Beaufort locals have always been about supporting their local shrimpers and fishermen. But, lately, there has been a huge emphasis nationally on making sure folks are getting to enjoy local or wild-caught seafood instead of imported farm-raised seafood, to support American fisherman all over the U.S. And, you may have asked yourself how do you know which Beaufort area restaurants are serving American seafood?
In fact, approximately 35-38% of the seafood consumed in the U.S. is produced domestically, with the remaining 62-65% imported. This means that most of the seafood eaten in America is not from American waters. Odds are, if you put ten random shrimp on a plate today, only one of them will be wild caught American shrimp.
In fact, Georgia has just come out with a truth in menus regulation, and the Georgia State House recently passed a bill that would require restaurants to identify the country of origin for seafood items. Recently, a company has tested 44 Savannah area restaurants to determine the authenticity of the shrimp on their menus.
Seeing this, and recognizing the importance of American wild-caught seafood, the Beaufort Area Hospitality Association will be launching the Only from Our Waters program & promotion in Beaufort this upcoming fall.
The initiative will highlight businesses that serve genuine, local or American-harvested seafood.
When the program is implemented, there will be a testing process that local area restaurants will undergo randomly. The restaurants that are found to be using local, or American wild-caught seafood will be identified.
The restaurants that do not use it, will not be identified.
Patrons will be able to know by keeping an eye out for the exclusive logo on menus, storefronts, and promotional materials as a symbol of our area’s pride in its outstanding seafood offerings.
“Across the coastal regions, a spotlight is being placed on the seafood served in restaurants, questioning how truly local it is,” the Beaufort Area Hospitality Association said in a release.
“Here in Beaufort, we’re stepping up to showcase our dedication to the industry and the people behind it. Our restaurants proudly support local and American-caught shrimp, oysters, fish, and crabs, standing in solidarity with the hardworking fishermen who have been the backbone of our island communities for generations. Imported seafood has posed a significant challenge to these local industries, and we’re committed to preserving and celebrating their legacy.”
“Whether you’re savoring a shrimp dish or indulging in fresh oysters, you’re not just enjoying a meal. You’re supporting a rich tradition that defines Beaufort, Port Royal & the Sea Islands and keeps our coastal communities thriving,” the release added.
You may have seen our Facebook posts from when we have visited local grocery stores to see where their frozen shrimp comes from. (below)
We know for a fact that many of our area restaurants use local and wild-caught seafood. But, if you’re ever in doubt, there are several ways you can ask a restaurant where their seafood comes from. You can even ask for proof, as they often will still have the boxes in the back, or in their kitchen.
If they struggle to get you an answer, they’ve actually given you an answer, although they may not know they have.
This fall, you’ll have a much better idea when area restaurants are sporting the new Only From Our Waters logo, and you won’t have to ask.
ALSO READ: A history of shrimping in Beaufort, SC
