ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has announced a Rs90 million project to protect sea turtles during shrimp trawling operations, marking a major step towards sustainable marine fishing and biodiversity conservation.
In a statement, the minister said the project includes the free distribution and installation of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) for fishermen, along with training sessions, capacity-building workshops, and data collection to track the devices’ impact on shrimp catch and net performance.
A TED is a special device fixed inside shrimp trawl nets that allows sea turtles and other large marine animals to escape while keeping the shrimp catch intact.
The minister said introducing TEDs will help reduce the accidental capture of endangered turtles, address fishermen’s concerns about shrimp loss and net damage, and help Pakistan regain US certification for shrimp exports — a key requirement to resume trade with the American market.
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He added that the initiative supports Pakistan’s international commitments to protect marine life and meet global seafood sustainability standards. “This project will highlight Pakistan’s commitment to responsible fishing practices and improve its image in global seafood trade,” Chaudhry said.
Explaining further, the minister said shrimp trawling often traps non-target species, including turtles that can drown when unable to reach the surface. He directed the Karachi Fisheries Harbour Authority, Sindh Fisheries Department, and Marine Fisheries Department to ensure full TED compliance both at sea and onshore.
“Complete compliance and strict enforcement are essential,” he warned. “Any failure could further harm Pakistan’s seafood exports under international traceability standards.”
Highlighting the economic benefits, Chaudhry said Pakistan’s shrimp exports are currently worth about $100 million annually. Full TED implementation and US recertification could triple exports and open access to premium markets in the European Union and Canada, with the US shrimp market alone valued at over $6 billion per year.
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The project is being supported by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Pakistan Fisheries Exporters Association (PAKFEA), Sindh Trawler Owners Fisheries Association (STOFA), Karachi Fish Harbour Authority (KFHA), Sindh Marine Fisheries Department (SFD), and Fishermen’s Cooperative Society (FCS).
Chaudhry added that Pakistan currently sells shrimp at around $2 per kilogram, but with TED compliance and international certification, the price could rise to $6 per kilogram, opening new opportunities in markets such as the US, EU, and GCC countries.
