Pakistan launches Rs90 million initiative to protect sea turtles during shrimp trawling

ISLAMABAD — Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced the launch of a Rs90 million initiative to protect sea turtles during shrimp trawling operations.

The project includes the distribution and installation of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) at no cost to fishermen, alongside capacity-building workshops, hands-on training for trawler crews, and data collection to assess the impact on shrimp catch efficiency.

A TED is a device fitted into shrimp trawl nets that allows sea turtles and other large marine animals to escape while retaining shrimp. The minister highlighted that this initiative would reduce the accidental capture of endangered sea turtles and help mitigate concerns over shrimp loss and net damage. It is also a step towards regaining US certification, which is critical for resuming shrimp exports to the US market.

This initiative aligns with Pakistan’s international commitments on marine sustainability, aiming to meet global seafood traceability and sustainability standards.

Chaudhry urged the Karachi Fisheries Harbour Authority, Sindh Fisheries Department, and Marine Fisheries Department to ensure full TED compliance at sea and at dockside.

The project is expected to have significant economic benefits, with Pakistan’s shrimp exports currently valued at $100 million annually. Full TED compliance and US recertification could potentially triple export volumes, opening access to premium markets like the EU, Canada, and the US, which has a $6 billion annual shrimp market.

The project is supported by several key stakeholders, including the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Pakistan Fisheries Exporters Association (PAKFEA), and Sindh Trawler Owners Fisheries Association (STOFA).