Sea Turtle Conservation: Restrictions Applicable to Shrimp Trawling Activities; Modification of Additional Turtle Excluder Device Requirements Within Certain Statistical Zones

NMFS is modifying the temporary requirements effective April 30, and published on May 3, 1995, to protect sea turtles from shrimp trawling activities in some portions of the Gulf of Mexico. This modification to the temporary requirements is being made to ease a burdensome requirement on shrimp trawlers while still providing protection for sea turtles. The modification partially rescinds the temporary prohibition on the use of try nets by shrimp trawlers in the areas subject to the temporary requirements, unless the try nets are equipped with NMFS-approved TEDs other than soft or bottom-opening TEDs, by allowing try nets with a headrope length of 12 feet (3.6 m) or less and a footrope length of 15 feet (4.5 m) or less to be used without a TED installed. All other requirements, including the boundary of the affected areas remain unchanged.