Shrimp In Brunswick County, Nc Waters

Shrimp is a popular seafood in North Carolina, and the state is home to three species of shrimp: brown, pink, and white. These shrimp are estuarine-dependent, relying on estuaries for food and as nursery areas. In Brunswick County, North Carolina, shrimp is a local specialty, with the county being home to the oldest seafood house in the region, Garland Seafood. The county also has a local seafood recognition program called Brunswick Catch, which aims to preserve and support the local seafood industry. While it is not clear if the shrimp themselves come from Brunswick County, the county is known for its seafood and shrimp-based cuisine.

Brunswick County's seafood industry

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is known for its seafood, with local fishermen harvesting a variety of seafood products, including shrimp, blue crabs, grouper, flounder, oysters, and clams. The seafood industry in Brunswick County is facing several challenges, including population growth in coastal regions, which has increased demand for waterfront property and made it difficult for fishermen to afford dock space. In addition, fluctuations in fuel costs and the influx of lower-cost imported seafood are also threatening the local and national fishing industry.

To address these challenges, a group of commercial fishermen, seafood dealers, and restaurant owners have come together to form Brunswick Catch, a local seafood recognition program aimed at promoting and sustaining the heritage of the Brunswick County seafood industry. The program is supported by various organizations, including the Brunswick County Economic Development Commission, Brunswick County Commissioners, North Carolina Sea Grant, and Carteret Catch. The goal is to increase the demand for locally harvested seafood and establish Brunswick Catch as a recognised brand in the eastern United States.

Brunswick Catch assures consumers that they are buying high-quality, locally caught seafood when they see the logo displayed at seafood markets or restaurants. The program also promotes sustainable seafood practices and the protection of sea life in the region's coastal waters. By joining together to brand Brunswick County seafood, the group hopes to increase the visibility and viability of the local seafood industry.

Several businesses in Brunswick County are actively involved in Brunswick Catch, including Garland's Fresh Seafood, the oldest seafood house in the county, and Inlet View Bar and Grill, a scenic restaurant on the Intracoastal Waterway. These businesses are committed to supporting the local fishing industry and serving fresh, locally sourced seafood to their customers.

Shrimp recipes

Shrimp is a versatile protein that can be boiled, broiled, stir-fried, baked, or fried, and paired with any number of seasonings. Here are some delicious shrimp recipes to try:

Garlic Butter Shrimp

This simple recipe is made with just a few ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, mild Spanish paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley. It takes only minutes to make and is perfect with crusty bread or served over rice.

Coconut Shrimp Rice Noodle Bowl

Crunchy fried coconut shrimp sit atop zesty, spicy rice noodles for a flavorful bowl that's great for lunch or a light dinner.

Zesty Shrimp and Spinach Polenta Bake

Get ready for a flavor explosion with Parmesan and spinach polenta topped with zesty shrimp and juicy tomatoes.

Tropical Shrimp and Pineapple Grilled Skewers

These shrimp skewers are brushed with a zesty coconut cream sauce and grilled to perfection, making them the perfect summertime dish.

One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Lemon and shrimp balance each other elegantly in this simple pasta dish.

Garlic Shrimp Bacon Alfredo

This savory and creamy take on the classic chicken Alfredo recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Shrimp and Grits

A comfort food staple, this recipe is extra creamy thanks to a generous amount of cheese and butter. Crispy bacon and Cajun seasoning take it to the next level.

Shrimp Katsu Burgers

These crispy and tender burgers feature a patty made with chopped shrimp and coated in panko bread crumbs. Serve them with French fries and a milkshake for the full experience.

Cajun Shrimp with Bell Peppers & Corn

A bold and smoky shrimp skillet dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Coconut Lime Shrimp Bowls

These grain bowls are easy to make and perfect for when you're craving tropical flavors.

Old Bay Shrimp Burritos

A unique twist on the classic burrito, these are stuffed with rice, black beans, shredded cheddar, lettuce, pico de gallo, avocado, and a homemade Old Bay aioli.

Shrimp & Sausage Gumbo

This comforting stew combines the cuisines and ingredients of several cultures, including West African, French, German, and Choctaw. It's centered around a flavorful roux and the "holy trinity" of Southern cooking: aromatic onions, celery, and bell peppers.

Shrimp fishing season

Shrimp is America's favourite seafood and is of great importance to North Carolina's coastal economy. North Carolina shrimpers harvest in internal estuarine waters and the nearshore Atlantic Ocean. The state's shrimp fishery includes three species: brown, white, and pink shrimp.

Brown Shrimp

Brown shrimp are spawned in the ocean and carried by tides and wind-driven currents into the estuaries in late winter and early spring. They are usually caught in the summer and have a maximum lifespan of 18 months. They can grow as large as nine inches.

White Shrimp

White shrimp, or "green tails", are spawned in the ocean from March to November and are carried by tides and wind-driven currents into the estuaries. They are harvested primarily in the fall and have a maximum lifespan of 24 months. They can grow as large as eight inches.

Pink Shrimp

Pink shrimp, also known as "spotted shrimp", are spawned in the ocean from April to July and are carried by tides and wind-driven currents into the estuaries where they overwinter. They are harvested in the spring and fall and have a maximum lifespan of 24 months. They can grow as large as 11 inches.

Shrimp Fishing in Brunswick County

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is home to 269 lakes, rivers, and other fishing spots. The county includes the Atlantic Ocean, Brunswick River, Calabash River, Cape Fear, and several creeks and inlets.

In Brunswick County, fishing is permitted at the pedestrian beach and four-wheel-drive beach at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. Catches include bluefish, red drum, black drum, pompano, speckled sea trout, and Virginia mullet. Fishing is best in the fall and spring seasons.

The Brunswick Catch initiative was developed by a group of commercial fishermen, seafood dealers, and restaurant owners to promote and support the local seafood industry. When you see the Brunswick Catch logo, you can be assured that you are buying high-quality local seafood caught by Brunswick County fishermen.

Shrimp species in North Carolina

Shrimp is a coastal specialty in North Carolina and is one of the most important seafood to the state's coastal economy. North Carolina shrimpers harvest in internal, estuarine waters and the nearshore Atlantic Ocean.

The state's shrimp fishery includes three species: brown, white, and pink.

Brown Shrimp

Brown shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus) are spawned in the ocean and carried by tides and wind-driven currents into the estuaries in late winter and early spring. They are normally harvested in the summer months and have a maximum lifespan of 18 months. They can grow as large as nine inches. Brown shrimp accounted for roughly 34% of North Carolina's shrimp landings between 2016 and 2020.

White Shrimp

White shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus), commonly called "green tails", were the most abundant species in North Carolina in 2020. They are spawned in the ocean from March to November and are carried by tides and wind-driven currents into the estuaries. They are harvested primarily in the spring and fall and have a maximum lifespan of 24 months. They can grow as large as eight inches. White shrimp accounted for roughly 65% of North Carolina's shrimp landings between 2016 and 2020.

Pink Shrimp

Pink shrimp (Farfantepenaeus duorarum), also known as "spotted shrimp", are spawned in the ocean from April through July and carried by tides and wind-driven currents into the estuaries where they overwinter. They are harvested in the spring and fall and have a maximum lifespan of 24 months. They can grow as large as 11 inches. Pink shrimp accounted for less than 1% of North Carolina's shrimp landings between 2016 and 2020.

Freezing shrimp

Freezing Cooked Shrimp

If you have cooked shrimp that you want to freeze, it is best to remove the shrimp meat from the shells. This will help the shrimp to keep better. You should also remove the heads and tails, but you can leave the tails on if you are planning on using the shrimp for shrimp cocktails. Place the shrimp on a baking sheet and put it in the freezer. Once the shrimp are frozen, transfer them to sealable bags and return them to the freezer. Label the bags with the date before freezing. Frozen cooked shrimp will keep for about three to six months.

Freezing Raw Shrimp

If you are freezing raw shrimp, it is best to remove the heads but leave the shells and veins on. Wash the shrimp under running water and place them in a rigid container, leaving as little room as possible between the shrimp. Prepare a brine solution with two tablespoons of salt per quart of water and pour it into the container, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Place the container in the freezer. Label the container with the date before freezing. Frozen raw shrimp will keep for about three to six months.

Thawing Frozen Shrimp

To thaw frozen shrimp, place them in a colander and leave them to thaw on the kitchen counter or in the fridge. You can also thaw them under running water if you are in a hurry. Cook or refrigerate thawed shrimp within one to two days.

Frequently asked questions