The US Trade Representative (USTR) has filed a formal notice of appeal of a World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruling that held the US import restrictions on shrimp as inconsistent with the country's WTO obligations. The WTO report, issued in April 1998, restricts the import of shrimps harvested with equipment that harms endangered sea turtles. The USTR argued that the WTO panel had "reached the wrong conclusion". The US appeal will be heard by a three-member panel of the WTO's standing Appellate Body, which functions as an appeals court.