Extension of the Authorized Restricted Tow Times in Lieu of Turtle Excluder Devices for an Additional 30 Days by Shrimp Trawlers in Specific Louisiana Waters
NMFS issues this temporary rule for a period of 30 days, to allow shrimp fishers to use limited tow times as an alternative to Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in specific Louisiana State waters (from 91[deg]23' West longitude eastward to the Louisiana/Mississippi border, and seaward out 3 nautical miles (5.6 kilometers)). This action is necessary because environmental conditions resulting from Hurricane Ida are preventing fishers from using TEDs effectively.