South Carolina shrimpers weigh costs, vote in crucial US midterms
Summary
South Carolina shrimpers are weighing the effects of fuel and equipment costs, imported seafood competition, and changing fishing conditions as they vote in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections. Some worry that proposed federal budget cuts could weaken NOAA services they use, while voters interviewed expressed differing views on which party would better address industry and household costs.Key Facts
- Shrimper Mark Marhefka said he uses NOAA forecasts, weather buoys, and data to decide when it is safe to fish offshore.
- The article reports that NOAA has lost roughly 20 percent of its workforce since Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025, citing an analysis of federal employment data.
- The administration’s proposed 2027 budget would cut ocean-monitoring funding and end a program supporting regional ocean observations.
- South Carolina shrimpers cited rising fuel and equipment costs, competition from imported shrimp, and disrupted fishing conditions as concerns.
- Marhefka said he voted for Democrat Annie Andrews, who was campaigning for the U.S. Senate and pledged to reduce diesel costs for farmers and fishermen.
- John Henry Middleton, an 81-year-old fisherman, said he was undecided and worried about living costs and retirement income.
- Kevin S, who works at Geechee Seafood, said he planned to vote Republican and described fishing permits and regulations as burdensome.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
