NEW ORLEANS - Four environmental groups Wednesday accused a federal agency of stalling rules that would force shrimpers to haul larger ``turtle excluder devices'' in their nets. <br>
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TEDS are cage-like trap-door contraptions sewn into shrimp nets. They are designed as escape hatches for turtles that might otherwise drown after getting swept up in the nets. However, the environmental groups say current regulations do not provide for openings large enough to save larger species. <br>
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Shrimpers have long complained that TEDS cause them to lose significant amounts of their catch. Environmentalists say studies show shrimp loss is minimal. <br>
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Bringing a new element to the flap over TEDS are regulations proposed last year by the National federal Marine Fisheries Service. <br>
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The Oceana Sea Turtle Restoration Network, the Humane Society of the United State, the Center for Biological Diversity and Defenders of Wildlife issued a join news release Wednesday. <br>
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In part, it said ``Ten months ago, NMFS proposed a rule to require larger TED openings but has, to date, delayed issuing the final regulation that would implement the change.'' <br>
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The groups said failure to promptly issue the regulations will result in a lawsuit in 60 days. <br>
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About 200 shrimpers attended a public hearing last November in Kenner. Members of Louisiana's congressional delegation have been fighting the rule, particularly Republican Representative Billy Tauzin, who represents part of coastal Louisiana and is chairman of the powerful House Commerce Committee. He has been lobbying hard against implementation of the rules since they were proposed. <br>
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In Georgia, wildlife officials say 137 dead turtles washed up on the state's beaches during the first six months of 2002. Officials said most were caught in shrimpers' nets and drowned.
