Sri Vijaya Puram, July 10: The first Turtle Excluder Device (TED) has been installed in a pelagic trawl net operating in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, marking the implementation of mandatory conservation measures introduced under the Andaman and Nicobar Marine Fishing Rules (Amendment), 2025 to reduce the accidental capture of endangered sea turtles during commercial fishing operations.
The installation marks the first such deployment in the Islands and forms part of efforts to promote sustainable marine fisheries while protecting ecologically important marine species. Under the amended rules, the installation of Turtle Excluder Devices has been made mandatory in all pelagic trawl nets operating in the Islands.
Authorities said the measure aims to substantially reduce the bycatch of endangered sea turtles, encourage responsible fishing practices and strengthen the conservation of marine biodiversity while allowing continued utilisation of marine resources.
The first Turtle Excluder Device was installed in the pelagic trawler bearing registration number IND-AN-SA-MM-2527. The device was procured from a manufacturer empanelled by the ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Technology and approved by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India.
The installation was carried out with technical support from the Fishery Survey of India, Sri Vijaya Puram. Fisheries Scientist C. Babu, Senior Scientific Assistant Puran Singh from the Fishery Survey of India, Sri Vijaya Puram base, and Hemanto Kirtonia, Incharge of the Fish Landing Centre, Junglighat, participated in the installation process.
A Turtle Excluder Device is a specially designed grid fitted inside a trawl net that enables sea turtles and other large marine animals to escape while retaining the target catch. According to the Department, the technology significantly reduces the capture of non-target species, particularly endangered sea turtles, while promoting environmentally responsible fishing practices.
Authorities stated that properly designed Turtle Excluder Devices have minimal impact on shrimp catches and can improve catch quality by preventing large unwanted organisms and marine debris from entering the net. The use of the devices is also expected to support compliance with national and international fisheries conservation and trade regulations, thereby strengthening export prospects for fish and fishery products.
The initiative is also intended to promote awareness among fishers regarding sustainable fisheries management and the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.
The mandatory installation of Turtle Excluder Devices is being implemented with financial support under the Centrally Sponsored Component of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana as a non-beneficiary activity. In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the programme is being funded through 100 per cent Central assistance to facilitate implementation of the conservation measure.
