NEWSROOM
N.M.F.S.
Extends Turtle Excluder Device (TED) Exemption
November 28, 2005
In response
to requests made by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
(LDWF) and marine resource agencies in other Gulf states, the
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has authorized a temporary
extension exempting shrimp trawlers from federal Turtle Excluder
Device (TED) requirements in certain state and federal waters.
Shrimp trawlers
fishing in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas waters from
the Florida-Alabama state line westward to the boundary shared
by Matagorda and Brazoria Counties in Texas and extending 20 nautical
miles offshore continue to be exempt from federal TED requirements
through Dec. 23, 2005.
Shrimpers
are reminded that this authorization applies to waters seaward
a distance of 20 nautical miles offshore rather than the 50 nautical
miles offshore previously authorized. In lieu of TEDs, this authorization
requires shrimp trawlers to restrict tow times to 75 minutes.
Tow times are measured from the time trawl doors enter the water
until they are retrieved from the water according to NMFS.
Federal regulations
provide for the use of limited tow times as an alternative to
the use of TEDs if determined "that the presence of debris
or other special environmental conditions in a particular area
makes trawling with TED-equipped nets impracticable."
Debris associated
with the hurricanes continues to impact both shrimp catch and
TED performance and has damaged fishing gear as well. NMFS encourages
shrimp trawlers in the affected areas to continue to use TEDs
if possible.
NMFS' studies
have shown that the problem of clogging by seagrass, algae or
by other debris is not unique to TED-equipped nets. When fishermen
trawl in problem areas, they may experience clogging with or without
TEDs. Shrimp trawlers who continue to use legal TEDs in the affected
areas do not have to limit their tow times. However, shrimpers
choosing to use tow-time limitations may not simply sew the TED
flaps shut; they must remove the TEDs from the trawls.
NMFS will
continue to monitor debris problems. If monitoring indicates that
debris is no longer a problem, then this authorization may be
shortened. If debris continues to be a problem after the dates
above, this authorization may be extended. Fishermen should monitor
NOAA weather radio for announcements or contact the NMFS Southeast
Regional Office at 727-824-5312.
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