Shrimp Industry Technical Assistance

Texas Sea Grant provides year-round technical assistance to the commercial shrimp industry, including free courtesy bycatch reduction device and turtle excluder device inspections in partnership with NOAA, net shop outreach with gear guides and construction support, and training for Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens. We also help organize and promote safety courses such as Man Overboard, Safety at Sea, and Drill Conductor Certification. This hands-on support strengthens compliance, improves safety, and helps sustain the fishery and coastal communities that rely on it.

Matthew Kammann on a shrimp boat discussing BRD

Overview

Texas Sea Grant provides year-round technical assistance to the commercial shrimp industry, supporting fishermen, net shops, and enforcement personnel across the Texas coast. One of the most visible services is the free courtesy inspections offered in partnership with the NOAA Gear Monitoring Team ahead of each Texas shrimp season opening. These voluntary dockside checks help shrimpers ensure their bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) and turtle excluder devices (TEDs) are properly installed and functioning before they head out, reducing the risk of costly violations. In addition, Texas Sea Grant staff regularly visit net shops to provide up-to-date gear guides and construction tips, helping netmakers and vessel crews stay informed about current federal requirements and best practices for BRD and TED effectiveness.

We also collaborate with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) game wardens, offering training and field-based technical support to enhance consistency in BRD and TED inspections and provide feedback from the fleet.

Texas Sea Grant supports safety in the commercial shrimp industry by helping organize and promote Man Overboard Recovery, Safety at Sea, and Drill Conductor Certification courses, ensuring crew members are better prepared to prevent accidents and respond effectively in emergency situations at sea. This boots-on-the-ground outreach builds trust, improves compliance, and ultimately supports both the sustainability of the fishery and the livelihoods that depend on it.