Kerala fisheries sector divided over use of Turtle Excluder Device

…Committee of the Seafood Exporters Association of India, says that wild-caught shrimp commands much higher international prices, and the ongoing U.S. ban has inflicted massive financial losses on the seafood industry. “ Restoring this lucrative global market leaves India with no other option, as U.S. authorities demand compliance across all States and require certified TED usage for exports to resume. Even traditional ‘Poovalan’ shrimp caught by traditional country crafts along the Kerala coast are currently affected by the shrunk export market due to these strict regulations ,” he says. However, a section of boat owners and fishers argue that the remedy is worse than the disease. Joseph Xavier Kalappurakkal, general secretary of Federation of Fishing Boats and Fishery Industries of Keala,…

…of Keala, questions the logic of forcing TEDs exclusively onto trawl nets—which account for under 16% of turtle entanglements—while ignoring gill-net fisheries where over 80% of turtles reportedly get caught. “ Based on Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) findings, sea turtles have a very low presence in the Arabian Sea. Installing Turtle Excluder Devices will cause a significant portion of our target catch to escape through the openings, resulting in direct financial losses ,” he points out. Addressing these widespread fears, Fisheries Special Secretary B. Abdul Nasar says that neither State nor Centre will back down from implementing TEDs, as refusing it means losing the international…

…Addressing these widespread fears, Fisheries Special Secretary B. Abdul Nasar says that neither State nor Centre will back down from implementing TEDs, as refusing it means losing the international market entirely. “ Official scientific trials and statistical calculations demonstrate that deploying TED does not result in a substantial loss of targeted marine catch. We are planning to conduct awareness campaigns and outreach initiatives to alleviate concerns within the fishing community ,” he says. Weighing in on the environmental obligations, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) Director Grinson George acknowledges that though complying with environmental duties for protected keystone…

…Director Grinson George acknowledges that though complying with environmental duties for protected keystone species might cause minor profit losses, the industry cannot completely walk away from these obligations. “ We are currently in the process of planning comprehensive brainstorming sessions involving all relevant stakeholders in order to thoroughly assess the situation from every angle ,” he adds. Published - September 24, 2026 07:00 am IST…