Source: NCDENR, 7/23/21
A new turtle excluder device
(TED) requirement for larger skimmer trawl vessels will take effect Aug. 1. A
federal rule change will require that a TED be
installed in any net that is rigged for fishing on skimmer trawl vessels that
are 40 feet or greater in length. The rule change pertains to the entire Southeastern United States
shrimp fishery, including North Carolina waters. A
skimmer trawl is a type of shrimp trawl net that is fished from booms on the
side of the vessel, which allows fishermen to more quickly cull their catch
than with traditional otter trawls that are dragged behind the boat. A TED is a
grid of bars that is fitted into the neck of a shrimp trawl that allows small
marine animals, such as shrimp, to pass through, but keeps larger animals, like
sea turtles from capture. While
NOAA Fisheries has required the use of TEDs in all otter trawl nets since 1992,
it has not required the use of TEDs in skimmer trawl nets. The new federal rule
is meant to further protect sea turtles under the Endangered Species Act. For more information, see the NOAA Fishery Bulletin or contact Kevin Brown, N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries gear
biologist, at Kevin.H.Brown@ncdenr.gov or Chris Stewart, the division’s shrimp biologist, at Chris.Stewart@ncdenr.gov.
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