"Miss Joyce Sunrise" was photographed in January of 2019 in Thunderbolt, GA.
The Miss Joyce is the name of this shrimp boat that is in port here. It is one of very few remaining shrimp boats docked on the Thunderbolt side of the Wilmington River. The Amanda Lynn is other shrimp boat currently docked here. At one time this area of Thunderbolt was lined with 30-40 shrimp boats, however, the condo industry has bought up the land, built condos, and pushed most of the shrimp boat industry out. The shrimp boat industry remains an industry in peril and decline. It has stiff competition from imported shrimp and farm/pond raised shrimp. The high cost of gas coupled with the expense of boat maintenance and dock rental also cut into the profits of this once lucrative industry.
Yes, the beauty and pride of this industry lives on. Shrimpers still work hard in this industry and try to make a go of it. Fresh Wild Georgia Shrimp is the preferred shrimp to eat for most locals and tourists alike and there is a certain beauty of these shrimp boats that is attractive, especially at sunrise or sunset.