Jumbo Disaster for Shrimpers

In a good autumn week, a commercial fisherman trawling for shrimp along the Atlantic Coast off Georgia or the Carolinas can usually bring in a catch of about 1,200 lbs. But this season is a disaster because the crop was killed off by a cold snap in December. Last week the nets were pulling in a disappointing 500 lbs. or less. For hundreds of fisher men in South Carolina, Georgia and Florida who make their living from shrimp the dismal catch has brought severe financial strains. Many fear foreclosure on their boats and homes. Says Leonard Crosby, president of the Bryan County (Ga.) Fishermen's Cooperative: "It's the worst I've seen in my 16 years as a fisherman."

The Government has declared the Georgia and South Carolina coastal region an economic disaster area, which will give the fishermen a chance to obtain low-interest loans. The price of shrimp for consumers, however, is not likely to rise by much. In fact, the wholesale price has plummeted 40% in the past year to about $4 per lb. because of good catches in Texas and Louisiana and increased imports from as far away as Thailand.