July 15, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
Key Message:
- On August 1, 2021, a final rule goes into effect amending the definition of tow time and requiring the use of turtle excluder devices (TEDs) designed to exclude small sea turtles in the nets of skimmer trawlers 40 feet and greater in length in the Southeastern U.S. shrimp fisheries.
- For the purposes of this rule, vessel length is the length specified on the vessel’s state registration or the U.S. Coast Guard vessel documentation required to be onboard the vessel while fishing; if there is a difference in documented vessel length, the lesser length will be used.
- Beginning August 1, 2021, skimmer trawl vessels 40 feet and greater in length must have TEDs installed in any net that is rigged for fishing.
Additional Information:
- Information on the final rule amending the definition of tow time and requiring the use of TEDs designed to exclude small sea turtles in the nets of skimmer trawlers 40 feet and greater in length in the Southeastern U.S. shrimp fisheries can be found on our website at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/bycatch/turtle-excluder-device-regulations
- Information on TED installation and use can be found on our website at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/bycatch/turtle-excluder-device-compliance-information
- Information on the safe handling and release of captured sea turtles can be found on our website at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/endangered-species-conservation/sea-turtle-smalltooth-sawfish-and-giant-manta-ray-release
- NOAA Fisheries will continue our outreach strategy to help fishermen comply with these requirements and to fish with TEDs effectively. Our outreach efforts include targeted virtual meetings and social media messages, dockside workshops, instructional videos, and the establishment of an email account (info@noaa.gov) to respond to submitted questions.