Sri Vijaya Puram, July 12: Mr. S. U. Maheswar Rao, Chairman, Andaman & Nicobar Fisheries Cooperative Federation Ltd. (ANIFCOFED), has welcomed and appreciated the successful installation of the first-ever Turtle Excluder Device (TED) in a pelagic trawl net in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, describing it as a historic milestone towards sustainable fishing and marine biodiversity conservation.
The installation of the TED has been made mandatory under the Andaman & Nicobar Marine Fishing Rules (Amendment), 2025, and has been implemented with 100% Central financial assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
Mr. Maheswar Rao expressed his sincere appreciation to the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, the Department of Fisheries, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, and all the Central fisheries and marine research institutes for their dedicated efforts in introducing this important conservation initiative in the Islands.
He stated that the Turtle Excluder Device is an environmentally responsible technology that enables the safe escape of sea turtles from fishing nets while allowing fishermen to continue harvesting fish efficiently. The initiative reflects the Government of India’s commitment to promoting responsible fishing practices and protecting marine ecosystems without compromising the livelihoods of fishermen.
Mr. Maheswar Rao also appealed to all pelagic trawl net owners and mechanized fishing boat owners across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to voluntarily adopt and effectively implement the Turtle Excluder Device. He emphasized that widespread adoption of this technology will support sustainable fisheries, conserve endangered marine species, improve responsible fishing practices, and ensure long-term benefits for the fishing community.
He further expressed confidence that the successful implementation of TED will strengthen the Islands’ reputation as a model for sustainable fisheries management and marine conservation in India.
