Successful Workshop on Development and Implementation of Turtle Excluder Device (TED) Concludes in Kochi

In a significant step towards promoting sustainable fishing practices and protecting marine biodiversity, a workshop on the Development and Implementation of the Turtle Excluder Device (TED) was successfully held at the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Kochi from February 19 to 25, 2024. The event, a collaboration between the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and ICAR-CIFT, brought together experts, officials, and stakeholders from India and the United States, with the primary aim of enhancing the adoption of TED technology in India’s fishing industry.

The workshop featured resource persons from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), USA, including Mr. Jared R. Milton, Section 609 Programme Manager; Mr. Jeff Gearhart, Chief of the Gear and Vessel Support Branch; and Mr. Kendal M. Falana, Gear Specialist. These experts led the participants through both theory and hands-on practical sessions, focused on the fabrication, installation, and effective use of TEDs in trawl nets to reduce turtle bycatch.

Training for a Sustainable Future

The workshop commenced with presentations from NOAA officials on the importance of TEDs in promoting sustainable fishing practices and protecting endangered sea turtles. The training sessions, held at the gear fabrication facility of ICAR-CIFT, provided participants with hands-on experience in fabricating TEDs and installing them in trawl nets.

The first two days of the workshop were dedicated to the core group of 16 members from ICAR-CIFT, the Fishery Survey of India (FSI), NETFISH-MPEDA, and CIFNET. These participants received intensive training on TED design, installation, and implementation. Following this, the next two days saw the training of net menders from various fishing organizations as well as State Nodal Officers responsible for TED implementation. This ensured that the knowledge gained during the workshop would be effectively passed on to the fishing communities.

Onboard Trials and TED Demonstration

One of the highlights of the workshop was the onboard trials of the newly fabricated TEDs, which took place on February 24, 2024. The trials were conducted using ICAR-CIFT’s research vessel along with two commercial fishing vessels. This live demonstration showcased the functioning of the TEDs at sea, providing participants with practical insights into how the device operates in real-world conditions.

During these trials, the TEDs were successfully tested, proving their effectiveness in reducing sea turtle bycatch while allowing fish and other marine organisms to pass through the nets. This demonstration helped refine the TED design based on the performance observed in the field, ensuring that it would meet the unique needs of India’s fishing industry.

Summing-Up and Stakeholder Engagement

The workshop culminated in a summing-up meeting, where various concerns and suggestions raised by the participants were addressed by the officials. The meeting was attended by representatives from NOAA, the US Embassy in India, MPEDA, ICAR-CIFT, and Nodal Officers from the State Fisheries Department, along with representatives from the fishing boat owners’ associations and seafood export associations across India’s coastal states.

During the session, Mr. D.V. Swamy, IAS, Chairman of MPEDA, emphasized the importance of integrating sustainable fishing practices in India to ensure the long-term health of marine ecosystems. He also highlighted MPEDA’s commitment to promoting TEDs across India’s coastal states and ensuring compliance with global environmental standards.

Representatives from NOAA, including Mr. Jared R. Milton, praised the collaborative efforts between India and the US in promoting the use of TEDs, which are crucial for safeguarding endangered sea turtles. They reiterated the importance of continued engagement between the two nations in furthering marine conservation goals.

Mr. Jason Evans, Political and Economic Officer, and Mr. Karthik Selvaraj, Political and Economic Specialist from the US Consulate in Chennai, also participated in the event and expressed their appreciation for the strong commitment displayed by Indian stakeholders towards adopting sustainable fishing practices.

Path Forward: Sustainable Fishing and Ocean Conservation

The success of this workshop marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward sustainable fishing. With hands-on training, practical demonstrations, and strong support from both Indian and US agencies, the TED implementation program is set to gain momentum in India’s coastal states. The adoption of TEDs is expected to reduce sea turtle bycatch significantly, contributing to the preservation of marine biodiversity while ensuring that the livelihoods of fishing communities are safeguarded.

The collaboration between MPEDA, ICAR-CIFT, and NOAA highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing global environmental challenges. As these TED devices are rolled out across India’s fishing fleets, the future of the country’s fishing industry will be more sustainable, ensuring the health of the oceans for generations to come.

With this successful training and demonstration, India has made a critical step towards sustainable fishing practices, further solidifying its commitment to global conservation efforts and marine biodiversity protection.

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