Wildlife

Marine Turtle Bycatch in Prawn Trawling

Prawn trawling in northern Australia and globally causes significant sea turtle bycatch, with welfare improvements possible through Turtle Excluder Devices and fishing practice changes.

Key Facts

Australian prawn trawling has historically killed thousands of turtles annually as bycatch
Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) are mandatory in Australian prawn trawl fisheries since 2000
TEDs reduce turtle bycatch by over 90% when properly maintained and installed
Live turtles captured in prawn trawls can survive if released quickly with minimal handling
Flatback turtles endemic to Australia are particularly vulnerable in Australian prawn fisheries

Welfare Considerations

Turtles caught in prawn trawl nets drown if nets are towed for extended periods. Even turtles that survive capture experience acute fear and exhaustion. TED installation requirements have dramatically reduced turtle bycatch in Australian fisheries since 2000 — a genuine welfare success story. Ongoing compliance monitoring and TED maintenance requirements are essential to sustain this welfare improvement.

What You Can Do

Choose Australian wild prawns over imported prawns from fisheries with weaker TED requirements
Support independent TED compliance monitoring in prawn fisheries
Advocate for global TED requirements in all prawn trawl fisheries as part of trade conditions
Donate to sea turtle monitoring programmes in northern Australia