10/11/2026
🦐🇺🇸 AN UPDATE ON OUR FIGHT FOR AMERICAN SHRIMPERS!
We wanted to share an encouraging update with everyone who has been following our concerns about skyrocketing diesel prices and the future of our commercial sh*****ng industry.
We have been in direct communication with Congresswoman Nancy Mace's office, and her team has reached out with specific questions about the challenges we're facing. They are working to bring our concerns to Washington, D.C., and NOAA for further attention.
We wanted to share some of their questions and our answers with you!
⛽ HOW MUCH HAVE DIESEL PRICES INCREASED?
Since the end of February, the price of diesel fuel has increased by approximately 90% or more!
Think about that for a moment. In just over seven months, the cost of one of our largest operating expenses has nearly DOUBLED.
But here's the problem. We aren't catching twice as much shrimp, and we certainly aren't receiving twice the price for our catch.
We're simply paying nearly twice as much to do the same job.
🦐 ARE WE CONSIDERING TYING UP OUR BOATS?
Not if we can help it!
We are determined to keep our vessels working because our crews and their families depend on them.
But what many people don't understand is that just because a shrimp boat is working doesn't mean it's making enough money to sustain the business.
The vessel owner is responsible for the enormous upfront expenses of getting a boat offshore. Fuel, supplies, maintenance, insurance, and vessel payments don't disappear when profits shrink.
And one major mechanical failure could be financially devastating.
🇺🇸 WHAT ARE WE ASKING CONGRESS TO DO?
We're asking for three things:
Immediate attention to extraordinary fuel expenses threatening American commercial fishing.
Long-term solutions that give American shrimpers a fair opportunity to remain in business.
Stronger enforcement of trade laws involving imported shrimp so American fishermen have a fair opportunity to compete.
We're not asking for guaranteed profits. We understand the risks of commercial fishing, and our families have accepted those risks for generations.
We're simply asking for a fair opportunity to survive.
❤️ WHY ARE WE FIGHTING SO HARD?
Because this is bigger than Coastline Shrimp.
Capt. Skip is a fourth-generation commercial shrimper. Our sons represent the fifth generation.
Behind every shrimp boat is a captain carrying enormous financial responsibility, hardworking crews depending on their next trip, and families whose livelihoods are tied to the water.
We are grateful that Congresswoman Mace's office is listening and taking steps to bring our concerns to the federal level. We know these problems won't be solved overnight, and we haven't been promised any particular outcome, but having our voices heard is an important step forward.
We will continue to share updates as we learn more.
Thank you to everyone who has shared our story, spoken up for our fishermen, and continued supporting American wild-caught shrimp.
🇺🇸🦐 Buy American shrimp. Support American fishermen. Keep our coastal heritage alive.
Skip Toomer
Nancy Mace
Henry McMaster
Senator Chip Campsen
South Carolina Shrimpers Association
Tim Scott
Southern Shrimp Alliance
WTOC-TV
Aaron Dixon
Beaufort Shrimp Festival
