In two separate incidents, Louisiana Department of Fish and Wildlife (LDFW) agents cited commercial shrimpers for making unauthorized modifications to their turtle excluder devices (TED).
A TED is a grid of bars that blocks larger animals – like turtles – from entering a commercial fishing net while allowing smaller animals – like shrimp – to pass through into the net. The devices are required by federal regulations in order to protect endangered and threatened turtle populations.
During a 17 August patrol, LDFW agents stopped a commercial shrimping vessel being operated by Morgan City, Louisiana, U.S.A. resident Brent Boudreaux in Oyster Bayou. An inspection revealed that Boudreaux had tied the ends of the TED’s flaps in a crisscross method – an unapproved modification, according to LDFW. Law enforcement seized 155 pounds of shrimp from the vessel, which was later sold to the highest bidder.
A day later, LDFW agents conducted another compliance stop on a commercial shrimping vessel operated by Morgan City resident Thomas Ackman. Agents again found an unauthorized modification, with plastic cable ties being used to hold the flaps of the TED closed on his skimmer nets. LDFW seized 18 pounds of shrimp, which were again sold to the highest bidder.
Both violations carry a fine of up to USD 350 (EUR 301).
On 28 August, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit rejected a challenge to some TED requirements brought by the Louisiana Shrimpers Association. While the shrimpers argued that there wasn’t enough evidence to justify TED requirements for some vessels, both federal courts found that NOAA Fisheries presented enough documentation to support the regulation.
“We are delighted by this current ruling that will reduce the number of sea turtles from drowning in large shrimp nets, but we will continue to advocate for TEDs to be required in all skimmer trawls to prevent the continuing cruel and unnecessary drowning of these gentle endangered turtles,” Turtle Island Restoration Network Ocean Director Joanie Steinhaus said in a release.
