Mount Pleasant shrimpers are accusing more than two dozen Lowcountry restaurants of falsely advertising imported shrimp as local catch. The SC Shrimper’s Association filed a lawsuit this week, alleging consumer deception and economic harm to the region’s commercial fishing industry.
During a press conference on Shem Creek, shrimpers named 25 Charleston-area restaurants they say misrepresented imported shrimp as South Carolina-caught. The allegations follow a study commissioned by the Southern Shrimp Alliance, which found discrepancies between restaurant claims and shrimp origins.
Among the named businesses are Page’s Okra Grill, Hyman’s Seafood, Pearlz Oyster Bar, and Saltwater Cowboys.
Page’s Okra Grill publicly denied the claims Wednesday night, stating on social media, in part: “…we are floored that we are named in the SCSA’s lawsuit concerning restaurants defrauding guests on the origin of the shrimp being served. As of today, we still have never even been notified of being part of the “random” tests…”
The lawsuit names 40 total seafood sellers and claims the mislabeling has diverted revenue away from South Carolina shrimpers, who rely on local sales to stay afloat. The shrimpers argue that the misleading practices have undercut trust in the market and hurt their livelihoods.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between the local seafood industry and restaurants facing high costs and supply challenges. Legal proceedings are expected to continue in the coming months.