State authorities in Odisha, India, are now mandating the installation of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) on all fishing trawlers as part of a concerted effort to safeguard the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles. This move is not merely an act of environmental stewardship; it also seeks to alleviate the economic ramifications of a US embargo that has cost India hundreds of millions in shrimp exports.

The US Embargo: A Harsh Reality

In recent years, the United States has suspended India’s certification under Section 609 of US Public Law 101-162. This regulation restricts imports of wild-caught shrimp from nations lacking TEDs that align with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) specifications.

The result has been devastating: a staggering loss estimated at over USD 600 million in the last five years. The loss has been felt most acutely in India’s wild-caught shrimp exports, which saw a sharp drop from 153,286 MT in 2018-19 to a mere 65,882 MT in the current year.

The Role of TEDs in Economic Recovery

The TEDs serve as a lifeline for both turtles and the fishing industry. These devices enable turtles to escape from fishing nets, reducing turtle capture rates by an impressive 97% while having a negligible impact on the shrimp catch—only about 2%.

This balance of ecology and economy is essential, as emphasized by Subhrakanta Mohapatra, the state coordinator of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA). “Export of wild-caught shrimp to the US can only resume once India is certified following successful TED implementation,” he stated.

The Olive Ridley’s Critical Habitat

India’s coastline is home to a significant population of these turtles, particularly in key nesting areas such as the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary and Rushikulya beach, which collectively host around 50% of the global Olive Ridley population during their nesting season.

This fragile ecosystem is now at a crossroads, with the survival of both the turtles and a vital export industry hanging in the balance.

On the Ground Training for Fishermen

To facilitate the widespread adoption of TEDs, MPEDA is launching workshops throughout the coastal regions. These training sessions aim to equip fishermen with the skills necessary to implement TEDs effectively, ensuring a harmonious coexistence of ecological preservation and commercial viability.

As turtles return to Odisha’s shores each winter to nest, the hope is that these initiatives will breathe new life into India’s beleaguered seafood export sector.