Mexico Trains Shrimp Sector on Turtle, Fish Exclusion Devices

CONAPESCA, trained more than 1,200 people from the offshore shrimp sector in the use of turtle excluder devices (TEDs) and fish excluder devices (FEDs) to prevent bycatch and protect marine life. The training was conducted through workshops under the Awareness and Training Program on the Construction, Installation and Operation of TEDs and FEDs. A total of 1,227 crew members from larger shrimp vessels in Campeche, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tamaulipas and Veracruz took part.

The use of TEDs and FEDs is mandatory in shrimp trawl nets under NOM-002-SAG/PESC-2013, which sets technical specifications, criteria and procedures to regulate shrimp fishing. The workshops provided instruction on both the correct construction of the devices, as required by NOM-061-SAG-PESC/SEMARNAT-2016, and on their proper use by crews to ensure compliance with existing regulations.

Authorities said the program supports Mexico’s efforts to regain certification to export shrimp to the United States next year. In 2024, the United States purchased 13,882t of Mexican shrimp in different product categories and remained the country’s top market for fisheries and aquaculture products.

Mexico’s shrimp industry produced 258,577t in 2024. Officials highlighted the training demonstrates that shrimp fishing in the country is carried out sustainably, respects ecosystems and aligns with the National Program for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles.