Saving Seafood

US court hears arguments against turtle excluder devices in inshore Louisiana waters

August 14, 2026 — The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit is considering a challenge to a 2019 NOAA Fisheries rule forcing Louisiana inshore shrimpers to install turtle excluder devices (TEDs).

A TED is a grid of metal bars placed in a trawl net that block larger animals – like turtles – while allowing smaller animals – like shrimp – to pass through. Louisiana shrimpers claim the requirement on inshore vessels is excessive, making their work more difficult and expensive despite little risk to turtles.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

Shrimp industry fights $9.4M loss from federal turtle device mandate

August 6, 2026 — A federal appeals court heard arguments Tuesday over whether Louisiana shrimpers should be required to use turtle protection devices in their nets, a rule the state’s shrimp industry says could have major financial consequences.

The Louisiana Shrimp Association is challenging a federal mandate requiring shrimp boats longer than 40 feet to use Turtle Excluder Devices, or TEDs. The group argues the devices are unnecessary in Louisiana’s inland waters, where members say sea turtles are rarely found.

The requirement was issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service as part of federal efforts to protect endangered and threatened sea turtles from becoming trapped in shrimp nets.

Attorneys representing the shrimp industry argued that the devices are costly to install and can reduce shrimp harvests by collecting trash and debris inside the nets. Association members also contend they have rarely encountered sea turtles while operating in the state’s shallow inland waters over several decades.

Read the full article at KFLY

Louisiana shrimpers challenge federal TED rule at 5th Circuit

August 5, 2026 — A federal appeals court heard arguments on Tuesday in a case brought by Louisiana shrimpers challenging a 2019 federal rule that requires them to install Turtle Excluder Devices on their boats.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit heard oral arguments Aug. 4 in Louisiana Shrimp Association v. Lutnick, a case that puts more than 30 years of regulatory history under the microscope.

The Louisiana Shrimp Association, along with individual shrimpers John Brown, Larry L. Helmer Jr. and Penny V. Zar, argues that the National Marine Fisheries Service acted arbitrarily when it eliminated a longstanding tow-time exemption and required inshore skimmer trawlers to use Turtle Excluder Devices. They say the agency offered no new scientific data to justify the change.

Read the full article at WBRZ