A repeal of a state turtle-excluder device enforcement prohibition passed Wednesday (April 29) through the state House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment. The bill would repeal state legislation adopted in 1987 that prohibits Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents from enforcing federal turtle-excluder device regulations.

Louisiana Shrimp Task Force members voted unanimously April 1 to support the repeal after environmental groups have long pushed for better enforcement of the use of such devices in shrimp trawls. Often referred to as TEDs, they help prevent turtles from being trapped in shrimp nets.

Louisiana is the only state in the country that prohibits its agents from enforcing compliance with those TED regulations.

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