As ASPA was preparing petitions against shrimp imports last year, it promised fishermen that they would be included in the case. ASPA made good on its promise.

Today’s post shows that ASPA consistently advocated for the inclusion of fishermen in the domestic industry in numerous submissions before both trade agencies.

The Ad Hoc Shrimp Trade Action Committee* submitted support forms for fishermen at Commerce, but it did not address the legal standards for including boats in the domestic industry until the final phase investigation at the Commission.

The U.S. Shrimpers Coalition** submitted fishermen’s testimony at the Commission, but it did not file any fishermen support forms at Commerce or any comments at either agency explaining why fishermen should be included in the case. The only filings the U.S. Shrimpers Coalition made at the Commission were two letters, which state that the group “hereby agrees with and incorporates by reference all arguments” made by ASPA.

“ASPA fought to include fishermen at every stage of this case,” said Trey Pearson, the President of ASPA. “I am thankful to the shrimpers that trusted us at our word. With their support, we did the work that was needed to win relief for the entire industry.”

This is the third in a series of “Shrimp Duties Updates” from ASPA to keep members of our industry informed about the facts and figures underlying ASPA’s shrimp case. These updates will be available on ASPA’s website and you can sign upto receive them. Stay tuned for the next Shrimp Duties Update coming on Monday, and have a great weekend!

* The members of AHSTAC are Nancy Edens, Trico Shrimp Company Inc., Tarvin Seafood Inc., Bosarge Boats Inc., Anchored Shrimp Company, Big Grapes Inc., Versaggi Shrimp Co., Craig Wallis, and the Southern Shrimp Alliance.
** The members of USSC are the Louisiana Shrimp Association, Georgia Commercial Fisherman’s Association, SC Shrimpers Association, Texas Shrimp Association, North Carolina Fisheries Association, Alabama Commercial Fishermen Association, and Seafood Work and Waterman’s Association.