwithstanding, the Charleston area’s
warm waters make ours an ideal environment for catching
sweet, delicious shrimp. Hearty, determined shrimpers brave
the elements from May to November to bring us the best of
nature’s bounty. Local restaurants, both around Charleston
and here on Kiawah, work to develop and present offerings
designed around these delicious crustaceans. Even a small
restaurant can go through as much as 500–700 pounds of
shrimp on a busy summer weekend.
Naturally Kiawah