Kerala fishers seek review of turtle-excluder device mandate

The Federation of Fishing Boats and Fishery Industries of Kerala has called for a review of the mandatory turtle-excluder device (TED) requirement imposed on fishing vessels.

According to the federation, when a turtle exits through the device, an estimated 8–10% of the catch is also lost along with it. The organization argues that the regulation, while intended to protect endangered sea turtles, imposes a substantial economic burden on fishing communities.

The appeal highlights the tension between marine conservation efforts and the livelihoods of fishers, raising questions about the feasibility of the current implementation framework.