US stops fish imports from India over turtle safety nets: Fishing sector in crisis

Thriprayar (Thrissur): India is facing a major economic setback as the United States has stopped importing fish from India due to the absence of turtle excluder devices on nets. These devices prevent sea turtles from getting trapped in fishing nets.

This has resulted in the loss of billions of rupees in foreign exchange for India. Since 2019, the US has enforced strict regulations against importing fish from countries that do not protect sea turtles, leading to only minimal growth in export earnings for India. Fishermen across all nine coastal States are deeply affected by this.

In response to the crisis, a meeting of fisheries stakeholders was recently held in Mumbai to discuss the mandatory inclusion of turtle excluder nets, where boat owners have committed to installing these nets. Another meeting is scheduled soon in Kerala, organised by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPDA) and the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT).

Sea turtles often get caught in trawl and pelagic nets, impacting their population and endangering their nesting sites. Traditional fishermen have historically respected and protected these turtles during their nesting seasons. However, the ban on export has affected their livelihoods as shrimp is a key export commodity to the US.

PV Janardhanan, Organizing Secretary of Akhila Kerala Dheevara Sabha, emphasised the need for the government to enforce strict measures against illegal fishing practices using unauthorised nets to safeguard marine life and restore export opportunities.

Turtle Excluder Device

Sea turtles trapped in nets can escape through this device. The fish will not escape. Many sea turtles die from getting caught in nets. Sea turtles caught in boats remain trapped for days.