[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 98 (Monday, May 21, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29905-29913]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-12014]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 223

[Docket No. 120427423-2423-02]
RIN 0648-AW93


Sea Turtle Conservation; Shrimp and Summer Flounder Trawling 
Requirements

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This rule revises the turtle excluder device (TED) 
requirements to allow the use of new materials and to modify existing 
approved TED designs. Specifically, this rule allows using flat bar, 
rectangular pipe, and oval pipe as construction material in currently-
approved TED grids; using a brace bar on hard TEDs; increasing the 
maximum mesh size on escape flaps from 1\5/8\ to 2 inches (4.1 to 5.1 
cm); including the Boone Big Boy TED for use in the shrimp fisheries; 
using three large TED and Boone Wedge Cut escape openings; and using 
the Chauvin shrimp deflector to improve shrimp retention. This rule 
also adds a TED for use in the summer flounder fishery. Additionally, 
the rule corrects the TED regulations to rectify an oversight regarding 
the maximum size chain that can be used on the Parker TED escape 
opening flap.

DATES: The effective date of this rule is June 20, 2012.

ADDRESSES: NMFS, Southeast Regional Office, Protected Resources 
Division, 263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5505.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Barnette, NMFS, Southeast 
Regional Office, at the address above, or at (727) 824-5312.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On September 2, 2010, we proposed modifying the TED requirements, 
and solicited public comments on allowable TED modifications and 
additional certified TED designs (75 FR 53925). A detailed description 
of the alternative construction materials and TED designs

[[Page 29906]]

is provided in the proposed rule and is not repeated here.

Summary of Comments Received

    In response to our request for public comments, we received written 
comments from four commenters.
    Comment 1: The Boone Wedge Cut escape opening did not pass the 
small turtle testing protocol when used in a bottom-opening 
configuration. Therefore, it should not be certified for use as a 
bottom-opening TED.
    Response: During the June 2008 small turtle TED testing, the Boone 
Big Boy TED was tested in a bottom-opening configuration. Sinkey Boone 
installed this TED at an angle of 54 degrees, and included the Boone 
Wedge Cut escape opening. We used a 32-inch by 44-inch bent-bar TED 
installed at 53 degrees with a double cover flap as the control TED in 
both a top- and bottom-opening configuration to test the configuration. 
In a sample size of 25 turtles each, the top-opening control TED 
captured 0 turtles while the bottom-opening control TED captured 1 
turtle. A turtle is considered captured if it fails to escape through 
the TED within 5 minutes.
    Based on the performance of the control TED to be considered a 
viable alternative any candidate TED in a top-opening configuration 
must capture no more than 1 turtle, while a candidate TED in a bottom-
opening configuration must capture no more than 3 turtles, based on the 
statistical protocol of the ``small turtle test'' (55 FR 41092, October 
9, 1990). The test results for the bottom-opening Boone Big Boy TED at 
54 degrees with the Boone Wedge Cut escape opening were 24 escapes and 
1 capture with a mean escape time of 44.3 seconds. Accordingly, the 
bottom-opening Boone Big Boy TED passes the statistical protocol for 
the small turtle test.
    Comment 2: The Boone Wedge Cut escape opening was not tested at the 
maximum proposed angle of 55 degrees in a top-opening configuration. 
Previous testing has shown that changes in a few degrees of TED angle 
at 45 degrees with a straight-bar grid can have significant effects on 
sea turtle mortality. The Boone Wedge Cut escape opening in the top-
opening configuration should not be certified above 50 degrees until 
further testing is conducted. Additionally, the Boone Big Boy TED and 
Boone Wedge Cut escape opening should be retested using maximum 
allowable TED angles and should not be considered for certification 
unless they pass small turtle testing protocol for both top- and 
bottom-opening configurations.
    Response: The Boone Wedge Cut escape opening was first evaluated in 
Panama City in June 2002. The Boone Wedge Cut escape opening consists 
of installing a webbing wedge in the TED extension as an alternative to 
removing the extension webbing for the TED escape opening. The Boone 
Wedge Cut escape opening modification was tested under the leatherback 
sea turtle model test using a 32-inch bent-bar TED and failed. The 
Boone Wedge Cut escape opening was not evaluated with the small turtle 
test at that time.
    In 2003, the Boone Wedge Cut escape opening was submitted for small 
turtle testing as an alternate method of achieving the required minimum 
71-inch escape opening. The Boone Wedge Cut escape opening was 
installed into a bottom-opening, straight-bar grid with 2-inch bar 
spacing installed at an angle of 55 degrees. As a control, we used a 
TED with a top-opening 32-inch by 44-inch bent-bar. In a sample size of 
25 turtles, the bottom-opening control TED captured 0 turtles. Based on 
the performance of the control TED, a candidate TED could capture no 
more than 1 turtle to pass, based on the statistical protocol of the 
``small turtle test'' (55 FR 41092, October 9, 1990). The Boone Wedge 
Cut escape opening captured 2 turtles by interactions with chafing rope 
near the escape opening during testing, and so failed the small turtle 
test.
    In 2004, the Boone Wedge Cut escape opening was tested with a Boone 
Big Boy TED installed at 53-degrees in a top-opening configuration. The 
frame was wrapped with 0.25-inch polypropylene rope as chafing gear. 
Prior evaluations of this style TED (i.e., 2003 testing) demonstrated 
that straight-bar TEDs in a bottom-opening configuration with 0.50-inch 
rope chafing gear present a problem for turtle exclusion, as turtles 
can get hung up on this rope. We used a 32-inch by 44-inch bent-bar TED 
installed at 53 degrees with a double cover flap as the control TED. In 
a sample size of 25 turtles, the top-opening control TED captured 2 
turtles. Based on the performance of the control TED, a candidate TED 
must capture no more than 4 turtles to pass the ``small turtle test'' 
(55 FR 41092, October 9, 1990). The Boone Wedge Cut escape opening and 
frame wrapped with 0.25-inch polypropylene rope captured 0 turtles, and 
therefore passes the statistical protocol for the small turtle test.
    In summary, the Boone Wedge Cut escape opening passed the small 
turtle testing protocol at 53 degrees in a top-opening configuration 
and at 54 degrees in a bottom-opening configuration. Previous testing 
and rulemaking established 55 degrees as the maximum allowable TED 
installation angle, as the likelihood of turtle entrapment does begin 
to increase greatly at angles steeper than that threshold. The testing 
of the Boone Wedge Cut escape opening and frame wrapped with 0.25-inch 
polypropylene rope demonstrates that it may be approved in both top- 
and bottom-opening configurations at TED angles up to the maximum 
allowable angle for hard TEDs.
    Comment 3: The original Parker TED design did not pass the small 
turtle testing protocol due to serious design flaws; sea turtles were 
entangled and captured in the large mesh ramp designed to deflect 
turtles to the escape opening. The large mesh ramp may potentially 
entangle and drown turtles, particularly when the net has been 
stretched from daily use. All certification testing was conducted with 
new nets that were not in daily use. The Parker TED should be re-
evaluated with the small turtle testing protocol, remote cameras, and 
nets that have been well-used by fishermen.
    Response: Soft TEDs have been evaluated using the small turtle 
testing protocol since 1988. After many trials throughout the years, we 
developed a successful TED, called the ``Parker'' TED, which used a 22-
mesh panel installed with 8-inch mesh in the body and 4-inch mesh in 
the wings, with the 4-inch mesh extending all the way to the apex 
(escape opening). During small turtle testing protocol testing in 1997, 
this Parker TED design worked well and did not exhibit any pocketing 
that would allow a turtle to become trapped. In a sample size of 25 
turtles, this Parker TED design captured 0 turtles.
    Since that testing, we have learned much about the proper technique 
of installing a soft panel in a trawl to prevent small turtles from 
becoming trapped. Extensive testing has demonstrated that the correct 
taper and correct mesh size are essential components for an effective 
soft TED. As with hard TEDs, the soft TED must be maintained to assure 
effectiveness and compliance with TED regulations, and mesh stretching 
is not unique to the soft TED. It is possible that large mesh stretches 
in the soft TED panel over time, and fishermen using this TED need to 
check mesh sizes in these panels to ensure that meshes have not become 
stretched beyond the allowable specifications. For these reasons, we 
disagree that the Parker TED needs to be re-evaluated.
    Comment 4: The Boone Big Boy TED submitted to NMFS for testing was 
constructed of steel rod with a minimum outside diameter of \1/2\ inch 
for the frame and with 4-inch bar

[[Page 29907]]

spacing; however, the Boone Big Boy TED is typically constructed of 
steel rod with a minimum outside diameter of \3/8\ inch for the frame 
and with 2-inch bar spacing. The Boone Big Boy TED should allow use of 
\3/8\-inch steel rod for construction of the TED frame.
    Response: TED integrity is relevant to sea turtle exclusion or 
escapement, and we established minimum construction material 
requirements to maintain TED integrity and performance during fishing 
operations. Based upon many years of experience designing, testing and 
monitoring TEDs, NMFS' gear specialists with the Southeast Fisheries 
Science Center's Harvesting Systems and Engineering Branch have 
determined a \1/8\-inch difference in steel rod diameter will (or does) 
not negatively affect the structural integrity of the Boone Big Boy 
TED, nor does it adversely affect sea turtle exclusion. As an example, 
the minimum outside diameter for steel rod used in a standard single-
grid hard TED (i.e., minimum horizontal and vertical measurement of 32 
inches) is \1/4\ inch. As the dimensions for a single-grid hard TED are 
minimums, one could legally construct, for example, a single-grid hard 
TED with horizontal and vertical measurements of 36.5 and 48 inches, 
respectively, with a \1/4\-inch steel rod frame, which would be the 
same as the dimensions of the Boone Big Boy TED. Single-grid hard TEDs 
with these dimensions have passed the small turtle test escapement 
protocols. Therefore, this final rule specifies a \3/8\-inch minimum 
outside diameter of steel rod for the Boone Big Boy TED, not the \1/2\-
inch diameter originally included in the proposed rule.
    Comment 5: Alternative management actions, such as the use of sea 
turtle grow-out facilities operated by the commercial fishing industry 
or electronic avoidance equipment, should be utilized instead of TEDs 
to reduce sea turtle interactions.
    Response: While there may be alternative measures to reduce sea 
turtle bycatch in trawl fisheries, the submitted suggestions are beyond 
the scope of this action. At this time, NMFS cannot add or substitute 
actions to a rule that were not originally proposed. Nevertheless, NMFS 
appreciates the input and contribution from the public on the need and 
appropriateness of alternative options. NMFS continues to consider 
alternative measures, and if we determine such measures become 
appropriate, we will propose them in a future rulemaking.
    Comment 6: Fishermen should be involved in TED development, and 
should be financially rewarded for innovation in reducing sea turtle 
interactions.
    Response: NMFS agrees that fishermen should be involved in TED 
development. We note that the new materials and alternative designs 
included in this rule were tested, developed, and advocated by 
commercial fishermen. However, while we agree that fishermen should be 
(and are) involved in TED development, offering financial incentives or 
awards for TED development is beyond the scope of this action.

Summary of Changes From the Proposed Rule

    Based on the comments received, we have made one substantive change 
to the proposed rule. As noted above, the proposed rule stated the 
Boone Big Boy TED was to be constructed of steel rod with a minimum 
outside diameter of \1/2\ inch. Based on further evaluation, however, 
we decided that steel rod with a minimum outside diameter of \3/8\ inch 
was acceptable for use in the construction of the Boone Big Boy TED.

Summary of Revisions to the TED Requirements

    As a result of documented testing and evaluations, this rule 
authorizes: Using \1/4\ inch (0.63 cm) thick and 1\1/2\ inch (3.8 cm) 
deep flat bar, and rectangular and oval pipe meeting the current 
minimum dimensions cited at 50 CFR 223.207(a)(1) as construction 
materials in currently-approved TED grids; increasing maximum mesh size 
on escape flaps from 1\5/8\ to 2 inches (4.1 to 5.1 cm); including the 
Boone Big Boy TED for use in the shrimp fisheries; using three large 
TED and Boone Wedge Cut escape openings; using the Chauvin Shrimp 
Deflector in a top-opening TED configuration to improve shrimp 
retention; using a horizontal brace bar on a TED to increase the 
strength of the grid and prevent flexing of the vertical deflector 
bars; and using the modified founder TED in the summer founder fishery. 
This rule also corrects an error regarding the maximum size chain that 
can be used on the Parker TED escape opening flap.

Certifications

    At the proposed rule stage for this action, the Chief Counsel for 
Regulation of the Department of Commerce certified to the Chief Counsel 
for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration that this rule would 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. Therefore, a Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis was not 
required. The factual basis leading to the certification is set forth 
below.
    This rule would not impose any new requirements on fishing entities 
in the southeastern shrimp fisheries. An exact number of total fishing 
entities in the southeastern shrimp fisheries is unavailable, though 
approximately 5,000 vessels are estimated to be currently active. This 
rule simply allows fishermen, at their discretion, to use a alternative 
TEDs in their shrimp nets. NMFS expects fishermen will make these 
decisions only when they will result in improved fishing performance 
without a substantial increase in cost. As a result, any effects are 
expected to be positive and no adverse economic impacts are expected to 
accrue.
    This final rule has been determined to be not significant for the 
purposes of Executive Order 12866.
    The Endangered Species Act provides the statutory basis for the 
rule.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 223

    Endangered and threatened species; Exports; Imports; 
Transportation.

    Dated: May 11, 2012.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Acting Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 223 is amended 
as follows:

PART 223--THREATENED MARINE AND ANADROMOUS SPECIES.

0
1. The authority citation for part 223 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 1531-1543; subpart B, Sec.  223.201-202 
also issued under 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 5503(d) for 
Sec.  223.206(d)(9).


0
2. In Sec.  223.207:
0
a. Paragraph (a)(1)(i) introductory text is revised;
0
b. Paragraph (a)(1)(i)(C) is revised;
0
c. New paragraph (a)(1)(i)(D) is added;
0
d. Paragraphs (a)(7)(ii)(D) and (a)(7)(ii)(E) are added;
0
e. New paragraphs (b)(3) and (b)(4) are added;
0
f. Paragraph (c)(1)(iv)(B) is revised;
0
g. Paragraphs (d)(3) introductory text and (d)(3)(iii) are revised; and
0
h. Paragraphs (d)(3)(iv), (d)(8), and (d)(9) are added.
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  223.207  Approved TEDs.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) Single-grid and inshore hooped hard TED. A single-grid hard TED 
or an

[[Page 29908]]

inshore hooped hard TED must be constructed of one or a combination of 
the following materials, unless otherwise specifically restricted 
below, with minimum dimensions as follows:
* * * * *
    (C) Steel or aluminum round, oval, or rectangular tubing with a 
minimum outside diameter or width of \1/2\ inch (1.27 cm) and a minimum 
wall thickness of \1/8\ inch (0.32 cm; also known as schedule 40 
tubing).
    (D) Steel or aluminum flat bar with dimensions no less than \1/4\ 
inch (0.64 cm) in thickness by 1\1/2\ inches (3.85 cm) in depth. For 
flat bar less than \3/8\ inch (0.95 cm) in thickness, a horizontal 
brace bar to reinforce the deflector bars must be permanently attached 
to the frame and the rear face of each of the deflector bars within 4 
inches (10.2 cm) of the midpoint of the TED frame. The horizontal brace 
bar must be constructed of approved material consistent with paragraph 
(a)(1)(i) of this section. The horizontal brace bar may be offset 
behind the deflector bars, using spacer bars, not to exceed 5 inches 
(12.7 cm) in length and constructed of the same size or larger flat bar 
as the deflector bars.
* * * * *
    (7) * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (D) Boone Wedge Cut opening. (Figure 17 to this part). The escape 
opening is made by making two cuts in the TED extension; one cut is 
fore and aft (i.e., along the length of the extension) and the other 
cut is horizontal to the extension. The horizontal cut is 50 meshes 
long and begins at a point 4 inches (10.2 cm) inward from the outside 
edge of the grid on one side and runs to the same point on the opposite 
side of the grid. The fore and aft cut begins in the middle of the 
horizontal cut and runs forward 49.5 inches (125.7 cm) toward the front 
edge of the TED extension. The added wedge of webbing is attached along 
its two leading edges to the edges of the fore and aft cut. The webbing 
wedge is made of 1\7/8\ inch (4.8 cm) webbing and must have at least 41 
meshes measuring at least 72 inches wide (182.9 cm) along its base (aft 
edge). The height of the wedge must measure at least 48.5 inches (123 
cm). The top of the wedge is two bars across the leading edge then cut 
with a 1 point then 6 bar taper. A webbing flap, as described in 
paragraph (d)(3)(iv) of this section, may be used with this escape 
opening, so long as the minimum opening size is achieved.
    (E) Large TED openings. (Figures 18a, 18b, and 18c to this part). 
Large TED escape openings may be utilized in the following 
configurations:
    (1) A triangular cut (Figure 18a to this part), where the base of 
the triangle is defined by a straight-line measurement of the opening 
between the webbing attachment points on the TED frame that is no less 
than 40 inches (102 cm). The two side cuts of the triangle must be an 
all-bar taper from the point at which the webbing attaches to the TED 
frame to the apex of the triangle cut. Each side cut of the triangle 
must measure no less than 53 inches (135 cm). The sum of the straight-
line base measurement and two side cuts must be no less than 147 inches 
(373 cm). The side cuts of the triangular opening may be reinforced 
using rib lines attached from the TED frame to the apex of the opening. 
A webbing flap, as described in either paragraph (d)(3)(ii) or 
(d)(3)(iii) of this section, may be used with this escape opening, so 
long as the minimum opening size is achieved.
    (2) All-bar or all-points side cuts and a horizontal leading edge 
cut (Figures 18b and 18c to this part), where the straight-line 
measurement of the opening between the webbing attachment points on the 
TED frame may not be less than 40 inches (102 cm), and the two side 
cuts of the escape opening must not be less than 26 inches (66 cm) long 
from the points of the cut immediately forward of the TED frame. Only 
all-bar or all-points side cuts may be used; no combination tapers may 
be used when making the side cuts. The sum of the straight-line base 
measurement and the stretched measurements of the side cuts and leading 
edge cut must be no less than 147 inches (373 cm). A webbing flap, as 
described in either paragraph (d)(3)(ii) or (d)(3)(iii) of this 
section, may be used with this escape opening, so long as the minimum 
opening size is achieved.
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) Boone Big Boy TED. The Boone Big Boy TED is a single-grid hard 
TED with a minimum outside horizontal and vertical measurement of 36.5 
inches (92.7 cm) and 48 inches (121.9 cm), respectively. The frame must 
be constructed of steel rod with a minimum outside diameter of \3/8\ 
inch (0.95 cm). The deflector bars must be constructed of steel rod 
with a minimum outside diameter of \1/4\ inch (0.64 cm). The space 
between the deflector bars must not exceed 4 inches (10.2 cm). A 
horizontal brace bar constructed of at least \1/4\-inch (0.64-cm) steel 
rod must be permanently attached to the frame and the rear face of each 
of the deflector bars within 4 inches (10.2 cm) of the midpoint of the 
TED frame. The horizontal brace bar may be offset behind the deflector 
bars, using spacer bars, not to exceed 5 inches (12.7 cm) in length and 
must be constructed of the same size or larger material as the 
deflector bars. The Boone Big Boy TED must be used with the Boone Wedge 
Cut escape opening specified in (a)(7)(ii)(D) of this section. The 
angle of the deflector bars must be between 30[deg] and 55[deg] from 
the normal, horizontal flow through the interior of the trawl. The 
Boone Big Boy TED is exempt from the requirements of paragraph 
(a)(3)(ii) of this section, and may be installed at 55[deg] when 
fishing in the Gulf SFSTCA or the Atlantic SFSTCA.
    (4) Modified flounder TED. (Figure 11 to this part). The modified 
flounder TED is approved for use only in the Atlantic summer flounder 
bottom trawl fishery. The modified flounder TED is not an approved TED 
for use by shrimp trawlers. The modified flounder TED incorporates two 
separate grid frames that are attached together. The frames of the 
grids must be constructed of at least 1\1/4\ inch (3.2 cm) outside 
diameter aluminum or steel pipe with a wall thickness of at least \1/8\ 
inch (0.32 cm). Each of the two grids of the modified flounder TED must 
have outside dimensions of at least 36 inches (91.4 cm) in height and 
at least 48 inches (121.9 cm) in width. The upper grid is equipped with 
vertical deflector bars, which must be constructed of aluminum or steel 
flat bar with a minimum depth of 1\1/4\ inches (3.2 cm) and a minimum 
thickness of \3/8\ inch (0.95 cm). Vertical deflector bars must be 
connected to the top and bottom of the upper grid. The space between 
the deflector bars of the upper grid must not exceed 4 inches (10.2 
cm). The lower grid is fabricated with both horizontal and vertical 
deflector bars, creating four narrow horizontal openings at the top, 
and three large rectangular openings along the bottom of the grid. The 
lower grid must have at least three horizontal deflector bars, 
constructed of aluminum or steel flat bar with a minimum depth of 1\1/
2\ inches (3.8 cm) and a minimum thickness of \3/8\ inch (0.95 cm), 
which are connected to each side of the grid and angled at 30[deg] from 
the horizontal plane. Below this, a fourth horizontal deflector bar 
must be constructed of aluminum or steel pipe with a wall thickness of 
at least \1/8\ inch (0.32 cm) and with a 1\1/4\ inch (3.2 cm) outside 
diameter. These horizontal deflector bars must yield maximum spacings 
of 4\1/2\ inches (11.4 cm), 5\1/2\ inches (14.0 cm), 5\1/2\ inches 
(14.0 cm), and 4\1/2\ inches (11.4 cm), as constructed from

[[Page 29909]]

top to bottom and measured between the leading edges of adjacent 
deflector bars. There must be a maximum 10-inch (25.4 cm) space between 
the bottom-most horizontal deflector pipe bar and the grid frame 
bottom. Two additional vertical pipe sections running from the bottom 
of the grid frame to the bottom-most horizontal deflector pipe bar must 
divide the opening at the bottom into three rectangles, each with a 
maximum height of 10 inches (25.4 cm) and a maximum width of 14 inches 
(35.6 cm). This TED must comply with paragraph (a)(2) of this section. 
The upper and lower grids of this TED must be laced together with heavy 
twine no less than \1/4\ inch (0.64 cm) in diameter in order to 
maintain a consistent angle in both sections. There may be a gap 
between the two sections not to exceed 1 inch (2.54 cm). The angle of 
the entire TED frame must be between 30[deg] and 45[deg] from the 
normal, horizontal flow through the interior of the trawl. The entire 
width of the escape opening from the trawl must be centered on and 
immediately forward of the frame at the top of the net when the net is 
in its deployed position. The slope of the grids and the vertical 
deflector bars from forward to aft is upward. The modified flounder TED 
must use an escape opening consistent with paragraph (a)(7)(ii)(B), 
(C), (D), or (E) of this section. A webbing flap, as described in 
paragraphs (d)(3)(ii), (iii), or (iv) of this section, may be used with 
this escape opening, so long as the minimum opening size is achieved. 
This TED may not be configured with a bottom escape opening. 
Installation of an accelerator funnel is not permitted with this TED.
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iv) * * *
    (B) Offshore opening. A horizontal cut extending from the 
attachment of one side of the deflector panel to the trawl to the 
attachment of the other side of the deflector panel to the trawl must 
be made in a single row of meshes across the top of the trawl and 
measure at least 96 inches (243.8 cm) in taut width. All trawl webbing 
above the deflector panel between the 96-inch (243.8-cm) cut and edges 
of the deflector panel must be removed. A rectangular flap of nylon 
webbing not larger than 2-inch (5.1-cm) stretched mesh may be sewn to 
the forward edge of the escape opening. The width of the flap must not 
be larger than the width of the forward edge of the escape opening. The 
flap must not extend more than 12 inches (30.5 cm) beyond the rear 
point of the escape opening. The sides of the flap may be attached to 
the top of the trawl but must not be attached farther aft than the row 
of meshes through the rear point of the escape opening. One row of 
steel chain not larger than \1/4\ inch (0.64 cm) may be sewn evenly to 
the back edge of the flap. The stretched length of the chain must not 
exceed 96 inches (244 cm). A Parker TED using the escape opening 
described in this paragraph meets the requirements of Sec.  
223.206(d)(2)(iv)(B). This opening or one that is larger must be used 
in all offshore waters and in the inshore waters of Georgia and South 
Carolina. It also may be used in other inshore waters.
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (3) Webbing flap. A webbing flap may be used to cover the escape 
opening under the following conditions: No device holds it closed or 
otherwise restricts the opening; it is constructed of webbing with a 
stretched mesh size no larger than 2 inches (5.1 cm); it lies on the 
outside of the trawl; it is attached along its entire forward edge 
forward of the escape opening; it is not attached on the sides beyond 
the row of meshes that lies 6 inches (15.2 cm) behind the posterior 
edge of the grid; the sides of the flap are sewn on the same row of 
meshes fore and aft; and the flap does not overlap the escape hole cut 
by more than 5 inches (12.7 cm) on either side.
* * * * *
    (iii) Double cover offshore TED flap. This flap must be composed of 
two equal size rectangular panels of webbing. Each panel must be no 
less than 58 inches (147.3 cm) wide and may overlap each other no more 
than 15 inches (38.1 cm). The panels may only be sewn together along 
the leading edge of the cut. The trailing edge of each panel must not 
extend more than 24 inches (61 cm) past the posterior edge of the grid 
(Figure 16 to this part). Each panel may be sewn down the entire length 
of the outside edge of each panel. Paragraph (d)(3) of this section 
notwithstanding, this flap may be installed on either the outside or 
inside of the TED extension. For interior installation, the flap may be 
sewn to the interior of the TED extension along the leading edge and 
sides to a point intersecting the TED frame; however, the flap must be 
sewn to the exterior of the TED extension from the point at which it 
intersects the TED frame to the trailing edge of the flap. Chafing 
webbing described in paragraph (d)(4) of this section may not be used 
with this type of flap.
    (iv) Boone Wedge Cut opening flap. (Figure 17 to this part). This 
escape opening flap is attached to the trailing edge of the horizontal 
cut and the wedge. The flap is made from a piece of 1\7/8\ inch (4.8 
cm) webbing that is trapezoid in shape. The leading edge must be at 
least 94 meshes wide, stretching to at least 164.5 inches (417.8 cm). 
The trailing edge is at least 87 meshes wide and at least 152 inches 
(386.1 cm). The two sides are at least 8 meshes long and at least 15 
inches (38.1 cm). The escape opening flap is attached only to the 
leading edge of the escape opening cut and is not attached along its 
sides.
* * * * *
    (8) Chauvin shrimp deflector. (Figures 19a and 19b to this part). 
The Chauvin shrimp deflector may be used on any approved TED design, 
but its installation must not reduce the minimum stretched measurements 
of the TED opening. The Chauvin shrimp deflector may not be installed 
with a bottom escape opening. The Chauvin shrimp deflector is 
constructed from a single piece of 3-inch (7.6-cm) inside diameter PVC 
pipe which measures 30 inches (76.2 cm) in length; the ends of the PVC 
pipe are left uncapped. A webbing or mesh bag is made and is used to 
encase the PVC pipe (Figure 19a to this part). The mesh bag is created 
using a single piece of 1\5/8\ inch (4.1 cm) stretched-mesh webbing 
made of nylon or polyethylene with dimensions 57 meshes wide by 10 
meshes deep. The leading edge of the 57-mesh piece of webbing is 
attached around the PVC pipe and back to the row of meshes located 7 
meshes down the 10-mesh length. The ends of the webbing are sewn 
together on each end forming a webbing bag to assure the PVC pipe 
remains encased in the webbing. This leaves a 3-mesh tail hanging from 
the encased PVC pipe. The 3-mesh tail of the encased PVC pipe is then 
sewn to a single row of meshes on the inside of the trawl along the 57-
mesh edge, 3 meshes ahead of the forward cut of the TED escape opening. 
This would allow a 3-mesh overlap to the left and right of the forward 
cut (Figure 19b to this part).
    (9) Brace bar. (Figure 14a to this part). A horizontal brace bar 
may be added to a TED if it is constructed of aluminum or steel rod or 
tubing specified in 50 CFR 223.207(a)(1)(i)(A)-(C) and it is 
permanently attached to the frame and the rear face of each of the 
deflector bars within 4 inches (10.2 cm) of the midpoint of the TED 
frame. The horizontal brace bar may be offset behind the deflector 
bars, using spacer bars, not to exceed 5 inches (12.7 cm) in length and 
must be constructed of the

[[Page 29910]]

same size or larger material as the deflector bars.
* * * * *
    3. Add Figure 11 to Part 223 to read as follows:
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21MY12.000


[[Page 29911]]



0
4. Add Figure 17 to Part 223 to read as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21MY12.001


[[Page 29912]]



0
5. Add Figures 18a, 18b, and 18c to Part 223 to read as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21MY12.002


0
6. Add Figures 19a and 19b to Part 223 to read as follows:

[[Page 29913]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21MY12.003

[FR Doc. 2012-12014 Filed 5-18-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-C