Sea Turtle Conservation; Shrimp Trawling Requirements; Turtle Excluder Device Exemption

NMFS temporarily amends the regulations protecting sea turtles to allow compliance with tow-time limits as an alternative to the use of turtle excluder devices (TEDs) by shrimp trawlers in a 30-square mile (48.3-square km) area off the coast of North Carolina (North Carolina restricted area) through November 30, 1995. This area seasonally exhibits high concentrations of red and brown algae that make trawling with TEDs impracticable. Specific tow-time limits are required as follows: A 30-minute tow limit through August 15, 1995; a 55-minute tow limit from August 16 through October 31, 1995; and a 75- minute tow limit from November 1 through November 30, 1995. The purpose of this temporary rule is to allow shrimp trawlers to harvest shrimp efficiently during their traditional shrimping season (March through November) and maintain adequate protection for sea turtles in this area.