BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) — A Georgia shrimper has received federal certification for his invention that helps sea turtles and other marine animals caught in shrimping nets to escape more easily.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has approved the device invented by Sinkey Boone for use in the national shrimp fishery. Boone worked in collaboration with the University of Georgia’s marine extension service and the Georgia Sea Grant.

The net includes a giant escape opening for sea turtles, finfish, sharks, rays and crabs to free themselves once they are caught in a shrimping net.

The device was tested aboard a UGA research vessel in Brunswick. Results showed a dramatic reduction in other marine life getting caught in the net while the number of shrimp increased.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)