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(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.

FIGURE 2 (CAMERON TED)

(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

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FIGURE 3 MATAGORDA TED

(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.

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(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 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.

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