Trawling towards Sustainability: MPEDA and CIFT Team Up for TED Implementation in Veraval
The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) joined forces in Veraval, Gujarat, on December 20th, 2023, to tackle the critical issue of sea turtle conservation. The focus of the event was a preliminary workshop on the development and implementation of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in Indian trawlers.
The workshop began with a warm welcome from Dr. Joice Thomas, Chief Executive of NETFISH at MPEDA. Mr. Anilkumar P, Joint Director- M at MPEDA, highlighted the urgency of stricter TED implementation in Indian trawlers to address the recent US ban on sea-caught shrimp. Dr. Ashish Jha, Scientist-in-Charge at CIFT Veraval, offered an opening felicitation, setting the stage for a productive discussion.
Mr. Shakthivel A, Assistant Director at MPEDA, presented a detailed overview of US laws and the existing TED implementation framework in India. This provided context for the subsequent discussion led by Dr. Madhu V R, Principal Scientist at CIFT Kochi. Dr. R delved into the technical aspects of TED design and specifications, elaborating on how CIFT-designed TEDs adhere to NOAA guidelines. To further enhance understanding, a live demonstration of a CIFT-designed TED was conducted for the workshop participants.
Over 40 individuals, including net manufacturers, actively participated in the workshop, engaging in discussions and seeking clarifications. This enthusiastic response underlines the growing awareness and concern for sea turtle conservation within the fishing community.
The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Kishorkumar, Assistant Director at MPEDA Veraval. This collaborative effort between MPEDA and CIFT marks a significant step towards sustainable shrimp trawling practices in India. By prioritizing TED implementation and actively engaging with stakeholders like net manufacturers, the workshop paves the way for a future where both economic prosperity and environmental protection go hand-in-hand.