Following a warning from the United States, the Gujarat government is set to introduce amendments to the Fisheries Regulation Act, 2003, in the state Assembly to enforce the mandatory use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in fishing nets. 
This move aims to protect marine turtles and avoid potential US trade restrictions on Indian seafood exports.
What are TEDs? 
Turtle Excluder Devices are specialized devices that allow sea turtles to escape being caught in fishermen nets. The use of the devices ideally allows all bycatch larger than ten centimetres (10&nbsp;cm) to escape the nets unharmed. This selectivity is achieved by metal grids integrated into the trawl net structure. The grids act as a barrier for keeping large creatures such as turtles from passing through the bars into the back of the net. 
Why are TEDs Mandatory?
In 2018, a delegation from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) visited India and reported that Indian fishing nets lacked TEDs, leading to the entrapment and deaths of marine turtles. Subsequently, the US warned that failure to implement TEDs in fishing nets would result in a ban on the export of fish, shrimp, and other seafood from India.
Guj Govt Response
Taking the warning seriously, the Gujarat government has now drafted amendments to the Fisheries Regulation Act, 2003, making the installation of TEDs compulsory. These devices will allow marine turtles to escape from fishing nets, ensuring their conservation. The amendment aims to protect marine ecosystems while preventing potential export restrictions.
To assess the impact on the fishing community, the state government sought objections and suggestions from fishermen before finalizing the amendment. Under the revised Rule 44, trawling without TEDs will be considered illegal, and strict action will be taken against violators.
Economic Impact of US Restrictions
The warning issued by the US has put both the central and state government on high alert. A potential ban could result in an estimated economic loss of ₹25,000 crore for India and over ₹1,000 crore for Gujarat. The state plays a significant role in India&rsquo;s seafood exports, and past restrictions have already impacted the industry.
In 2018, a similar US restriction on shrimp exports due to the absence of TEDs caused an annual loss of ₹5,000 crore to India&rsquo;s seafood industry. The new amendment aims to prevent such setbacks while strengthening marine conservation efforts.
By implementing TEDs, Gujarat hopes to comply with international regulations, protect marine biodiversity, and sustain its thriving seafood export industry.
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Sea turtles are air-breathing creatures with lungs and need to resurface to breathe

After warning by the US, state Assembly set to amend law; move aimed to protect sea turtles

TED Usage to be Mandatory for Guj Fishermen

After warning by the US, state Assembly set to amend law; move aimed to protect sea turtles

February 27, 2025 | 15:27 IST