Here’s what city leaders are doing to keep the future of the century-old industry and local family businesses involved afloat.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In Northeast Florida, shrimping isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life.

Many of these businesses have been run by families for generations. But according to a new study, the future of this century-old industry could be at risk without support and modernization. That could mean losing over $9 million in net profit every year if the industry falls by the wayside.

Despite the shrimping industry raking in millions in Duval County, a new study says the fresh shrimp that may be on your dinner plate or in your freezer is probably not from First Coast waters.

Shrimping plays a critical role in the local economy, supporting not only the fishermen catching shrimp, but also seafood markets, boat repair businesses, restaurants and transportation services.

Monica Dominguez, economic development program manager for the City of Jacksonville, says these shrimping communities are the backbones of our coastal towns. Without them, we’ll see a hole in our maritime economy.

“Most likely, you’re eating imported shrimp just because that’s what is flooding the market,” Dominguez said. “Our industry is significant. It could actually be providing a lot more to restaurants.”

With imported shrimp flooding the U.S. market, it’s taking away opportunities from local shrimping businesses to serve their neighbors and pushing younger generations away from the trade, in part due to outdated business models.

“It’s long hours on the boat, it’s hard work,” Dominguez said. “And while many come from shrimping families, we need to create new pathways for others to enter the industry.”

The study recommends forming a shrimping co-op to help small, family-run businesses compete and grow, not just as food suppliers, but as agricultural producers eligible for more support.

Until then, Dominguez says consumers can help by doing one simple thing: ask for local shrimp.

Your spending power can create more demand and more reasons for shrimping communities to stay on the First Coast.