Caught in the net: the conflict between shrimpers and conservationists

Abstract

In the summer and fall of 1989, hundreds of shrimpers captained their vessels into position to blockade the ports and waterways of the Gulf of Mexico. These shrimpers, challenging the use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) required to protect turtles from being caught in shrimp nets, felt themselves caught in the net of government regulation. Their action, the largest protest over marine resources in the history of the United States, was only the most visible response to a highly charged conflict. Caught in the Net examines how national environmental groups identified a threat to sea turtles, spearheaded a drive to protect them, and saw their efforts result in the federal government's requirement that shrimpers use TEDs. The authors analyze the conflict that arose in reaction to the new regulations, highlighting the complex of alliances that developed. Based on extensive interviews with the participants, Caught in the Net highlights the modern ambiguities and tensions between environmental protection and those whose lives are based on what the environment offers.