A brief history of the conflict over the initially voluntary and subsequently mandated turtle excluder devices (TEDs) is given. Using surveys, focused interviews, and documentary evidence, the major stakeholders in the marine environment are profiled. Analysis is focused on the way each party to the environmental controversy over the protection of sea turtles contributed to escalating the conflict. It is argued that contenders for the resource became “captured”; by the conflict in that emphasis shifted away from protecting sea turtles to debating the efficacy of TEDs and continuing the conflict became functional for stakeholders. The “capturing”; process was not limited to user groups (shrimpers and environmentalists), but involved managers and scientists as well. Implications for the management process and the role of science are explored.