NOAA 
National Marine Fisheries Service
Southeast Region
NEWS RELEASE
9721 Executive Center Drive, North,
St. Petersburg, Florida  33702

SERO NR98-058

Contact:   Chris Smith,                 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
           Public Affairs Officer       October 23, 1998                       
           David Bernhart,                                                      
           NMFS SE Region Protected
           Resources Division,

NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE NOTIFIES MISSISSIPPI AND EASTERN LOUISIANA SHRIMPERS OF ALTERNATIVE TO THE USE OF TURTLE EXCLUDER DEVICES IN INSHORE WATERS

The National Marine Fisheries Service has authorized the use of limited tow times by shrimp trawlers in inshore waters in Mississippi and eastern Louisiana as an alternative to the requirement to use Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs). This exemption is for a 30-day period beginning today. This exemption applies to all of Mississippi's inshore waters and the Louisiana inshore waters lying north and east of the Mississippi River, to its terminus at South Pass. Inshore waters are landward of the 72 COLREGS demarcation line, where Inland Navigation Rules apply.

Through October 31, 1998, a shrimp trawler utilizing this authorization must limit tow times to no more than 55 minutes, measured from the time trawl doors enter the water until they are retrieved from the water. From November 1, 1998 through November 21, 1998 tow times must be limited to no more than 75 minutes.

This exemption was granted in response to requests from William Perrett, the Director of Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, and James H. Jenkins, Jr., the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, because of the effects caused by Hurricane Georges. On September 27, 1998, Hurricane Georges hit the Mississippi coast. The hurricane remained nearly stationary over the coastal area for about two days and deposited as much as 36 inches of rain on some areas.

"Most of the coastal rivers in Mississippi exceeded flood stage and deposited large amounts of debris into [Mississippi Sound], which has resulted in problems for shrimpers," said Perrett. "When TEDs become clogged they can no longer effectively exclude sea turtles, possibly increasing the chance of mortality to these endangered animals."

NMFS' granting of this exemption is consistent with sea turtle conservation regulations which provide for the use of limited tow times as an alternative to the use of TEDs under certain special circumstances. The use of TEDs or limited tow times is required to prevent the accidental capture and drowning of sea turtles in shrimp trawls. This exemption does not authorize any other departure from the TED requirements, such as sewing TEDs shut.

"I want to emphasize that this exemption is for 30 days only and was granted at Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Perrett's request. The state has agreed to provide continuous verification of the need for this exemption and enforcement of the tow time limits," said Andrew Kemmerer, the Administrator for NMFS' Southeast Region. "NMFS and the state will monitor the situation to ensure that sea turtles are protected."

NMFS encourages shrimp trawlers in Mississippi and eastern Louisiana inshore waters to continue to use TEDs if possible. Shrimpers who opt to use restricted tow times under this authorization are reminded that any turtles captured must be handled with care, resuscitated if necessary, and returned to the water.

This and other Southeast Regional news releases are available on the SERO Internet home page at http://caldera.sero.nmfs.gov or NOAA's news page at http://www.noaa.gov/public-affairs/press98.html

The Fisheries Service is an agency of the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Fisheries Service conducts scientific research and provides services and products to support fisheries management, fisheries development, trade and industry assistance, enforcement, and protected species and habitat conservation programs.