Gujarat to Provide Free Turtle Excluder Devices to Fishermen

Gujarat government is starting a scheme to give 8,925 Turtle Excluder Devices to local fishermen for free. This project costs Rs 20.96 crore and is fully paid for by Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. The main aim is to protect sea life and help the state reach international export standards.

Device details and benefits

This decision follows restrictions by the United States on shrimp imports from India because of concerns about sea turtle safety. The Central Institute of Fisheries Technology in Kochi developed these devices. Fishermen can now use them to help turtles escape trawl nets. This scheme will likely increase shrimp exports and help families who depend on fishing across the state.