The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries believes there is no opposition from fishermen, fishing industry businesses and fishing communities to the implementation of TED"S (Turtle excluder devices) in inland skimmer nets. In addition, they believe there is no opposition to the implementation of an onboard observer program for our vessels.
There is no science to justify new regulations. This is the government bowing under pressure and threats of litigation over turtle deaths caused by the BP oil/dispersant disaster. Certain ENGO's are blaming the shrimpers for turtle deaths and using the oil spill to fix a problem the fishermen did not cause in the first place. Our skimmers are not killing turtles. Before the BP spill, TED tests in Louisiana inland waters, in skimmers, proved they are not needed. Turtle deaths had already declined significantly, at the same time, shrimpers were using skimmers without TED's, in Louisiana State waters. They are not needed to protect turtles in Louisiana inland waters. Fishermen and fishing communities are suffering along with the turtles.
ACTION: We, the undersigned groups and individuals ask the Louisiana Shrimp Task Force and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to oppose instituting requirements for the use of Turtle Excluder Devices in skimmer nets in Louisiana State waters. In addition, we ask the Louisiana Shrimp Task Force and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to oppose the use of observers on fishing vessels in Louisiana State waters.
