Sustainability bench-marking report made public 

Stakeholders identified 

Workplan made public - MAP (updated Jan 2017)

Virtual meeting held to discuss the ongoing Saltonstall-Kennedy funded bycatch characterization project project; this project was implemented in 2021. The project team has worked to recruit vessels selected for an observer to store the unidentified portion of the catch and to arrange the transportation of samples with Gulf shrimp processors.

MSCFU is pursuing funding the development of a tow time application and sensor independently in an effort to demonstrate the FIP's tow time compliance

LGL Ecological Services was contracted to conduct a statistical comparison of catch per unit effort data from the electronic logbook and observer programs; draft study was completed in 2020

The NOAA Gear Monitoring Team has been tasked with assisting the industry in implementation and compliance of TEDs is skimmers

G.U.L.F. worked with an assessment body to complete an audit of the Texas and Louisiana shrimp FIPs, which included further examination of the harvest control rule for brown and white shrimp. The results of the audit determined that the current HCR does not meet requirements.

The researchers revised and updated the proposal sent in 2018 for the 2019 tow time  mobile application funding opportunity

Gear tuning checks continued through 2019

G.U.L.F. initiated discussions with stakeholders in the fishery regarding the potential development and funding of a state bycatch study.

G.U.LF. contracted development of a traceability system to pilot test in Gulf fisheries in 2019 and 2020.

G.U.L.F. developed a survey to assess voluntary use of BRDs in state waters which was distributed through MDMR's Spring 2018 newsletter.

Developed proposal for tow time mobile application – seeking funding and development opportunities.

Distributed Tow Time Decals at Louisiana Fisheries Forward Summit and continue to distribute to docks and other agencies.

Tow time stickers distributed in Biloxi MS

Participants coordinated an educational workshop for industry members to further discuss the proposed rule

Participants attended NOAA Scoping meetings on proposed rule for TEDs in skimmers.

Mississppi Commission on Marine Resources meet to vote on the etablishment of the M Shrimp Task Force

In December 2019, a rule was finalized requiring TEDs in skimmer trawl vessels 40’ and over.  The definition of tow times (which remain an alternative to TEDs in vessels under 40’) was also updated.

Gear inspections undertaken in 2018 published showing  - 17 boats with 48 TEDs checked, with 35 TEDs fully compliant, 10 with minor non-compliance, and 3 with major non-compliance.

NOAA inspections done in April 2017; Gear inspection report published - gear with non-compliance recitified