NOAA Fisheries is considering new regulations in the shrimp fishery of the southeastern United States. Citing new information that sea turtles are vulnerable to capture by skimmer trawls and that tow times may not be as effective in reducing bycatch-related mortality as turtle excluder devices, NOAA is considering new regulations. NOAA will host two public meetings in Louisiana to discuss and receive input from fishermen and other constituents on this issue.
Meeting schedule is below:
- Larose, LA -- April 18, 2016, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m., Larose Regional Park and Civic Center, 307 East 5th Street, Larose, LA 70373.
- Belle Chasse, LA -- April 19, 2016, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m., Belle Chasse Community Center, 8398 Highway 23, Belle Chasse, LA 70037.
Commercial shrimpers are encouraged to provide their input regarding potential changes to shrimp regulations.
Below are links to documents created by NOAA to help you prepare for the public meetings.
NOAA FAQs
NOAA Scoping Document