NATION IN BRIEF : GULF OF MEXICO : Lack of Turtle-Saving Device Brings Fine

Shrimpers could be fined $8,000 or more starting today if caught with nets that lack turtle excluder devices, gates that allow endangered sea turtles to escape from the nets without drowning. Shrimpers, who had hoped President Bush would grant a last-minute reprieve, complain that the TEDs cause them to lose nearly a third of their catch. Although shrimpers have been required to use TEDs since Sept. 8, the government had forgiven the penalties if a shrimper bought and installed a TED after being caught without one. But beginning today, a shrimper can be fined $8,000 for a first offense and $15,000 for a second.