After four years of prohibition, there’s a glimmer of hope for India’s fishermen community and seafood exporters as the US administration hints at lifting the ban on Indian wild caught shrimp. A team of experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is scheduled to arrive in Kochi on February 19 to evaluate and potentially grant final approval to the Turtle Excluder Device (TED) developed by the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) based in Kochi.
The ban was initially imposed due to concerns over unregulated fishing practices posing a threat to endangered turtle species. The approval of the TED, designed to address these concerns, could pave the way for the ban’s reversal. If granted, coastal states will be urged to encourage trawl boat owners to incorporate the device into their fishing gear. Once acceptance and compliance are confirmed, the ban could be lifted, promising better international market prices for Indian shrimp and increased revenue for fishermen.
Sea turtles, critically endangered or threatened, often fall victim to unregulated fishing methods. The introduction of the TED aims to mitigate this risk. Previously, the design of the TED did not meet NOAA standards, leading to the ban on Indian wild shrimp imports. However, consultations between CIFT and NOAA led to the development of a design meeting the necessary criteria.
Excitement mounts within the seafood export industry as hopes rise for the ban’s withdrawal, potentially revitalizing India’s presence in the US wild caught shrimp market. Stakeholders anticipate increased demand and prices, benefiting various sectors including exporters, workers, boat operators, and fishermen.
However, challenges remain, with calls for government subsidies to facilitate the installation of the device due to associated costs. Furthermore, ensuring widespread adoption across coastal states will be crucial for effective implementation and success.
The fishing industry awaits with anticipation, ready to embrace innovation in hopes of a brighter future amidst current hardships.
