Turtle Exclusion Devices and Bycatch Reduction

Turtle exclusion devices in shrimp trawls have dramatically reduced sea turtle bycatch mortality, demonstrating how targeted technology can reduce wildlife welfare harms.

Key Facts

TED requirements in US shrimp trawls reduced sea turtle drowning deaths by an estimated 97%
TEDs work by allowing turtles to escape through a trapdoor while retaining shrimp
Some turtle populations have shown recovery following TED adoption
International adoption of TEDs is inconsistent and represents an ongoing welfare gap
TED technology has improved significantly with designs that minimize shrimp loss

Welfare Considerations

Turtle exclusion devices represent a successful case study in technology-based welfare improvement for marine wildlife. Before TED requirements, shrimp trawls drowned thousands of sea turtles annually. Following TED adoption, documented sea turtle mortalities from shrimping fell dramatically. The technology demonstrates that meaningful welfare improvement is achievable with targeted engineering solutions. The remaining challenge is extending TED requirements internationally and to all trawl-type fisheries operating in sea turtle habitat.

What You Can Do

Choose shrimp from TED-compliant certified fisheries
Advocate for international TED adoption in all shrimp fisheries operating in turtle habitat
Support organizations monitoring TED compliance and effectiveness
Learn about other bycatch reduction devices that can reduce wildlife welfare harm in fisheries