Turtle Excluder Devices Required on Fishing Boats

The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, has urged all coastal states and Union Territories (UTs) to review their Marine Fisheries Regulation Acts (MFRAs) to enhance the conservation of marine turtles. This initiative includes the mandatory use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in fishing practices. The government is also encouraging the immediate establishment of turtle conservation zones and the sensitization of fishermen regarding conservation measures. All nine coastal states have already amended their regulations to incorporate TED usage, while the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep prohibit bottom trawling.

Implementation of Turtle Excluder Devices

The ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) has developed a TED model that aligns with the specifications set by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Four agencies have been authorized by ICAR-CIFT to fabricate these devices at a cost of ₹23,485 each. The implementation of TEDs is a key component of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which offers 100% financial assistance—60% from the central government and 40% from state governments. Guidelines have been distributed to all coastal states and UTs to facilitate the fitting of TEDs in trawl fishing nets. To address potential challenges in implementation, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and State Fisheries Departments are conducting field demonstrations and awareness programs. Recently, the Andhra Pradesh government distributed 85 TEDs to 60 trawlers in the state.

Benefits of Turtle Excluder Devices

The adoption of Turtle Excluder Devices in fishing operations offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it ensures compliance with both national and international marine conservation regulations. Secondly, it plays a crucial role in the conservation of endangered marine species, particularly sea turtles, by allowing them to escape from trawl nets, thereby reducing by-catch mortality. Additionally, TEDs enhance the opening of trawl nets during fishing, which improves catch efficiency. They also help in reducing the entrapment of debris, leading to cleaner cod-ends in trawl nets. Furthermore, the use of TEDs can improve the quality and market value of shrimp and fish catches. Compliance with U.S. regulations through the use of TEDs may also support the certification of the shrimp fishery, potentially lifting the ban on Indian wild-caught shrimp exports to the United States.

State Initiatives for Turtle Conservation

The Government of Kerala has announced plans to implement Turtle Excluder Devices in its fishing practices. Following Notification SRO No. 612/2019, the use of TEDs in trawl nets has been made mandatory in the state. The Kerala Department of Fisheries has proposed financial support for the installation of TEDs in 2,599 trawlers, amounting to ₹649.75 lakh. The department is committed to minimizing turtle by-catch and enhancing sustainable fishing practices to improve the health of the marine ecosystem through the implementation of TEDs in bottom trawls. This initiative reflects the state’s dedication to marine conservation and sustainable fishing.

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