An investigation has exposed shrimp fraud in Wilmington restaurants as a disturbing trend of seafood deception that’s leaving consumers misled and local fisheries at risk. Genetic testing conducted in April 2025 reveals that a staggering 77% of restaurants in Wilmington, North Carolina—and nearby coastal towns—were falsely advertising imported, farm-raised shrimp as local, wild-caught varieties, according to the Southern Shrimp Alliance.
Genetic Testing Reveals Shrimp Fraud In Wilmington Restaurants
Between April 9 and 12, 2025, SEAD Consulting and the Southern Shrimp Alliance (SSA) conducted genetic testing on shrimp samples from 44 restaurants in Wilmington, Carolina Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. The results were alarming: 34 out of the 44 establishments (77%) were found guilty of shrimp fraud, marketing foreign shrimp as locally sourced.
National Fisherman reported that the wide-scale shrimp fraud in Wilmington restaurants not only misleads consumers but also threatens the livelihoods of local shrimpers who depend on honest seafood practices.
Legal and Ethical Implications of Shrimp Fraud
While North Carolina does not currently require restaurants to disclose the origin of their shrimp, federal laws still apply. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) prohibits deceptive advertising practices, including misleading menu descriptions and environments that imply foreign products are local. Such tactics could potentially be classified as consumer fraud under federal guidelines.
John Williams, Executive Director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance, stated:
“When restaurants mislead customers, they not only damage consumer trust, they undercut the local shrimping economy and culture.”
Restaurants Committed to Serving Local Shrimp
Not all restaurants failed the test. Ten establishments were confirmed to be serving authentic U.S. wild-caught shrimp, and they are being praised for their transparency and support of the local seafood industry:
Princess Seafood, Wilmington
Cape Fear Seafood Company, Belville
Seaview Crab Company, Wilmington
Shuckin’ Shack, Wilmington
Coquina Fishbar, Wilmington
King Neptune, Wrightsville Beach
Flying Oyster Machine & Bar, Wrightsville Beach
Carolina BBQ & Seafood, Wilmington
Boathouse Calabash Seafood, Wilmington
Riverview Restaurant, Kure Beach
Next Steps: Transparency and Accountability
The SSA and SEAD Consulting announced they will issue formal warnings to the 34 restaurants found in violation, urging them to revise misleading menu descriptions. Follow-up testing is expected later this year to ensure compliance and protect both consumers and local fishermen.
