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News: 2008

Louisiana Shrimpers Receive Temporary Turtle Excluder Device (TED) Exemption Following Hurricanes Gustav and Ike
Posted: 9/26/08

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has granted shrimp trawlers a temporary 30-day exemption from federal Turtle Excluder Device (TED) requirements in certain state and federal waters off Louisiana. Shrimp trawlers fishing in Louisiana waters from the Mississippi/Louisiana boundary to the Texas/Louisiana boundary, and extending offshore 20 nautical miles, are now exempt from federal TED requirements until 11:59 p.m. on October 26, 2008. In lieu of TED’s, this authorization requires shrimp trawlers to restrict tow times to 55 minutes measured from the time trawl doors enter the water until they are retrieved from the water according to NMFS.

This exemption from federal TED requirements will expire at 11:59 p.m. on October 26, 2008, unless otherwise extended by 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."

This action follows NMFS consideration of a request made by Louisiana officials following passage of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

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 this situation. If monitoring indicates that debris is no longer a problem, then this authorization will 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.

Louisiana shrimp fishermen and LDWF marine fisheries biologists have reported the presence of large amounts of storm related debris throughout the impacted area. This debris primarily consists not only of man-made debris but matted grasses, rooted clumps of marsh vegetation, Roseau cane and branches uprooted and displaced by the storms. The debris has severely impacted both shrimp catch and TED performance and has damaged fishing gear as well.

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