Environmental Groups Assert Endangered Species Act Violations Arising From Gulf Shrimp Trawling
Four environmental advocacy organizations claim Endangered Species Act violations arising from management and regulation of shrimp trawl fishery in Gulf of Mexico.
The Center for Biological Diversity and three other environmental advocacy groups have issued a 60-day notice of intent to sue to certain federal and state officials. The organizations contend that the management and regulation of the Gulf of Mexico shrimp trawl fishery have resulted in unlawful harm to protected species.
The Center, along with Defenders of Wildlife, Turtle Island Restoration Network, and Sea Turtle Conservancy, contend in particular that the National Marine Fisheries Service and marine resources officials in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama have mismanaged the Gulf shrimp trawl fishery, with the result that protected sea turtle strandings and deaths have soared in 2010 and 2011.
The notice issued by the environmental groups hypothesizes that sea turtles may be more vulnerable now due to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and response efforts.
The environmental groups request that the Fisheries Service impose an emergency closure of the Gulf of Mexico shrimp trawl fishery pending assessment of turtle takings in light of current trawling practices and the Gulf habitat in its present state. They also seek a determination of the primary cause of the turtle strandings, and whether they are associated with sea turtles' contact with oil and dispersants; a supplemental environmental impact statement to address new information related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and recent sea turtle stranding data; and other actions necessary to conserve sea turtles.
Absent resolution of the alleged Endangered Species Act violations, the environmental advocacy groups indicate that they will bring suit in federal court to obtain appropriate relief.
The federal and state recipients of the notice of intent to sue have 60 days in which to respond to the notice of intent to sue, should they choose to do so.
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