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As a result of new information on sea turtle bycatch in shrimp trawls and turtle excluder device (TED) testing, NMFS conducted an evaluation of the southeast U.S. shrimp fisheries that resulted in a final environmental impact statement (FEIS) in November 2019 in support of a rule to withdraw the alternative tow time restriction and require TEDs in skimmer trawl vessels 40 feet and greater in length.  The rule was promulgated under the authority of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and its purpose was to aid in the protection and recovery of listed sea turtle populations by reducing incidental bycatch and mortality of small sea turtles in the Southeastern U.S. shrimp fisheries. Additional TED testing has resulted in producing TED designs that are effective on skimmer trawl vessels less than 40 feet in length.  Therefore, NMFS is considering additional ESA rulemaking to protect and conserve threatened and endangered sea turtles in the southeast U.S. shrimp fisheries.