Shrimpers hope to convince S.C. residents to buy local

BLUFFTON, S.C. (AP) _ South Carolina’s shrimp industry is hoping that a media campaign will encourage residents to insist on getting the local crop.

Shrimpers have been struggling to make money because of rising fuel costs and cheaper imports. Wild American Shrimp spokeswoman Kara Viacrucis told The Beaufort Gazette that more and more boats are starting to close their operations.

But Wild American Shrimp and several state groups have partnered to promote local shrimp through billboards and promotions along the coast.

Restaurant managers say imported shrimp is cheaper, and also available all year long.

In South Carolina, white shrimp season runs from June through August. Smaller brown shrimp are caught in the fall.