In a move poised to revolutionize India’s fishing practices and revive its seafood exports, the Union government is preparing to launch a subsidy scheme for turtle excluder devices (TEDs) in fishing nets. This initiative signals a significant step toward balancing environmental sustainability with economic growth in the nation’s fisheries sector.
Background: The US Ban and Its Impact
The decision comes six years after the United States imposed a ban on wild-caught shrimp imports from India, citing concerns over the accidental capture of sea turtles in fishing nets. This ban dealt a substantial blow to India’s seafood industry, resulting in an estimated annual loss of US$300 million. While wild-caught shrimp represent only a fraction of India’s total shrimp exports, they hold premium status in international markets and remain crucial for diversifying export portfolios.
The Subsidy Scheme: Details and Implementation
Under the proposed subsidy program, the cost of installing TEDs will be shared between the Union and State governments in a 60:40 ratio. Each device, which currently costs approximately Rs 25,000, has been developed by the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) and has received approval from US regulatory agencies.
Industry sources revealed this development during a recent fisheries business meet organized by CIFT. “The ministry has given strong indications of support for this subsidy,” said one industry representative. “We expect this will significantly accelerate the adoption of TEDs among Indian fishermen.”
Environmental and Economic Benefits
TEDs are designed to allow sea turtles to escape fishing nets while minimizing the loss of catch. Their implementation is expected to:
- Address the environmental concerns that led to the US ban
- Protect endangered sea turtle populations
- Demonstrate India’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices
- Potentially open doors for renewed wild-caught shrimp exports to the US market
India’s Seafood Export Landscape
India’s seafood exports reached 17,81,602 tonnes in 2023-24, valued at US$7.38 billion (Rs 60,523.89 crore). Frozen shrimp remains the dominant export product, accounting for 40.19% of the total quantity and 66.12% of the dollar value of exports.
K. N. Raghavan, Secretary General of the Seafood Exporters Association of India, emphasized at the CIFT event that India must focus on adding more value to its seafood processing capabilities. He also called for additional quarantine facilities to reduce dependence on the country’s single existing center.
Industry Reaction and Future Outlook
The announcement has been welcomed by industry stakeholders who see it as a positive step toward restoring India’s position in premium seafood markets. “This subsidy represents a win-win solution,” said one exporter. “It addresses environmental concerns while creating opportunities for our fishermen and processors.”
The government’s move is expected to strengthen India’s compliance with international fishing standards and potentially serve as a model for other nations facing similar challenges in balancing fisheries productivity with marine conservation.
As India continues to implement such innovative solutions, the path forward for its seafood industry appears promising—one where economic growth and environmental stewardship can coexist and mutually reinforce each other.