North Carolina Shrimp

Enjoy this coastal specialty this summer!

Summertime Is for Shrimp

Shrimp is America’s favorite seafood — and it is one of the most important to North Carolina’s coastal economy.

North Carolina’s shrimpers harvest in internal, estuarine waters and the nearshore Atlantic Ocean. Internal waters include the Pamlico Sound and Core Sound, as well as portions of larger rivers like the Neuse, Pamlico, Pungo, and Bay. Historically, 75 percent of North Carolina shrimp are harvested in internal waters, with 25 percent coming from the Atlantic Ocean, mainly off our southern coast. Most shrimp are caught at night using specialized harvest gear.

Shrimp is great served hot, or cold — and often is part of special events for families, friends and communities. If you are here for the recipes, we have some great ones for you. In the meantime, take a few minutes to learn more about a favorite seafood for many.

Recipes

Types of Shrimp

Our state’s shrimp fishery includes three species: brown, white, and pink:

Brown shrimp are normally harvested in the summer months.
White shrimp, commonly called “green tailed,” are harvested in the spring and fall.
Pink shrimp, called “spotted”, are the least common to the state.

All three shrimp species are an annual crop, meaning they can rebound from a very low population size in one year to a large population size the next, provided environmental conditions are favorable. Our saltwater finfish take longer to grow to harvest size.

At the NC coast, in the Triangle and across the state, you can find NC shrimp and other seasonal options. Ask your market or restaurant if they offer #NCSeafood.

NC Waters to Table

Finding shrimp and other NC seafood is easy. If you are planning a visit to the coast, visit the websites of these organizations to learn the retailers and restaurants that are serving local shrimp:

Brunswick Catch

Carteret Catch

Ocracoke Seafood

NC Catch

*Click this image for lists of markets serving up #NCSeafood in your area.*

Locals Seafood

In the Triangle, you can purchase North Carolina shrimp from Locals Seafood, a seafood business that has been active in applied research and public outreach.

Look for the Got to Be NC Seafood logo when you are searching for businesses that sell shrimp.

Got to Be NC Seafood

Got to Be NC Seafood is an initiative on behalf of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services to promote North Carolina local ingredients and food products sold in stores and restaurants across the state.

A Glimpse into the NC Shrimp Industry

N Seine Seafood from the Outer Banks harvests shrimp from the coast of Stumpy Point in this video from Locals Seafood.

N Seine Seafood

Locals Seafood

Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival

The 50th annual Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival will be celebrated this summer, one of many seafood festivals across our coastal region. Festivities at the Sneads Ferry Community NC Center (126 Park Lane, Sneads Ferry, NC 2846) will be Aug. 13 and 14. Follow updates by checking out their website or following them on Facebook below.

Visit Website

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Get to Know a North Carolina Shrimp Business

Diamond Shoal Shrimp Company

Seafood is not what they do, it’s who they are. Chris and Patrice Clarke are the co-owners of Engelhard Mattamuskeet Seafood Inc. and developed the Diamond Shoal Shrimp Company Brand to highlight the excellent quality of their shrimp.

Founded in the 1970s, Patrice’s father Gene Carawan, her uncle Charles Carawan, and their brother-in-law Gary Mayo built the building Diamond Shoal currently operates in. The company prides itself on distributing local, fresh-caught shrimp off the coast of North Carolina. Their shrimp are 100% natural, chemical-free, and never imported.

“We are proud of our fellow fishermen and women who dedicate their lives to the pursuit of an abundant catch, packing that catch with pride for our customers,” says Patrice.

Diamond Shoal Shrimp Company now offers direct sales to customers, including wild-caught shrimp and Royal Shrimp Cakes.