Louisiana Fisheries
Current NewsAbout UsBiological InfoManagement InfoHabitat Info
Louisiana Fisherman Professionalism ProgramAquaculture InfoLegal & Socio-Economic Issues
Fisheries & PeopleResources & PublicationsFisheries FAQsSearch
LSU AgCenter Louisiana Sea Grant Louisiana Fisheries Louisiana Fisheries

Home > Current News > 2004

News: 2004

Louisiana Shrimpers Receive Temporary TED Exemption In 2004
Posted: 10/13/04

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has granted shrimp trawlers a temporary 30-day exemption from federal Turtle Excluder Device (TED) requirements in a portion of Louisiana waters. Shrimp trawlers fishing in Louisiana inside and outside territorial waters from the Mississippi–Louisiana state line to a line west of Grand Isle at 90 degrees, 03 minutes and 00 seconds W are exempt from federal TED requirements, provided they comply with seasonal tow-time restrictions established by NMFS. The exemption does not apply to federal waters within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Maximum tow-time restrictions of 55 minutes, measured from the time trawl doors enter the water until they are retrieved from the water, will be in effect from Oct. 12 until 11:59 p.m. Oct. 31. Maximum tow-time lengths will increase to 75 minutes from Nov. 1, through 11:59 p.m. Nov. 11. This exemption from federal TED requirements will expire on Nov. 3, 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 Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Dwight Landreneau following Hurricane Ivan and its return as Tropical Storm Ivan.

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 of matted grasses, rooted clumps of marsh vegetation, Roseau cane, branches, sunken buoys and metal roofing material. The debris has severely impacted both shrimp catch and TED performance and has damaged fishing gear as well.

Back to Main

 


Louisiana Fisheries Louisiana Sea Grant LSU AgCenter