(4) Qualified turtle excluder devices-(i) General. In a qualified TED, the space between deflector bars cannot exceed four inches. Any other specification of dimension or strength of construction materials is a minimum requirement; i.e., a component that is larger or more durable than specified in paragraph (e)(4)(ii) of this section meets the requirement. Floats may be attached to any device.

(ii) Approved TEDS. The following TEDS are approved for use wherever and whenever a TED is required and for use where and when the 90 minute tow time would otherwise apply.

(A) NMFS TED (Figure 1). The NMFS TED consists of two oblong end hoops holding a diagonal deflector grid that are sewn into the trawl net ahead of the cod end. The device has a top-opening door. The end hoops are made from 2-inch welded steel pipe. The deflector grid and door are made from 4-inch (inside diameter) welded galvanized pipe. The device may be rigid or collapsible and can be constructed using fiberglass rod or aluminum pipe of similar strength. The rigid version has rods welded to the front and rear hoops to align the deflector grid and to support the weight of the net and its catch. In the collapsible version, %-inch steel cables perform these functions. Net webbing is sewn to the door frame and to the bottom and both sides of the end

hoops. The cod end attaches to the rear hoop. A finfish deflecting apparatus may be installed in the device to eliminate unwanted bycatch. A finfish deflecting apparatus may consist of a webbing accelerator funnel placed in front of the TED diagonal bars and a rectangular grid with approximately 21⁄2 inches between bars behind the TED diagonal bars. Holes are cut in the webbing, which has been stretched around the TED frame, to allow finfish to escape. When a sea turtle enters the net, it passes through the front hoop and is deflected upwards by the grid. The turtle is then able to open the door and escape. Shrimp pass through the grid to be retained in the code end. The minimum dimensions for a NMFS TED used in the Gulf of Mexico Area and the Southwest Florida area are end hoops-20 inches high by 34 inches wide, door frame 25 inches by 25 inches, door opening 10 inches above the rear hoop. The minimum dimensions for a NMFS TED used in the Atlantic Area and the Canaveral Area are end hoops 30 inches, high by 45 inchs wide, door frame 30 inches by 30 inches, door opening 12 inches above the rear hoop. In all areas, the deflector grid angle must measure between 30° and 45° from the horizontal when the device is deployed. NMFS TEDS of lesser dimensions that were acquired prior to July 1, 1987, may continue to be used.

(B) Cameron TED (Figure 2). The Cameron TED is a rigid device similar to the NMFS TED in both form and function. It uses round end hoops instead of oblong ones. It is made from 2-inch aluminum rod and is sewn into the trawl net ahead of the cod end. The device may be constructed of steel pipe, fiberglass rod or other materials of similar strength. This TED does not use a movable door. Instead, a turtle escape opening is cut in the top mesh of the net above the deflector grid. The minimum dimensions for a Cameron TED used in the Gulf Area and the Southwest Florida Area are 32inch inside diameter end hoops and a

32-inch top mesh opening. The minimum dimensions for a Cameron TED used in the Atlantic Area and the Canaveral Area are 35 inch inside diameter end hoops and a 35 inch top mesh opening. For all areas, the deflector grid must be angled between 30° and 45° from horizontal. Cameron TEDS of lesser dimensions that were acquired prior to July 1, 1987, may continue to be used. Cameron TEDS, as originally designed, used a quick release hoop fastener. This feature may not be used. A Cameron TED must be sewn into the net to be a qualified device.

(C) Matagorda TED (Figure 3). The Matagorda TED is a single, rigid, rectangular deflector grid that may be made from a variety of materials including 4-inch steel pipe, 1⁄2-inch aluminum rod, or fiberglass rod of comparable strength. Unlike the NMFS or Cameron TEDS, the Matagorda TED does not use two end hoops to position the deflector grid. The grid itself must be sewn into the net ahead of the cod end so as to operate at a 30° to 45° angle from the horizontal when pulled through the water. The angled grid

(D) Georgia TED (Figure 4). The Georgia TED is a single, rigid, oval deflector grid similar to the Matagorda TED in form and function. It may be made from 3-inch steel pipe, 1⁄2-inch aluminum rod, or fiberglass rod of comparable strength. Like the Matagorda TED, the grid must be sewn into the net ahead of the cod end so as to operate at a 30° to 45° angle from the horizontal when pulled through the water to allow turtles to escape either upward or downward through an opening in the net mesh. The minimum dimensions for a Georgia TED used in the Gulf Area and the Southwest Florida Area are a 28-inch smallest inside diameter and a minimum release opening of 32 inches. The mini

mum dimensions for a Georgia TED used in the Atlantic Area and the Canaveral Area are a 30-inch smallest inside diameter and a minimum release opening of 35 inches. A variation of the Georgia TED uses removable deflector bars (inside a hoop) or varying spacing which are bolted to a permanently affixed second hoop. This feature may be used only if the deflector bar hoop is also laced to the net and the permanently attached hoop so that it cannot be easily removed at sea. Deflector bars can be spaced no more than 4 inches apart. Georgia type TEDS that were acquired prior to July 1, 1987, may continue to be used as long as they meet minimum size standards and both hoops are permanently affixed to the trawl net.

(E) Morrison TED (Figure 5). In the Morrison TED, webbing is substituted for the rigid deflector grids used in the TEDS described above. The webbing consists of number 42 (3 millimeters thick) or larger polypropylene, heatset knotted or braided. The polypropylene must be untreated and of a color easily distinguished from the trawl net. The stretched opening of the mesh may not exceed 8". Depending on the trawl net type, the webbing may be installed as one panel or as a main and two side (jib) panels (Figure 6). In either case, the webbing must form a complete barrier to large objects inside the trawl net forward of the cod end. The base of the webbing must be attached to the trawl net not

less than 16'8" forward of the point at I which the cod end is attached to the trawl net. The apex of the webbing must be attached to the top center of the trawl net not more than 20" forward of the point at which the cod end is attached to the trawl net. Each point on the circumference of the webbing must be attached to the trawl net. The meshes of the webbing must be under tension when the cod end is pulled aft thus forming diamond patterns pointing toward the top of the trawl net. As an escape hole, a slit at least 4'8" in length must be cut in a fore and aft direction at the top of the trawl net immediately forward of the apex of the webbing. The slit may not be covered or closed in any manner.