Gujarat aims to catch US shrimp orders with turtle-safe nets
Gujarat will install turtle excluder devices in fishermen's nets. This initiative aims to boost seafood exports to the United States and global markets. The government will provide these devices free of cost to 8,925 fishermen. This project will protect marine biodiversity and create new opportunities. The devices allow shrimp retention while turtles escape fishing nets.
Gujarati authorities plan to introduce turtle-safe fishing nets to increase the state's shrimp exports to the United States. The initiative aims to address the US's ban on wild-caught shrimp from India, citing the risk of sea turtles getting injured or killed by commercial fishing gear. Under the new program, 8,925 fishermen in Gujarat will receive TEDs, a device that allows shrimp to be captured while enabling larger marine animals like sea turtles to escape through an exit flap.
This $20.96 crore project will not only protect marine biodiversity but also create more opportunities for Gujarat's seafood industry in global markets. The state government noted that Gujarat has received approval for the highest number of TED units under a central program. The specialised TED model was developed by the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology in Kochi, following standards set by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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