New bill to expand federal relief eligibility for fishing/shrimping industry

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – A newly-filed bill looks to bring support to shrimpers and fisherman as the industry struggles to stay afloat in a market overcome by foreign competitors.

“The influx of imported shrimp has resulted in the decline of our fleets and massive job losses and our local businesses are devastated,” said Bryan Jones, the Vice President of the South Carolina Shrimper’s Association.

Standing in front of the shrimp boats of Shem Creek, US Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R) introduced the Protect American Fisheries Act on Friday.

“Foreign dumping of shrimp filled with contaminants that don’t meet US safety standards is undercutting honest, hardworking, American fisherman,” said Congresswoman Mace.

The bipartisan bill proposes to amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to include “economic causes” as a reason for declaring a fishery resource disaster.

The declaration, made by a governor, is the first step in receiving federal relief administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or NOAA.  

“The types of relief that we’re talking about in this bill would mean direct assistance to fisherman and seafood businesses, conservation funds would be unlocked to help restore the fishery, fishery related infrastructure, primarily to focus on direct assistance to fisherman,” Congresswoman Mace shared.

The lawmaker explained current legislation only accounts for fisheries impacted by factors like natural disasters, oil spills, or the spread of disease. She said once a disaster is declared, members of the fishing industry would be able to apply for the assistance directly.

“The shrimping industry is critical to our nation’s economy and its worth fighting for. It’s a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of those who have made their livelihoods from the ocean,” Jones remarked.

Congresswoman Mace said the goal is to get the bill through committee by the end of the year. If not, she said they plan to refile in January.