Just like forest resources, marine resources also hold crucial importance in human life. If not protected, they can cause significant environmental degradation along with major economic losses to our country. A striking example of this is the export crisis India faced due to its failure in sea turtle conservation.
Since 2019, the United States has banned the export of Indian shrimp because of the failure to use the Turtle Excluder Device (TED), which prevents turtles from getting caught in fishing nets. This has caused a loss of billions of rupees for India over the past six years. Kerala, being a leading state in shrimp export, bore the brunt of this loss.
A Turtle Excluder Device costs around ₹20,000. In a scenario of declining fish availability, purchasing such a device becomes a heavy burden for fishermen. Meanwhile, both central and state governments have failed to provide adequate support for these devices. Currently, most trawling nets in India do not have this equipment.
Sea turtles play a critical role in maintaining the marine ecosystem necessary for high-value marine species like shrimp, tuna, and lobster. They are essential in preserving sea grass beds and coral reefs. Additionally, sea turtles have tourism value. This is why the U.S. places great importance on their conservation.
Kerala is not just a coastline suitable for sea turtles, but also a region that actively participates in conservation efforts. Areas like Chavakkad, Blangad, and Irattappuzha in Thrissur are among the places where turtles are most commonly found. Here, active conservation efforts are being carried out with the cooperation of the forest department and dedicated organizations.
Turtles usually lay eggs at night. These eggs are collected and protected in temporary hatcheries. After about 45 days, the hatchlings are released into the sea. Reports suggest that nearly 350,000 sea turtle hatchlings have been protected along Kerala's coast so far.
Today, protecting India’s marine biodiversity and economic prospects is a matter of utmost urgency. Only by mandating the use of environmentally friendly devices like the Turtle Excluder Device in fishing practices can we simultaneously safeguard nature and income. Protecting sea turtles is, in essence, protecting nature, the livelihoods of fishermen, and the economy itself.
