MIDWAY, Ga. () – The shrimping season is in full swing in Georgia, and many shrimpers are making their way to the coast.

Tuesday marked the start of the new shrimping season.

“Friends don’t let friends consume imported shrimp” is the motto of Seaside Seafood Inc., based in Midway. Veteran shrimp captain, John Woods, has dedicated many years to the industry.

“Yesterday marked the beginning of the shrimp season and our first day of shrimping,” Woods shared. “And it turned out to be extremely successful. I anticipate that we’ll enjoy a profitable year ahead.”

Woods serves his local community, averaging nearly 300 people. Some even travel from as far as the Atlanta area.

“Mother Nature usually blesses us with a favorable season,” he noted. “If one species of shrimp isn’t thriving, there’s always something else that comes up. It typically balances out that way. Our main challenge, however, is with, as you might expect, the price of shrimp.”

Many shrimpers blame what they call a dying industry on cheap, imported shrimp. Woods said it is cutting into their bottom line.

“We just like the price to be a little bit higher where we can survive,” he said. “That’s the main thing. Everything else is just high and we’re still getting a lesser amount for our shrimp than we got 30 years ago.”

He continued, “we were paying more for a gallon of fuel than we’re getting for a pound. That’s basically the issue. Then, nets are more expensive.”

Woods told he would love to see younger people get into shrimping to keep the tradition alive, but said inflation is making it tough to even get started.

Rep. Jesse Petrea said to that he is confident that his bill, which will require restaurants to label whether or not their shrimp is imported or local, will pass in the next legislative session. He said his effort has already shed light on local shrimpers and their needs.

Shrimping season typically closes by law each year on December 31 but can be extended if conditions are favorable.