Here’s the bow of a shrimp trawler near Raccoon Key in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. South Carolinians are fortunate to have access to local, freshly-caught shrimp.

South Carolina‘s shrimping industry has been struggling for years. It suffers from rising fuel costs, reduced harvests, and overseas competition from seafood farms. Indeed, a popular bumper sticker in the Lowcountry reads, “Friends Don’t Let Friends Eat Imported Shrimp!”

There has been much discussion about how to overcome the challenges of this difficult market in order to keep this time-honored tradition alive. You can learn more about the dilemma by visiting our guide to shrimping in South Carolina. It includes information on the industry’s history and current condition. It also includes other trawler photos, links to shrimping events and organizations, plus much more!

Julie Rowe of Charleston sent us this photo in 2009. Julie has submitted some great South Carolina images to the South Carolina Picture Project. You can see more of her shots at Julie G. Rowe Photography.