Scientists from the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) have developed a groundbreaking Turtle Exclusion Device (TED) that holds promise as a life-saving solution for sea turtles, some of which are critically endangered and face fatalities in the thousands due to entanglement in fishing nets. The approval of this innovative device by the US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has sparked optimism not only for the conservation of sea turtles but also for the potential revival of shrimp exports from India, benefiting fishermen in Gujarat.
The TED is a grid constructed with metal bars, integrated into trawler nets. This design allows smaller fish, such as shrimp, to pass through while featuring openings large enough for turtles to escape entanglement. The imposition of a ban in the US adversely affected the pricing of Indian shrimps in European countries and China, resulting in a significant 59% decline in exports over the past four years.
Madhu VR, a principal scientist at CIFT, explained that while TEDs were previously in use, they were ineffective in preventing turtle entanglement, and their designs did not comply with NOAA standards. Through consultations with NOAA, CIFT scientists refined the TED design to meet both NOAA guidelines and the specifications of Indian fishing trawlers.
CIFT scientists presented the approved TED design during a workshop in Veraval, organized in collaboration with the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA). The workshop aimed to demonstrate the device to fishing net manufacturers and other stakeholders. Manufacturers capable of producing these devices on a commercial scale are now being called upon.
Kenny Thomas, a Veraval-based fish exporter, expressed anticipation for the potential expansion of shrimp exports to the US once fishermen adopt the TED. Another industry expert emphasized that the ban by the US had not only impacted Gujarat’s shrimp exports but also resulted in lower prices in other countries. The potential lifting of the ban could lead to increased demand and higher prices in the export market, he added.
To ensure the proper utilization of TEDs by the fishing community, a team from NOAA is scheduled to visit India in February 2024. The team will conduct random checks at specific intervals to confirm the ongoing use of the device.
Ashish Kumar Jha, a scientist at CIFT, urged fishing net manufacturers to promote and manufacture the TED, while Tulsi Gohil, president of the Veraval Boat Association, expressed the intention to consider bulk purchases pending government approval, effectiveness assessment, and pricing considerations.
