On Monday, Jan. 27, the SSA issued a news release with the headline "96% of Tampa-St Pete Shrimp Consumers Misled by Restaurants." It noted that "SeaD Consulting found that 96% of the sampled Tampa-St. Pete, Florida restaurants (42 of 44) imply they serve local shrimp while actually serving farm-raised imported shrimp."
"Tampa and St. Petersburg, twin jewels on Florida’s Gulf Coast, are renowned for their pristine beaches, bustling downtowns, and an abundance of seafood options," reads the press release issued by SeaD Consulting and dated Jan. 27. "However, a recent investigation utilizing genetic tests in the area reveals a surprising finding: despite being situated on the Gulf of Mexico and implying that local shrimp was on the menu, a mere two out of 44 sampled restaurants serve authentic, wild-caught Gulf shrimp."They noted that while "menus may advertise fresh shrimp dishes, most establishments rely on imported, farm-raised shrimp from countries like India, Vietnam, and Ecuador."
John Williams, executive director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance, also issued a statement.“Family-owned shrimp businesses operating out of the Port of Tampa are struggling to survive while local restaurants bamboozle customers into thinking locally caught shrimp are being served,” Williams said. “If restaurants wish to serve shrimp from countries associated with labor abuses, environmental harms, and banned antibiotic use, that is their choice. But be honest and let consumers choose what they eat.”
Salt Shack on the Bay in Tampa and Stillwaters Tavern in St. Petersburg were the only restaurants in Tampa Bay confirmed by SeaD Consulting to be serving local Gulf shrimp.
