Current status of Turtle Excluder Device (TED) in shrimp trawl nets in Nigeria

Abstract

A two-man team of USA Scientists/Experts permitted by the USA Congress to carry out a thorough inspection of TEDs in shrimp trawl nets in Nigeria as a pre-condition for recertification of Nigeria; for shrimp’s exports mainly to EU and USA markets. The inspection took place in August 2013 and August 2015 for a week each. A total of 196
TEDs were inspected in 49 vessels in 2013 and 27 in 2015 from 5 shrimping companies. Two types of TED grids were predominant in the Nigerian Inshore shrimp trawlers namely Weedless and Super Shooter/ Bent Rod which were constructed in 3 different sizes 86.4cm x 86.4cm (59%), 91.4cm x 101.6cm (33%) and 106.7cm x127.0cm 8%. About 39% of the trawl nets were installed lower than 40⁰ while 61% were between the recommended angles of 45⁰ – 55⁰. Escape opening recorded minimum of 180 cm (71″) horizontal or minimum circumference of 360 cm (142″). The Nigerian shrimping industry was rate at 63.3% which has been adjudged to be one of the highest in the world and second only to Mexico and 90% in 2015 with 100% installation of double cover flap for fast exclusion of ndanger sea turtle.