New Orleans, LA (AP) - Federal regulators say they're considering
new restrictions on Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Coast shrimpers
because of the damage the industry is causing to threatened and
endangered sea turtles.

The regulatory move by the National Marine Fisheries Service
signals the next stage in a growing fight between fishermen and
environmentalists over sea turtle deaths.

Regulators report that 379 sea turtles were found stranded
between the start of the year and June 17 along the Alabama,
Mississippi and Louisiana coastline. Turtle deaths have been linked
to shrimp nets and trawls.

The agency says it will hold five public meetings between now
and August to determine if new restrictions on nets and even
closing areas to shrimping is warranted.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)