MURRELLS INLET, SC- A cannibal shrimp could be living in South Carolina waters.
Tiger shrimp are native to Asia and are twice the size of regular shrimp. Researchers think Hurricane Irene brought the species to South Carolina’s coast four years ago. Now, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is conducting a study to find out if tiger shrimp eat local shrimp.
DNR is asking commercial and recreational shrimpers to bring in samples of tiger shrimp so their stomach contents can be checked.
Captain Ron Bailey with Seven Seas Seafood said shrimp is one of their top sellers. He said shrimp is hard enough to catch, without giant cannibalistic shrimp in the water.
“The shrimp season is of course regulated by weather and currents, how much rain did we have, how cold did it get,” said Bailey.
Bailey told News 13 he starts to see tiger shrimp around late June and his boats will bring back 2-3 per week.
Dr. Juli Harding with Coastal Carolina University’s Marine Science Center said invasive species, like tiger shrimp may not have any predators in their new environment.
“It may have a free for all in terms of being able to grow as individuals and grow as a population,” she said.
If the tiger shrimp start to breed at a more rapid rate, Dr. Harding said fisherman will have two options.
“Either live with or try to manage around,” stated Harding.
