Witnessing an Archetype / Eric Horan

Shrimp boats-

Since moving from Colorado in 1981, I have documented the steady decline of the Lowcountry shrimp trawling industry, which now operates at a fraction of its former scale due to import pressures and rising costs.

To support our local shrimpers, we can prioritize buying fresh, local shrimp and patronizing restaurants that do the same. Additionally, experiencing these trawlers firsthand provides a unique perspective on the industry and the surrounding marine wildlife. During my seasonal photo tours, we follow the boats closely, offering passengers a front-row view of the nets, surfacing dolphins, and diving terns and Pelicans.

Shorebirds-

Fall migration brings tens of thousands of migrating shorebirds to our local waters for a 10-week stopover starting the third week of August. Our upcoming photography tours will focus on these birds in flight at high tide and feeding in the salt marshes at low tide. This coincides with the local shrimp trawling season, providing nonstop opportunities to photograph seabirds and dolphins feeding around the working boats, as well as birds transitioning to winter plumage.

From September through November, the shorebird population doubles as birds arrive from their summer nesting grounds up north. We have scheduled prime dates and times based on the best light and tide levels.

To book a private or private group tour (limited to 4 people per boat), please review the available dates on our website calendar and email or call me with your preferred time. Upon booking, you will receive departure updates, directions, and a suggested equipment and preparation list.