Kochi: In a landmark development for India’s seafood industry, the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), in coordination with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has approved India’s Turtle Excluder Device (TED) for use in shrimp trawl fisheries. The approval is expected to pave the way for lifting the US ban on wild-caught shrimp imports from India, which had been in place since 2021 under Section 609 of the US Endangered Species Act.
The Indian TED was designed and standardized by the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), building upon earlier experimental studies conducted by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). Field trials were carried out by the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) on both research and commercial vessels, with the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) providing coordination, technical support, and training workshops.
Optimized for Indian multi-species trawl nets and tropical marine conditions, the TED features:
- Grid spacing of 10.2 cm (4 inches) to retain shrimp
- Escape hatch angles and dimensions tailored for turtle survival
- Durable, marine-grade materials suited for tropical waters
- Validation across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha coasts under NOAA’s technical review
Scientific evaluations have shown that the TED reduces sea turtle mortality by up to 97%, ensuring compliance with international conservation standards and reinforcing India’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices.
The approval is expected to significantly impact India’s seafood sector, particularly exporters of traditional small wild-caught shrimp varieties such as Poovalan and Kari Kadi — signature exports from Kerala’s Malabar coast. Kollam and Kochi, the primary export hubs for these shrimp, are supported by a skilled labor force specializing in peeling and processing, especially women workers.
Reopening the US market, which accounts for nearly 30% of India’s shrimp export value, is projected to:
- Generate ₹1,200–1,500 crore in additional annual export revenue
- Revive small and medium trawler operations and traditional processing hubs
- Improve livelihoods of thousands of coastal families
- Reinforce India’s global reputation as a responsible and sustainable seafood exporter
“This is a landmark moment for India’s seafood industry,” said Shaji Baby John, Chairman and Managing Director of Kings Infra Ventures Ltd. “The successful TED design demonstrates the strength of our scientific institutions and Kerala’s traditional shrimp expertise. It positions India to regain global leadership in shrimp exports while embracing sustainability.”
While tariffs remain a challenge in the broader US–India trade relationship, the lifting of the 2021 ban highlights how sustained scientific and institutional collaboration can overcome regulatory barriers. The TED approval sets a precedent for resolving future trade challenges through innovation and cooperation.
Next steps include MPEDA issuing nationwide guidelines and training programs to ensure widespread adoption of TEDs across coastal fisheries, enabling full compliance with international export standards.
