Gandhinagar: Gujarat is set to introduce Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in fishermen’s fishing nets for the first time, marking a major step towards protecting sea turtles and strengthening marine biodiversity.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the state government will provide TEDs free of cost to fishermen across Gujarat with 100% government assistance. Fisheries Minister Jitu Vaghani said the initiative will help safeguard sea turtles during fishing operations while creating greater opportunities for Gujarat’s seafood industry in international markets.
8,925 Fishermen to Receive Turtle Excluder Devices
Under the ₹20.96 crore project, a total of 8,925 Turtle Excluder Devices will be provided to fishermen across Gujarat.
Key details of the initiative include:
- TED units approved: 8,925
- Total project cost: ₹20.96 crore
- Government assistance: 100%
- Beneficiaries: 8,925 fishermen
- Purpose: Sea turtle protection and sustainable fishing
The Government of India has approved 8,925 TED units for Gujarat, the highest number approved for any state in the country.
How Turtle Excluder Devices Will Protect Sea Turtles
A Turtle Excluder Device (TED) is a specialised mechanism fitted into shrimp trawl nets.
The device is designed to allow shrimp to remain inside the net while providing larger marine animals, including sea turtles, with a safe escape route. The mechanism works through an exit flap, enabling turtles to escape from the fishing net during trawling operations.
The use of TEDs is therefore expected to significantly reduce the accidental deaths of sea turtles during fishing activities while allowing fishermen to continue their regular shrimp fishing operations.
TEDs to Support Gujarat’s Seafood Exports
The initiative also has an important economic and export dimension.
In recent years, the United States has restricted imports of wild-caught shrimp from India over concerns related to sea turtle safety during fishing operations.
The adoption of TEDs is expected to help address these concerns and make it easier for exporters to obtain the international certifications required for accessing global markets.
The initiative could particularly benefit Gujarat’s seafood sector by supporting:
- Increased shrimp exports to the United States
- Greater access to international seafood markets
- Improved compliance with global environmental standards
- Higher income opportunities for fishermen and seafood exporters
ICAR-CIFT Develops Specialised TED Model
The specialised Turtle Excluder Device model has been developed by ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Kochi. The model has been designed in line with global standards set by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
This alignment with international standards is expected to support Gujarat’s efforts to strengthen sustainable fishing practices and improve the acceptability of its seafood products in global markets.
Initiative to Strengthen Gujarat’s Blue Economy
Gujarat has the longest coastline in India and has traditionally been one of the country’s leading states in the fisheries sector.
The introduction of TEDs brings together two key objectives — marine conservation and economic development. By reducing the accidental capture of sea turtles while supporting compliance with international seafood export requirements, the initiative is expected to contribute to both marine biodiversity conservation and the growth of Gujarat’s fisheries sector.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Fisheries Minister Jitu Vaghani, the initiative is expected to further strengthen Gujarat’s Blue Economy and enhance the state’s position in global seafood markets.
Read also: Gujarat Leads India in Renewable Energy, Cuts 49.79 Million Tonnes of Carbon Emissions
