Marine Animals

Sea Turtle Bycatch in Shrimp Trawls

Sea turtles drown in shrimp trawl nets despite simple, cost-effective devices that could prevent most deaths.

Key Facts

Shrimp trawl bycatch kills over 40,000 sea turtles annually in the US alone
Turtle excluder devices reduce turtle bycatch by 97%
Loggerhead and Kemp Ridley sea turtles are particularly vulnerable
Many countries lack or fail to enforce TEDevice requirements
Longline fisheries kill an estimated 200,000 sea turtles each year globally

Welfare Considerations

Sea turtles caught in trawls experience drowning over 20-90 minutes, an acutely distressing death. Turtle excluder devices provide a simple technical solution but are not universally required or used. Consumer pressure on seafood sourcing can drive adoption of turtle-safe practices.

What You Can Do

Buy shrimp certified by the Marine Stewardship Council
Ask restaurants and retailers about their shrimp sourcing
Support legislation requiring turtle excluder devices globally
Donate to sea turtle conservation organizations
Reduce shrimp consumption or choose farmed alternatives with lower bycatch