The Seafood Labeling Act is now law in Alabama and consumers can contact the Alabama Department of Public Health for any violations they encounter at this link.
The law, which became effective October 1, requires sellers of fish or shellfish to disclose: (1) if the fish or shellfish is domestic or foreign, and (2) whether the fish or shellfish is farm-raised or wild-caught. To access Baykeeper’s information and complaint portal, go here.
“Bayou La Batre’s brand is ‘Alabama’s Seafood Capital,’ and the Alabama seafood industry’s brand is the high quality of our shrimp, fish, crabs, and oysters,” says Bayou La Batre Mayor Henry Barnes. “Laws like this protect our brand, and help maintain our livelihood. There’s a lot of work left to do, but this is a big step in the right direction.”
According to an October 21 report by WKRG, SeaD Consulting, an advisory firm that works in the commercial seafood industry, tested five vendors earlier this month at the National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores that advertised the selling of Gulf shrimp. Of the five, only one had authentic Gulf shrimp: Rouse’s Supermarket.
“Alabama’s seafood industry is in a fight for its future right now,” says State Rep. Chip Brown (R – Hollinger’s Island). “I am proud that we’re arming Alabamians with the information they need to support our local seafood economy and protect their family’s health. I look forward to passing more legislation to aid Alabama’s seafood industry at their work and Alabama families at their dinner tables.”
Prior to its passage, the bill was carried in the house by Rep. Brown and in the Senate by David Sessions (R – Grand Bay).
Foreign shrimp account for 94 percent of the U.S. market, and local shrimpers in Alabama have had their livelihood in recent years threatened by the “dumping” of foreign shrimp. The Seafood Labeling Bill gives our local seafood workers a fighting chance and lets you know where your seafood is coming from.
“We are very thankful and excited that the law is changing and is supporting our seafood industry,” said Kerry Mitchell, secretary of the Alabama Commercial Fishermen Association. “We appreciate all the support from the community, state legislature, and many others, including Mobile Baykeeper. This is a great step in getting an even playing field for our shrimp industry. Now, consumers can be more aware of what seafood they are purchasing and consuming.”
The community is needed to enforce the Seafood Labeling Law. If you visit a restaurant or grocery store that is not in compliance with the law, contact ADPH using this link.
Read “Born on the Bayou: Generational Shrimpers Say Industry is Facing Existential Threat” from Mobile Baykeeper’s CURRENTS, and “A Seat at the Table: Salty Pirates Seafood Wants to Give Alabama Seafood Workers a Voice” for more background on the shrimping crisis that has plagued Gulf Coast shrimpers.
