Regulations

NOAA Fisheries Announces a Temporary Rule Extending Use of Limited Tow Times in Lieu of TEDs

raised TEDs and nets

NOAA Fisheries is publishing a temporary rule to allow shrimp fishers to continue to use limited tow times as an alternative to Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in specific Louisiana state waters from 91° 23’ West longitude eastward to the Louisiana/Mississippi border, and seaward out three nautical miles. This temporary rule…

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NOAA Announces a Temp Rule Authorizing Tow Times in Lieu of TEDS in Some Areas

shrimp boat Grand Isle Louisiana

NOAA Fisheries is publishing a temporary rule to allow shrimp fishers to use limited tow times as an alternative to Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in specific Louisiana state waters from 91° 23’ West longitude eastward to the Louisiana/Mississippi border, and seaward out three nautical miles. This temporary rule is effective…

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Implementation of the Vessel Monitoring System Reporting Requirements for Federally Permitted Charter and Headboat Vessels Delayed

charter boat deckhand gets fish on line for customer

Key Message: NOAA Fisheries is delaying the implementation of the Gulf of Mexico vessel monitoring system (VMS) requirement for the Southeast For-Hire Integrated Electronic Reporting Program from December 13, 2021, to March 1, 2022. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council requested the VMS requirement with the intention of enhancing…

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NOAA Announces Survey Participation Requirement for GOM Federal For-Hire Permit Holders

Young man on charter boat holding bent rod with fish on line

As part of the Southeast For-Hire Integrated Electronic Reporting (SEFHIER) program, NOAA Fisheries is implementing an independent, dockside intercept survey called the SEFHIER Validation Survey. Vessels with federal for-hire permits for Gulf Reef Fish or Gulf Coastal Migratory Pelagic Fish are required to participate in the SEFHIER Validation Survey. When: Effective…

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Temporary TED Exemption for Skimmer Vessels 40’ in Length or Greater

shrimp boat at work

On September 9, 2021, the Honorable Jane Triche Milazzo, United States District Judge, granted a motion from the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) for a preliminary injunction on the federal TED requirements on skimmer vessels 40 feet in length or greater.  This order delays implementation of the requirements of…

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Additional Meeting Dates for Skimmer Turtle Excluder Device Reimbursement Program (STEDRP) Announced

raised TEDs and nets

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is extending the Skimmer Turtle Excluder Device Reimbursement Program (STEDRP), which will reimburse up to 60 percent of the cost for two skimmer TEDs. The goal of the Louisiana cost-share program is to provide financial relief to fishermen who need to purchase…

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NOAA: Modifications to Vessel Monitoring System Reporting Requirements for Gulf Charter and Headboat Vessels

NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule that will establish Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) reporting requirements for Charter and Headboat Vessels with Gulf reef fish and Gulf coastal migratory pelagic federal permits. Regulations will be effective December 13, 2021. What This Means: The vessel owners or operators must install NOAA Fisheries…

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Changes to the Cellular Electronic Logbook Program for GOM Shrimp Permit Holders

shrimp boat

NOAA Fisheries is working to improve the quality of information available for the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fishery. This bulletin provides federal shrimp permit holders with an overview of the new changes occurring with the Cellular Electronic Logbook Program. Having appropriate and current data enables the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management…

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Delay in the Effective Date for the Final Rule to Require Turtle Excluder Device Use for all Skimmers

shrimp boat

NOAA Fisheries is delaying the effective date of the final rule amending the definition of tow time and requiring the use of TEDs designed to exclude small sea turtles in their nets in skimmer trawls 40 feet in length and greater in the Southeastern U.S. shrimp fisheries until August 1,…

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