Georgia’s seafood industry is facing a major shift as a new bill moves through the state legislature. House Bill 117, which just passed the Georgia House of Representatives with overwhelming support, aims to bring more transparency to seafood menus across the state.
What’s in HB 117?
The bill is simple in its language but could have a significant impact on restaurants and seafood suppliers. If signed into law, HB 117 would require all commercial food establishments in Georgia to clearly label imported shrimp. That means restaurants serving foreign shrimp would need to either:
- Display a sign stating, “Foreign Imported Shrimp” inside their establishment.
- Mark menu items containing imported shrimp with the label “Foreign Imported.”
The bill’s goal is to inform consumers about where their seafood originates. Supporters argue that customers deserve to know if their shrimp is locally sourced or brought in from other countries.
Strong Support in the House
The bill passed the Georgia House of Representatives with near-unanimous support. Out of 172 lawmakers present, 165 voted in favor, while only seven opposed. That kind of margin suggests strong bipartisan backing, a rarity in today’s political climate.
Representative Ron Stephens, one of the bill’s primary sponsors, emphasized the importance of protecting Georgia’s seafood industry. “Our local shrimpers work hard to provide high-quality seafood. It’s only fair that customers know whether they’re eating Georgia shrimp or something shipped from thousands of miles away,” he said.
Impact on Restaurants and Seafood Suppliers
For restaurants, the changes could mean additional signage and potential modifications to menus. Some owners worry about the logistics and whether the law could create unintended consequences.
One Savannah seafood restaurant owner, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed mixed feelings. “I support transparency, but there’s a cost involved in updating every menu. And will customers start avoiding imported shrimp altogether? That could change pricing and supply chains.”
Local shrimpers, however, see the bill as a necessary step. Many believe imported shrimp undercuts their business by flooding the market with cheaper alternatives. Georgia’s shrimp industry has faced increasing pressure in recent years from lower-cost imports, mainly from countries like India, Ecuador, and Indonesia.
The Bigger Picture: Shrimp Imports vs. Local Industry
The U.S. imports a staggering amount of seafood each year. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), over 90% of the seafood consumed in the country is imported. Shrimp is one of the most heavily imported seafood items, making up a significant portion of that percentage.
For Georgia shrimpers, competing with mass-produced foreign shrimp has been a growing challenge. Domestic shrimp are often harvested with stricter regulations, while some imported shrimp come from farms that use antibiotics banned in the U.S.
Here’s a breakdown of shrimp imports in recent years:
| Year | U.S. Shrimp Imports (Million Pounds) | Top Importing Countries |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1,750 | India, Ecuador, Indonesia |
| 2023 | 1,820 | India, Ecuador, Vietnam |
| 2024 | 1,900 | India, Ecuador, Thailand |
The concern for many local shrimpers is that cheap imports drive prices down, making it harder for domestic businesses to stay competitive.
What’s Next for the Bill?
Now that HB 117 has cleared the House, it moves to the Georgia Senate for a vote. If it passes there, the next step would be Governor Brian Kemp’s desk for approval or veto.
Industry groups are closely watching the bill’s progress. Some seafood distributors have raised concerns about potential labeling confusion, while consumer advocacy groups have largely praised the initiative as a win for transparency.
One thing is clear: Georgia’s seafood industry is at a crossroads, and the outcome of this bill could have lasting effects on restaurants, shrimpers, and consumers alike.
