Guide for Checking 71-inch Turtle Excluder Device Opening

This one page guide (PDF) for checking a 71-inch TED opening contains guidance for measurements and includes diagrams.

Step 1: Measure the distance from the TED frame forward along the side of the escape hole cut to the leading edge of the escape hole cut A to B. This measurement must be greater than or equal to 26-inches when stretched.

Step 2: Measure the distance from the posterior edge of the TED frame to the trailing edge of the flap C to D. This measurement must be taken from the center of the frame and must not exceed 24-inches as the TED is hanging (not stretched).

Step 3: Measure the distance the flap is attached beyond the posterior edge of the TED frame E to F. This measurement must be taken from the center of the frame and must not exceed 6-inches when the TED is hanging.

Step 4: Measure the leading edge of the escape hole cut G to H. This measurement must be greater than or equal to 71-inches when stretched. Note: This measurement must also be obtained with flap attached.

Step 5: Measure the escape opening (inside the flap) I to J. This measurement must be greater than or equal to 71-inches when stretched. Take this measurement in a horizontal straight line at the aft edge of the exit hole.

Accelerator Funnels

If an optional accelerator funnel is used, the funnel must have a minimum straight-line stretched measurement as follows:

All offshore waters and the inshore waters of Georgia or South Carolina = 71”.

All inshore waters except GA & SC = 44”.

NOAA Fisheries

TED Technology Transfer Program

P.O. Box 1207 Pascagoula, Mississippi 39568-1207

PH: (228) 762-4591