NMFS issues this temporary authorization for a period of 30 days, to allow the use of limited tow times by shrimp trawlers as an alternative to the use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in the state waters of Alabama and Mississippi, and the state waters of Louisiana from the Mississippi/Louisiana border to a line at 90[deg] 03' 00" West longitude (approximately the west end of Grand Isle). This action is necessary because excessive debris as a result of Hurricane Ivan may affect fishermen's ability to use TEDs effectively. When a TED is clogged with debris, it can no longer catch shrimp effectively nor can it effectively exclude turtles.