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Florida and Georgia shrimpers played key roles in their states' economies as well as history of commercial shrimping. In 2001, shrimpers from these locations harvested a combined 9.1 million pounds of Atlantic white and brown shrimp, which translates as a value of $22.4 million to the boats. The impact of the shrimp industry on Florida and Georgia's economy averages over $200 million.
Fernandina Beach is the birthplace of the commercial shrimping industry. This historical fishing village, whose roots date back to the late 1500's, revolutionized the shrimping industry. The revolution was threefold: a change in location from inshore to offshore; a change in method from castnets, haul seines and bar nets to the modern otter trawl; and a change in power from rowboats and sailboats to fleets of motor-powered vessels. The modern-day commercial shrimping industry was born mainly through the efforts of two Fernandina Beach men. In 1902, Sollecito Salvador developed a shrimping technique using a small horsepower engine on his rowboat. Utilizing this engine provided enough power to pull the shrimp seine more quickly and efficiently across the ocean floor. The real boom in the evolution of Fernandina's shrimping industry came in 1913, when Captain Billy Corkum adapted the otter trawl to catch shrimp. This is essentially the same bag-like net with doors, which you see on shrimping boats today. The otter trawl enabled the fishermen to fish in deep water where the concentration of shrimp was the heaviest. The first shrimp species marketed for food consumption was Atlantic white shrimp.
The University of Georgia Marine Extension Service's Fisheries Station in Brunswick, Georgia helped the industry further develop the trawl system. Since World War II shrimpers had been using only one net on each side of the vessel. Working collaboratively fishermen and university gear specialists developed the twin trawl system enabling trawlers to use two slightly smaller nets on each side of the boat. The twin trawl system targets shrimps more efficiently. By the mid 1970s, twin trawls were being used throughout the world.
Two species of commercially significant shrimp are harvested along Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia's coasts: white shrimp and brown shrimp. These shrimp are a popular delicacy among local residents and tourists. Succulent, sweet and scrumptious, Florida/Georgia shrimp are known for their large size (sometimes reaching 25 centimeters or 10 inches long). They contain low levels of saturated fat and other fats, making them a natural part of a healthy diet. To make sure you are purchasing domestic shrimp, always ask for fresh Florida or Georgia shrimp.
The harvesting of shrimp, like all seafood in Florida and Georgia, is closely monitored and regulated to ensure healthy stocks. It's a naturally renewable and sustainable resource that provides jobs and stimulates the economy.
From a press release, dated 04/29/2003 by:
Florida Department of Agriculture And Consumer Services
The Capitol, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0800
Telephone 850 488-3022
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