First-Ever Turtle Excluder Device Hits Andaman Waters

Big news for our local marine life and fishing industry! The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have seen the installation of their very first Turtle Excluder Device (TED) in a pelagic trawl net. This is a huge step forward for sustainable fishing practices here.

The device was fitted into a trawler registered as IND-AN-SA-MM-2527, according to Nicobar Times. The goal is simple: protect endangered sea turtles and other marine creatures while keeping our fisheries healthy.

Why is this a Big Deal?

For a while now, fishing nets, especially trawl nets, have accidentally caught sea turtles and other large marine animals. These "bycatches" can be really harmful to populations of already vulnerable species. That's where TEDs come in.

A Turtle Excluder Device is basically a special grid built into the net. It lets larger animals like turtles escape through an opening, but still keeps the target fish inside. Smart, right? This means fewer turtles get tangled up and injured, which is great for our precious marine biodiversity.

This move follows the Andaman & Nicobar Marine Fishing Rules (Amendment), 2025, which now makes these devices mandatory for all pelagic trawl nets operating in the islands. It’s a clear sign that authorities are serious about balancing fishing with conservation.

Who Made it Happen?

Getting this first TED installed wasn't a solo effort. The device itself came from a manufacturer approved by the Department of Fisheries and ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT). Technical support for the installation was provided by the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) based in Sri Vijaya Puram.

The installation team included Dr. C. Babu, a Fisheries Scientist, and Mr. Puran Singh, a Senior Scientific Assistant from FSI, Sri Vijaya Puram Base. Mr. Hemanto Kirtonia, who is in charge of the Fish Landing Centre in Junglighat, was also part of the team. It’s good to see different groups working together for a common cause.

Beyond Turtles: Other Benefits

While protecting turtles is the main aim, TEDs offer other benefits too. The Department of Fisheries noted that these devices can also improve the quality of the catch. By keeping out large unwanted organisms and marine debris, the nets bring in cleaner hauls. Plus, they should have minimal impact on shrimp catches, which is important for our local fishermen.

Adopting these devices also helps our marine fishers meet national and international regulations for fisheries conservation and trade. This could even help with exporting fish and fishery products, boosting our local economy.

Finally, this initiative isn't just about new gear; it's also about education. It aims to make fishers more aware of responsible fishing practices, sustainable fisheries management, and the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. Financial aid for this program comes from the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which is supporting it as a non-beneficiary activity.

Source

nicobartimes