Where are all these shrimp coming from under the sign saying "fresh caught Charleston shrimp+ when the season closed 1/31? I would think it would be against the law to advertise this!
Frozen & “refreshed” - its an industry term
Or offshore shrimp from Charleston boats, still frozen on the boat.
2017 NauticStar 2400 sport/ F200XB
I don’t know of any FAS (Frozen At Sea) shrimp available in SC or of any vessels capable of this. That process is very expensive and requires a huge equipment and storage investment.
Spoke to Craig, owner of Sea Eagle in Beaufort last wknd and he told me he had a boat offloading a bunch from NC…
NN
quote:. There are several freezer boats in the area at least 1 in mcclellanville and 1!that calls Shem creek home. There is a good chance they are coming from Florida or boats still working federal water here.
Originally posted by natureboyI don’t know of any FAS (Frozen At Sea) shrimp available in SC or of any vessels capable of this. That process is very expensive and requires a huge equipment and storage investment.
This is news to me! Can you name the boats ? Are they freezing sized, headed shrimp in the usual 5# boxes or bulk freezing for processing later ashore? (twice frozen)
Bulk freezing.
quote:
Originally posted by flyinghighBulk freezing.
Who is doing this at sea? The biggest % of shrimp caught off SC is sold within hours of coming off the boat. I the investment to freeze at sea would be huge.
These boats specialize in offshore shrimping, they could be out for 15 days to a month. They have brine tanks they put the shrimp through, it brings the their temperature down to almost freezing. Then they get put in the refrigerated coolers to maintain the temperature. That’s the only way they can stay out that long. There’s no telling how far offshore they go, but not efficient to make day trips.
2017 NauticStar 2400 sport/ F200XB
quote:
Originally posted by seaoxThese boats specialize in offshore shrimping, they could be out for 15 days to a month. They have brine tanks they put the shrimp through, it brings the their temperature down to almost freezing. Then they get put in the refrigerated coolers to maintain the temperature. That’s the only way they can stay out that long. There’s no telling how far offshore they go, but not efficient to make day trips.
2017 NauticStar 2400 sport/ F200XB
I’ve been on the seafood trade for many years - The only boats I know that do this are out of LA . working the gulf coast. Shrimping is a shallow water fishery. generally in water 40’ deep or less. and that limits them to mostly within sight of land. I know most of the shrimpers in SC . name a boat that freezes at sea. I would to know !
Natureboy check your pm. I gave you a couple names. Those aren’t the only joy ones working the east coast either.
Odd - the SC shrimp season will not re-open until some time in mid to late June. It is illegal to drag , or even have shrimp on board a vessel , or sell or for a dealer to purchase until the season re opens. The one vessel you named is from Amelia Island GA.
You are very misinformed for having spent so many years in the seafood business.
And how do you know when the season will open? Water temperature is quite warm for this time of year. That usually, not always; leads to an earlier opening.
quote:Seafood business? I thought he sold those pre-fab, port-o-let looking deer blinds, that will roast you in early season? I reckon cutting squid on a head boat is now known as "the seafood business".
Originally posted by flyinghighYou are very misinformed for having spent so many years in the seafood business.
There’s a huge difference between brine chilled shrimp and product packed and frozen for long term storage. The SCDNR SETS the season usually some time in June after determining the spawn and count numbers. I do know of several operators that have packing facilities ashore that pack product . And as for you , Robbie, I have done everything on the water a man can do in my years, but I have never been a slum lord
MWe must be on different pages. You said bulk frozen.yes they are chilled in a brine tank placed in sacks and frozen to be unloaded whenever captain chooses or fish hold is full.
There are boats still working out or Calabash.Maybe they are getting them there and saying they were caught off S.C. They are selling them in Pawleys Island saying fresh caught.The Blessing of The Fleet in McClennville last year got theres from Florida.I guess its like restaurants advertising catch of the day GROUPER when its closed.Caught somewhere.,
Wouldn’t be much noticeable difference in a shrimp caught out of Calabash vs. Pawleys island.