Severe weather preparation can take on many forms: household supplies restock, emergency kit refills, grocery hauls and more. But while we’re working on these tangible to-dos, the Lowcountry’s built-in buffer — the saltmarsh — awaits to protect our coastline from the impacts of severe storms.

The saltmarsh is home to hundreds of species that work together to sustain a thriving ecosystem that we benefit from in more ways than one. Though the saltmarsh plays a pivotal role in soaking up the incoming storm surge inundation and rain, how do severe weather events affect the seafood species within this ecosystem… and ultimately, us?

Passing on Pollution

Rainfall runoff carries pollutants into rivers, watersheds and coastal regions, including the saltmarsh. When a severe weather event occurs, those pollutants will increase in the environment. Researchers and citizen scientists perform water quality tests that measure pollutant levels to determine if certain seafood species residing in the saltmarsh — like oysters and clams — are safe to harvest.

Following a major storm, oysters and clams (both wild and farmed) are typically closed for harvesting to allow time for pollutants to be filtered out of the water. Though this ensures our oysters are safe for consumption, this lag in harvesting can put a strain on local aquaculture farmers and seafood purveyors who rely on oysters for their business.

Serving the Shrimp

Another well-loved seafood species that calls the saltmarsh home is shrimp! Shrimp thrive in waters with low salinity, so the saltmarsh serves as a perfect shelter to ensure successful population growth, strong exoskeletons and robust body composition.

As ocean water infiltrates the saltmarsh, whether from shifting tides or storm surge inundation, the salinity increases. However, when accompanied by heavy and prolonged rainfall, which lacks any salt content, the saltmarsh undergoes rapid salinity changes in a short period of time. These conditions can be tough on shrimp populations, causing them to migrate outside of their normal range.

The shrimping industry is well-managed in the Lowcountry, where strict regulations for harvesting help future-proof shrimp populations for generations to come. However, the local fishermen who spend their days catching this delectable species struggle to find and harvest shrimp following a major storm.

Casting for the Key

As more major storms frequent our region, there’s no doubt that the seafood industry will continue to feel the impact on species availability. Our fishermen, who already struggle to keep up with the demand against exported seafood, will continue to face challenges to keep their businesses afloat.

One way you can show support for your neighbors in the seafood industry is by purchasing local and sustainably sourced seafood, especially in the late summer and early fall when severe weather events are most common. In addition to supporting our local economy, you are supporting and protecting our saltmarsh ecosystems!

Seek out a seafood business who is committed to serving local and sustainably sourced seafood whenever possible, and ask them what they have that’s in season right now!

Published October 8, 2024