Federal Judge Dismisses South Carolina Shrimpers Association Lawsuit Against Restaurants

A federal judge in South Carolina has dismissed a lawsuit brought by the South Carolina Shrimpers Association (SCSA), which accused numerous restaurants of misrepresenting imported shrimp as locally sourced. The ruling, delivered by US District Court Judge Richard Mark Gergel, stated that the association’s complaint did not meet the necessary legal standards to continue.

The SCSA initiated the lawsuit in June, targeting around 40 restaurants for allegedly promoting imported shrimp as domestically harvested. This number was later reduced to 25 defendants, as reported by Undercurrent News.

Reactions to the Ruling

In the wake of the November 3 decision, SCSA Vice President Bryan Jones expressed disappointment, labeling the ruling “a slap in the face” to shrimpers who have dedicated their lives to providing a clean, local product. On the other hand, restaurant owners welcomed the verdict, arguing that they have always maintained transparency in their operations.

“We’ve always supported our local shrimpers and will continue to do so whenever the opportunity arises,” said Wade Boals, owner of Saltwater Cowboys. He emphasized that the decision affirms the integrity and honesty of local restaurants.

Defense Highlights

Defense attorney Robert Wyndham described the lawsuit as “baseless from the very beginning,” characterizing it as a “harmful and unfounded attack” on small businesses that play a crucial role in Charleston’s economy and cultural landscape.

Next Steps for SCSA

As of now, the SCSA has not announced any intentions to appeal the ruling. This decision effectively concludes months of legal conflict between the shrimping industry and the restaurant sector in the region.

The outcome of this case not only impacts the parties involved but also highlights the ongoing challenges within the seafood supply chain, drawing attention to the importance of clarity and authenticity in food sourcing.

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