Turtle Excluder Devices and Sea Turtle Welfare

Turtle Excluder Devices represent one of the most successful targeted interventions for reducing bycatch mortality in a charismatic and endangered group of animals.

Key Facts

Sea turtles are critically endangered globally with all 7 species threatened or endangered
Shrimp trawling was once the primary cause of sea turtle mortality before TEDs were introduced
TEDs reduced sea turtle bycatch by over 97% while allowing shrimp to pass through normally
The US has required TEDs on shrimp trawlers since 1987 after significant environmental advocacy
Sea turtles must reach the surface to breathe and drown within minutes if trapped in a trawl net

Welfare Considerations

Turtle Excluder Devices provide a clear example of how targeted technical solutions can dramatically reduce animal welfare harm at scale. Before TEDs, drowning in shrimp trawls was a leading cause of sea turtle death. The welfare harm is acute — air-breathing animals trapped underwater experience extreme distress before drowning. TEDs nearly eliminated this cause of mortality with minimal impact on shrimp catch, demonstrating that welfare improvements and commercial fishing can coexist.

What You Can Do

Support mandatory TED requirements in all shrimp trawl fisheries worldwide
Choose shrimp from fisheries certified for TED use when purchasing seafood
Advocate for trade restrictions on shrimp from countries without TED requirements
Support sea turtle conservation organizations working on habitat and bycatch reduction
Learn about the history of TED advocacy as an effective model for bycatch reduction campaigns