ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has announced a Rs90 million project to protect sea turtles during shrimp trawling operations, aiming to preserve marine biodiversity and ensure the sustainable use of ocean resources.
In a statement on Thursday, the minister said the initiative includes distributing and installing standardized Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) free of cost for fishermen, along with training workshops, hands-on sessions for trawler crews, and data collection to assess the devices’ impact on shrimp catch and net performance.
A Turtle Excluder Device is a tool placed in shrimp trawl nets that lets sea turtles and other large marine animals escape while keeping shrimp inside.
The minister noted that introducing TEDs would greatly reduce the accidental capture of endangered turtles, address fishermen’s concerns about shrimp loss, and help Pakistan regain U.S. certification, an essential step for restoring shrimp exports to the American market.
He said the project aligns with Pakistan’s global commitments on marine conservation and sustainable fishing practices, ensuring compliance with international seafood traceability and sustainability standards.
“This initiative will showcase Pakistan’s commitment to responsible marine resource management, enhancing its reputation in global seafood trade,” Chaudhry stated.
Explaining further, the minister said shrimp trawling often catches large amounts of non-target species. When sea turtles get trapped, they cannot reach the surface and may drown.
He directed the Karachi Fisheries Harbour Authority, Sindh Fisheries Department, and Marine Fisheries Department to ensure full TED implementation both at sea and at the harbor.
“One hundred percent TED compliance and credible enforcement will be ensured. Continued non-compliance risks further deterioration of Pakistan’s seafood exports under international traceability regimes,” he cautioned.
Chaudhry highlighted that Pakistan currently earns around $100 million annually from shrimp exports.
With full TED compliance and U.S. recertification, export volumes could triple and open doors to high-value markets like the European Union and Canada. The U.S. shrimp market alone is worth over $6 billion a year, he added.
The project is supported by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Pakistan Fisheries Exporters Association (PAKFEA), Sindh Trawler Owners Fisheries Association (STOFA), Karachi Fish Harbour Authority (KFHA), Sindh Marine Fisheries Department (SFD), and Fishermen’s Cooperative Society (FCS).
Junaid Chaudhry further mentioned that Pakistan currently sells shrimp for about $2 per kilogram, but with TED compliance and improved certifications, the price could rise to $6 per kilogram, opening access to premium markets including the U.S., EU, and Gulf countries.