In a positive development for the South Carolina shrimping industry, the South Carolina Shrimpers Association and Mt. Pleasant Seafood announced on Thursday that they have resolved “all claims” related to the ongoing “Shrimpgate” matter. While the details of the resolution have not been disclosed, this agreement only involves Mt. Pleasant Seafood. Other businesses that were also implicated in the “Shrimpgate” controversy remain part of the ongoing legal discussions.
Background of the “Shrimpgate” Controversy
The controversy began in May 2025, when SeaD Consulting conducted an investigation into shrimp dishes served at 44 Charleston-area restaurants. The investigation found that only 10% of the restaurants were actually serving locally sourced shrimp, despite claiming otherwise. This discovery led to public outrage and a list of 25 restaurants, including Mt. Pleasant Seafood, that were allegedly misrepresenting the shrimp they sold to customers.
The issue was quickly dubbed “Shrimpgate”, and the South Carolina Shrimpers Association took action to address the allegations. In July, members of the association named the restaurants that were allegedly defrauding consumers. This was seen as a significant blow to the credibility of some restaurants, especially those claiming to support local shrimpers and the local shrimping industry.
The Resolution with Mt. Pleasant Seafood
In a statement released by the Shrimpers Association, they acknowledged Mt. Pleasant Seafood’s transparency and responsiveness throughout the process. “We appreciate Mt. Pleasant Seafood’s transparency, responsiveness, and the constructive conversations we’ve had throughout this process,” said the association’s legal team. They also praised the seafood company for being a longtime ally of the local shrimping industry and for their proactive steps to resolve the matter.
Mt. Pleasant Seafood, a family-owned and operated business with 80 years of history, was quick to take action once it was included in the controversy. In their statement, they expressed their commitment to the local shrimping community. “We are proud to stand with the Shrimpers Association and our local fleet,” they said, emphasizing their long-standing relationship with local shrimpers. “We’ve sourced from these hardworking men and women for generations, and we remain committed to telling their story and selling their shrimp.”
The Ongoing Legal Matter
While Mt. Pleasant Seafood has reached a resolution, other businesses named in the “Shrimpgate” investigation are still part of the ongoing legal proceedings. The situation continues to highlight the importance of transparency and honesty in sourcing seafood, particularly when it comes to supporting local industries and ensuring that consumers receive what they are promised.
The resolution between the South Carolina Shrimpers Association and Mt. Pleasant Seafood marks a significant step forward in resolving some of the tensions created by the “Shrimpgate” scandal. The shrimping community and local restaurants alike continue to navigate the aftermath of the investigation, with some businesses already working to restore trust with their customers. As more details come to light, it is clear that transparency in seafood sourcing is critical for the local industry and consumer confidence.
