By Noah Stillman, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium.
In January 2018, South Carolina had a long and unexpected cold spell with water temperatures dipping below 48°F for three weeks. This caused many white shrimp (Penaeus setiferus) to die, resulting in a 56% drop in shrimp catches compared to the average from 2013-2017. The total value of shrimp landings fell by 54%, from an average of $8 million to $3.7 million (McDonough 2024). Due to this loss, Governor Henry McMaster requested a disaster declaration in November 2018 which was approved by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in 2019.
A shrimp boat in a creek in Beaufort, S.C.
The NOAA Fisheries Disaster Policy allows the funds to be used to support commercial and recreational fishermen, charter businesses, subsistence users, shore-side infrastructure, and the fishing ecosystem. Direct payments to shrimp fishery participants are also allowed if economic impacts are severe.
On March 17, 2020, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) was notified of a $3.9 million relief fund, with $1 million set aside for infrastructure and fishery improvement projects, and the rest processed as direct economic assistance to impacted harvesters and dealers based on their previous landings. The inclusion of this infrastructure improvement program is novel for fisheries disaster relief and was created due to needs expressed directly to the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium and subsequently communicated to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).
The fishery improvement projects support infrastructure improvements such as dock repairs, increased offloading capacity, and additional ice machines, freezers, and coolers. Over time, the shrimping industry has consolidated in part due to fewer wholesale dealers with adequate infrastructure, so these projects will benefit local harvesters, boosting the local economy. Other suggested uses for funds include regional marketing and improved social media for South Carolina seafood businesses.
Eligible applicants for the aid included commercial shrimp harvesters, seafood dealers, fishing cooperatives, supportive municipalities, and educational groups. To receive the funds, applicants were required to show direct benefits to the shrimp fishery and local community, provide a detailed budget and timeline, and list cooperating groups or matching funding.
Aerial view of a boat off the coast catching shrimp.
In the letter that was sent out to the commercial shrimp industry and those eligible for disaster relief, Jocelyn Juliano, Living Marine Resources Specialist with the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium was listed as a key contact for additional assistance. Out of 45 fishermen and fishing entities applying for grants, 42 reached out to Juliano. She set up meetings to help them with the grant application process, often meeting in person or via phone call due to their lack of familiarity with the proposal process and the need for technological assistance. Shrimpers’ family members also sometimes assisted with communication. Juliano ensured that all details were covered by asking about the application justification and intention of funds. Fishermen sent her quotes and supporting documents to prepare their applications. She started receiving requests for assistance in April, with a proposal application deadline of May 30. Without Juliano’s assistance, it is uncertain whether some of the fishermen would have been able to complete the grant application process. “We greatly appreciate the assistance she (Juliano) gave to all those who applied for grant funds in putting proposals together,” said Chris McDonough, Program Coordinator and Fisheries Biologist with SCDNR.
In the end, approximately $2 million was requested, exceeding the $1 million in funding allocated to the program. Application review is currently underway as of July 2024. Although the commercial fishing industry is facing challenges, the 2018 South Carolina Shrimp Fishery Disaster Relief Program can offer significant economic opportunity and sustainability for the industry. “The whole industry is struggling,” said Juliano. “Though they don’t happen quickly, these kinds of assistance programs are helpful in keeping the industry afloat.”
There is also hope that this process can serve as a template for future fisheries disaster relief programs that concern impacted parties with infrastructure challenges.
McDonough, C.J. (2024). 2018 South Carolina Shrimp Fishery Disaster Relief Program. South Carolina Dept. of Natural Resources. 217 Fort Johnson Rd. Charleston, SC 29412. NOAA-NMFS-FHQ-2020-2006512. 17 pp.