What Makes Gulf ShrimpStand Out?
Gulf shrimp are not only full of the flavor of the rich Gulf of Mexico, they also represent the lifestyle of an entire region. Many of the Gulf Coast shrimpers are multi-generational, from father to son/daughter, making it their mission to harvest fresh, quality shrimp for you. Gulf harvesters are conservationists, following strict U.S. environmental and food regulation standards for assured quality. When shrimpers harvest shrimp, devices on their nets enable turtles and fish to swim out, helping Gulf wildlife and ensuring more shrimp for you!
The U.S Gulf of Mexico seafood industry is also an economic engine that helps power the region, state, and nation. Commercial harvestersin the Gulf landed 1.8 billion pounds of finfish and shellfish and earned $818 million in landings revenue in 2011; these landings were led by shrimp at $438 million. From 2002 to 2011, shrimp had higher landings revenuesin the Gulf than any other species or species group, averaging $371 million.
Gulf Shrimp Tales
BELOW ARE SOME GREAT STORIES WRITTEN AND PUBLISHED IN THE SUN HERALD IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE "EVERY SHRIMP HAS A TALE" CAMPAIGN!
Shrimp Fact 1
Shrimp are a migratory species and move based on tide, wind, current and water temperature. Shrimp Fact 2
In 1949, the picking machine revolutionized the processing aspect of the shrimping industry when 1,000 pounds of shrimp could be deheaded, deveined and peeled every 15 seconds. Gulf shrimp
So good and so healthy
It's a well-known fact that shrimp ranks No. 1 as the most popular seafood in the world, and for good reason. Not only are Gulf shrimp laced with palatable flavor as a result of its natural habitat, the nutritional value and health benefits of these tasty crustaceans are impressive. In fact, it's pretty much a dieter's dream food — amazing taste packed with the perfect nutrient-rich combination for one's well being. Shrimp are low in fat, low in calories, have zero carbohydrates, and are significantly high in protein. For example, 4 ounces of boiled or steamed shrimp contains 112 calories, offers nearly 24 grams of protein, and only has 1.2 grams of fat. And no worries about cholesterol either! Research has shown the "good fats" (omega-3 fats) in shrimp reduces cholesterol impact. In addition, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support is wonderful for the body thanks to two unique antioxidants: astaxanthin, which is the color pigment in shrimp responsible for the red and orange colors, and the mineral, selenium. Other nutritional elements in shrimp include Vitamin D, B12, B3, iron and zinc. So, eat up and enjoy! There really is nothing like the hearty flavor and healthy composition of Gulf shrimp.
Shrimp Fact 3
Less than 10 percent of the shrimp eaten in the U.S. comes from wild harvests, whereas more than 90 percent of the shrimp eaten in the U.S. are farm-raised shrimp grown within the country and other countries around the world. Shrimp Fact 4
Shrimp are invertebrates because they do not have a backbone. Shrimping
smart
The design of a shrimp boat is intricate. From the outriggers that are lowered on each side to the specialty-crafted gear that holds the nets open underwater, all play a vital role in the success of a good day on the Gulf. However, the most critical element to any shrimp boat are the trawl nets used to bring in fresh catch daily. The construction of these nets is unique because not only does it perfectly glide across the floor bed of the Gulf to catch wild shrimp, it's also designed to protect other marine life that share the same environment. As part of federal regulation, all U.S. shrimpers are required to use trawl nets equipped with a TED — Turtle Excluder Device — that safely guides sea turtles through an escape flap. This ingenious mechanism has proven to be 97 percent effective at excluding sea turtles of all sizes. To protect other marine life like red snapper or any finfish, a BRD — Bycatch Reduction Device — also is installed to provide a small opening at the top of the net for fish to escape. No doubt Gulf shrimp is the best, but it's all about shrimping environmentally smart!
Want to learn more about how a shrimp boat operates? Check out this video.
Complete the quiz below and share your results on Facebook.
Ranking: