Cuddalore Collector distributes 185 Turtle Excluder Devices to fishermen

Cuddalore Collector distributes 185 Turtle Excluder Devices to fishermen, promoting turtle conservation while supporting local livelihoods.

Cuddalore Collector Sibi Adhithya Senthil Kumar distributed 185 Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) worth ₹43.45 lakh to fishermen in the district on Tuesday (January 27, 2026). The TEDs, which are fitted to trawl nets, will prevent sea turtles from getting trapped in them.

He said that as part of efforts to control sea turtle deaths, the Tamil Nadu government has been implementing various measures annually during the turtle nesting season from January 1 to April 30. Key restrictions include prohibiting mechanised fishing boats within five nautical miles of the shore, banning traditional boats with engines over 10 horsepower in declared nesting areas, and forbidding the use of trawl nets.

As part of these efforts, the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Kochi, helped design TEDs — fitted free of cost to trawl nets in Tamil Nadu. These ensure that turtles escape unharmed, without disrupting fishermen’s livelihoods. The 185 devices, provided with 100% subsidy to Cuddalore’s trawl boat owners, come pre-installed in nets. This safeguards both sea turtles and fishermen’s livelihoods.

The Collector said that a nodal Task Force oversees turtle protection through joint patrols and real-time monitoring of boats within five nautical miles via the ‘Nabhmitra’, a device developed by ISRO-Space Applications Centre (Ahmedabad) for the safety of fishermen.

In addition, awareness campaigns are being held in fishing villages to educate local communities about the importance of protecting sea turtles. Over 20 campaigns have been held so far, he added.