The Kerala government has launched efforts to restore its position in shrimp exports to the United States, aiming to reverse the decline caused by import restrictions imposed by the US in 2019. At the heart of the issue is the requirement that all trawl nets used for shrimp fishing in India must be certified with Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The ban has dealt a severe blow to Kerala’s fishing sector, with shrimp caught from the sea being sold at heavily discounted prices in the domestic market. This slump has resulted in significant income losses for fishermen and peeling workers, triggering concerns about employment and sustainability in the sector.
In response to the crisis, Kerala Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian confirmed that a delegation of officials and representatives from industry stakeholders will soon visit New Delhi to urge the central government to expedite solutions for resuming exports. The installation of TEDs in trawl boats is being viewed as a critical step, not only for meeting US standards but also for reducing bycatch, improving fuel efficiency, and making fishing operations more profitable.
The state has already taken proactive measures, amending the Kerala Marine Fisheries Regulation Act (KMFRA) in 2019 to make TEDs mandatory for bottom trawl nets. The Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) has been leading demonstrations on TED installation at several fishing harbors, including Sakthikulangara, Neendakara, Beypore, and Azhikkal, in coordination with the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and its arm, NETFISH.
Stakeholder consultations have also been underway, with a meeting held in July to address the concerns of fishermen and boat owners about the technical and financial challenges of TED installation. The discussions involved representatives from various fisheries bodies, including MPEDA-NETFISH and the Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training (CIFNET).
Meanwhile, the Kerala State Cooperative Federation for Fisheries Development (Matsyafed) has been tasked with identifying new domestic markets for shrimp to offset the impact of the US ban and falling prices. Officials stress that exploring local avenues could help stabilize the market while efforts to comply with international requirements continue.
The state government remains optimistic that once TEDs are installed across the fleet and trade barriers lifted, Kerala will reclaim its prominence in the lucrative US shrimp market, thereby reviving the livelihoods of thousands dependent on the industry.
