the Indian government plans to adopt a strategy to counter moves by industrialised countries to install green barriers to trade, as had happened when the us had imposed an embargo on shrimp imports from countries like India in 1995. This is because in these countries, no law urges the fisherfolk to protect turtles like the Loggerhead, Kemp's Ridley, Olive Ridley, Green, Hawksbill and Leather-back varieties.
While on one hand, the government has taken the us to the World Trade Organization's (wto) dispute panel contesting the shrimp export ban, on the other hand, it has recently decided to issue a notification making the use of turtle excluder devices (ted), which allow turtles to escape if they get trapped in fishing nets, compulsory while fishing.
Interestingly, the ministry of environment and forests says that it has been recommending the use of teds since 1994. According to a recent official estimate, up to 10,000 turtles are killed annually along Orissa's coast for the lack of teds.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.