The Town of Mount Pleasant recently celebrated the completion of a significant project aimed at revitalizing the shrimping industry on Shem Creek. The renovated shrimp dock and processing facility are the culmination of years of planning, starting in 2019 when the town purchased the property, which had fallen into disrepair.
Several structures on the property were condemned, and emergency repairs were made to keep operations running. However, in 2023, the mayor and town council made the project a priority, dedicating around $3 million to ensure its success.
Upgrades and Improvements
The renovations included major improvements, such as a widened boardwalk and pier, new electrical systems, and a revamped processing facility with a more robust structural design. Cindy Tarvin, the owner of Tarvin Seafood, praised the upgrades, saying, “The dock is beautiful, clearly, and it has good power, good water.”
The project was completed in collaboration with Cape Romain Contractors, who also worked on Shem Creek Park, along with various subcontractors. The processing facility is now connected to Tarvin Seafood, which contributed to the design of the new space.
Preserving a Legacy
Town officials emphasized that the project was not just about upgrading infrastructure, but about preserving a critical part of Mount Pleasant’s history. Kevin Mitchell, Deputy Director of Engineering Development Services, said, “It means the world because that is part of Mount Pleasant’s history… It’s part of the history of Shem Creek. We would have really missed a great opportunity had we not acted and secured this area, preserved it for the shrimping industry, and supported the shrimping business for the foreseeable future.”
Future of the Facility
While not all equipment has been moved into the new facility, the renovated processing center will offer key features like a loading dock and ice machine, making it easier for shrimpers to offload and sell their products. Tarvin noted, “It becomes a return to its former self… shrimpers and fishermen that come here, they can’t believe how beautiful this facility is.”
A Boost for the Local Industry
Officials believe the revitalization will help breathe new life into the shrimping and fishing industries, which have long been a vital part of the community. Tarvin emphasized the importance of supporting the local industry, saying, “We are one of the very few left between the North Carolina border and the Georgia border. So, it’s important at a number of levels, regionally and locally.”
To help ensure the survival of the shrimping tradition, officials encourage the community to support local seafood by purchasing it directly from the source. The town hopes these renovations will strengthen the shrimping industry for years to come.
