Turtle Excluder Device Designs

There are multiple shapes and designs of TEDs, with new ones being developed each year. In order for TEDs to be approved for use by NOAA, and to ensure minimal sea turtle mortality, they must be tested. Photo: NOAA Fisheries/Dan Foster

Approved TED Designs

For a list of currently approved TED designs, please refer to 50 CFR 223.207. 

TED Construction Information

Parker Soft TED Instructions (PDF, # pages)

Standard Steel TED (PDF, # pages)

Large Bent Rod TED (PDF, # pages)

Mid-sized Bent Rod TED (PDF, # pages)

TED Escape Openings – Any of the following TED openings may be fished inshore. However, only the 71-Inch TED Opening and the Double-Cover TED Opening are permissible offshore. Please refer to 50 CFR 222.102 (PDF, 7 pages) for further definitions of inshore and offshore waters. 

• Instructions for the 44-Inch Inshore Turtle Escape Opening (PDF, # pages)
• Instructions for the 71-Inch Offshore Turtle Escape Opening (PDF, # pages)
• Guide for Checking Double-Cover TED Opening (PDF, # pages)

More Information

• Turtle Excluder Devices: Overview
• TED Regulations
• TED Compliance Information
• History of TEDs