In March US authorities banned the imports of Mexican shrimp, citing misuse of turtle excluder devices, or TEDs, by Mexican shrimp trawlers in open ocean. According to the Agriculture Secretariat the restrictions, which took effect on April 20, apply only to shrimp harvested using mechanical gear for net retrieval and not to those produced at shrimp farms.
This restriction has affected the northwestern state of Sinaloa, where most of Mexico’s shrimp industry is concentrated. Mexico’s National Aquaculture and Fishing Commission, or Conapesca, recently sent a report to the U.S. State Department that documents increased use of TEDs by Mexican shrimp trawlers. The visit of US inspector in Mexico raises hope for shrimp fleets to be re-certified and once again allowed to export to the U.S. market.
Conapesca says that from December 2009 to the present 5,138 fishermen have been briefed “on national legislation for the protection of sea turtles during shrimp harvesting.”
