Georgia Commercial Fishermans Association

Georgia Commercial Fishermans Association The Georgia Commerical Fishermans Association (GCFA) represents members from all Georgia’s fisheries.

05/13/2026

The Georgia Commercial Fishermen’s Association applauds the passage of the bipartisan Save Our Shrimpers (SOS) Act in the U.S. House of Representatives.

For far too long, American shrimpers have been forced to compete against foreign industries supported by international financing and unfair market advantages, while hardworking U.S. fishing families struggle to survive. This legislation represents an important step toward protecting domestic seafood production, preserving coastal jobs, and defending the future of America’s sh*****ng industry.

Georgia shrimpers are proud to provide consumers with safe, sustainable, wild-caught American shrimp harvested right here off our coast. The SOS Act sends a strong message that U.S. taxpayer dollars should never be used to support foreign competitors at the expense of American fishermen and coastal communities.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Congressman Troy Nehls and the bipartisan coalition of lawmakers who stood with U.S. shrimpers and helped move this critical legislation forward.

The work is not finished. We encourage the United States Senate to continue standing with America’s sh*****ng families by advancing the SOS Act and supporting policies that ensure a fair marketplace for domestic seafood producers.

When consumers choose U.S. wild-caught shrimp, they are supporting American jobs, food security, and generations of coastal heritage.

The Georgia Commercial Fishermen’s Association proudly applauds Governor Brian Kemp for signing HB 117 into law — a land...
05/07/2026

The Georgia Commercial Fishermen’s Association proudly applauds Governor Brian Kemp for signing HB 117 into law — a landmark step forward for consumer transparency and the protection of Georgia’s hardworking sh*****ng families.

This legislation ensures that consumers across Georgia will now know exactly where the shrimp on their plate comes from. If shrimp served in restaurants and food service establishments is not domestic, it must now be clearly labeled as “foreign imported.” That transparency matters for consumers, public trust, and the future of the American seafood industry.

We also recognize and deeply appreciate the leadership and dedication of Savannah shrimper Stevie Morrison and the late Paige Morrison, whose passion for Georgia’s commercial fishing heritage helped shape and support this effort from the beginning. Paige’s advocacy for Georgia and U.S. fishermen left a lasting impact on this industry and the communities that depend on it. The Governor’s gesture of presenting the signing pen to Stevie in her honor was a meaningful tribute to her legacy.

This bill represents more than policy — it represents recognition of the generations of fishermen who work tirelessly to provide safe, sustainable, wild-caught American shrimp to consumers across our state and nation.

GCFA remains committed to fighting for Georgia’s fishing families, protecting working waterfronts, and ensuring consumers have honest information about the seafood they purchase.

03/27/2026

For too long, hardworking Georgia shrimpers and commercial fishermen have faced an uneven playing field—competing against an overwhelming influx of low-cost, foreign-imported seafood that often lacks the same standards, transparency, and accountability required here in the United States. Today, more than 90% of the shrimp consumed in this country is imported, putting immense pressure on local fishermen and coastal communities.

This is not just an industry issue—it is a matter of economic survival, consumer transparency, and protecting a way of life that has defined Georgia’s coast for generations. Local shrimpers are seeing prices cut dramatically while fuel and operating costs continue to rise, forcing many to question whether they can continue fishing at all. 

That is why efforts like House Bill 117 are so critical. Requiring clear labeling of imported shrimp empowers consumers to make informed choices and supports the hardworking men and women who harvest wild, domestic seafood right here in Georgia.

We commend all those who are bringing awareness to this issue. The future of Georgia’s commercial fishing industry depends on transparency, fairness, and a renewed commitment to supporting American seafood.

When you choose wild-caught Georgia shrimp, you are supporting families, preserving our coastal heritage, and investing in the future of our local economy.

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Proud day for Georgia’s sh*****ng industry. 🇺🇸🦐This week, members of the Georgia Commercial Fishermen’s Association (GCF...
03/26/2026

Proud day for Georgia’s sh*****ng industry. 🇺🇸🦐

This week, members of the Georgia Commercial Fishermen’s Association (GCFA) traveled to Atlanta to personally thank our legislators for passing HB 117 — a major step forward in protecting consumers and supporting our hardworking coastal fishermen.

We had the opportunity to meet face-to-face with leaders at the Capitol, share our story, and express our appreciation for standing behind Georgia’s seafood industry. This bill brings greater transparency to seafood labeling and helps ensure that when you eat shrimp in Georgia restaurants you know exactly where it comes from.

From the Capitol rotunda to meetings in legislative offices — and even sharing a meal together — this trip was about more than policy. It was about relationships, accountability, and fighting for the future of our coastal communities.

A big thank you to all the legislators who supported HB 117 and took the time to meet with us. Your support means everything to Georgia fishermen and their families.

And to everyone who continues to support local shrimp — we appreciate you more than you know.

Buy local. Support Georgia fishermen.

Joe Nelson Jr.Burt JonesBuddy DeLoach for GA House of Representatives D167Representative Jesse PetreaUS Shrimpers Coalition Louisiana Shrimp AssociationSeaD ConsultingNorth Carolina Fisheries Association, Inc.South Carolina Shrimpers Association Sapelo Shrimp CoBryanBryan Jones

02/11/2026

Paige Morrison was instrumental in getting this bill introduced and across the finish line. Her leadership, persistence, and dedication to Georgia’s working waterfront will always be remembered by the sh*****ng community.

Because of her efforts, our industry has stronger protections and a louder voice under the Gold Dome.

And a sincere thank you to Representative Jesse Petrea for championing this legislation and seeing it through to passage. Leadership like this matters for Georgia’s commercial fishermen and for the future of wild-caught Georgia shrimp.

This was a team effort — and a historic step forward for our industry.

02/04/2026

🦐 HISTORY MADE FOR GEORGIA SHRIMPERS 🦐

Today marks a turning point for our coast.

With the passage of HB117, Georgia has taken the most meaningful, impactful step ever to protect our sh*****ng industry, our working waterfronts, and the families who have depended on them for generations.

This legislation brings long-overdue transparency to the seafood market, holds bad actors accountable, and finally gives Georgia shrimpers a fighting chance against unfair competition and deceptive practices.

For decades, our industry has been undercut, ignored, and pushed to the edge. HB117 sends a clear message:
Georgia stands with its fishermen.

On behalf of the Georgia Commercial Fishermen’s Association, we thank the legislators, advocates, and community members who stood with us and refused to let this industry disappear quietly.

This isn’t just a win for shrimpers.
It’s a win for consumers.
It’s a win for honesty in the marketplace.
It’s a win for Georgia’s coastal heritage.

Today, we didn’t just pass a bill — we made history.

10/03/2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Paige Morrison, President of the Georgia Commercial Fisherman’s Association.

Paige was a devoted leader, a tireless advocate, and a guiding light for Georgia’s commercial fishing community. She worked with passion and determination to protect the livelihoods of fishermen, strengthen our industry, and preserve the traditions of working on the water for generations to come.

As President, Paige brought people together, gave a voice to those who too often went unheard, and stood firm in her belief that Georgia’s fishing heritage must be respected and protected. Beyond her leadership, she was a trusted friend, mentor, and source of inspiration to all who knew her.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Paige’s family and loved ones. Her legacy will live on in the work of the Association and in the countless lives she touched with her dedication, kindness, and strength.

Fair winds and following seas, Paige. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

— Georgia Commercial Fisherman’s Association

06/28/2025

Shrimp season is back in the Lowcountry, and we’re fighting to protect our fishermen.

Our Protect American Fisheries Act cracks down on foreign dumping, illegal fishing, and unfair pricing hurting South Carolina shrimpers.

Backed by 20+ fishery groups and coastal lawmakers, this bill puts the Lowcountry First.

06/28/2025

South Carolina Shrimpers Association filed a lawsuit against the 40 unnamed Charleston restaurants found selling imported shrimp for unfair trade practices.

This is from our excellent Sea Grant team:Hi everyone!No need to tell you it's getting hot out there! Take care of yours...
06/21/2025

This is from our excellent Sea Grant team:

Hi everyone!
No need to tell you it's getting hot out there! Take care of yourselves and your crew and stay hydrated.

Great infographic showing the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

From: Bryan A Fluech
Date: June 21, 2025 at 6:23:16 PM EDT
To: [email protected]
Subject: Heat Exhaustion vs Heat Stroke
Reply-To: Bryan A Fluech

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