Better Bycatch Reduction Devices for the Gulf Commercial Shrimp Trawl Fishery

Proposed Gear

The early stages of the Better Bycatch Reduction Device (BRD) Project focused on a BRD hunt. Gear found through net observations, shrimper suggestions, and international tech transfer made the initial gear list. Testing by NOAA and stakeholder input moved these three gears to industry trials.

The new BRD designs have come from innovations produced by commercial shrimpers like you. We’re excited about these designs, but we need your help testing these devices for practical usability and performance. Your experiences will help us to refine these designs so that they work as effectively and efficiently as possible under the conditions that you and your vessel operate.

Current Designs Being Tested:

Large Mesh Sections (LMS):
Areas of the net that are composed of 3″ or larger mesh, well above average codend dimensions, installed in the codend. The large mesh provides openings that allow fish to escape. Typically used with chafing gear with a greater mesh size than LMS

Flapless TEDs:
The flaps are removed on these TEDs to allow a large opening for bycatch to escape. All are top-shooting designs.

The Chauvin TED features a 3-inch PVC pipe that is wrapped in webbing – commonly referred to as a sock. This is then sewn above the TED opening. This is an approved TED design; it is to be tested without an accompanying BRD.

The Drury TED features a smaller diameter PVC pipe or broomstick sewn directly into the opening of the TED. This is going through the TED approval process.

The Triangular Cut TED features a larger, triangular TED opening. It is typically pulled with a large rectangular grid TED. This is an approved TED design; it is to be tested without an accompanying BRD.