By Chidi Ugwu
Nigeria’s industrial fishing sector has achieved a significant milestone as all 23 inspected trawlers successfully met the technical compliance requirements for Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs).
Olujimi Oyetomi, the Director, Press and Public Relations in the of Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, who made this known in a statement, noted that the in inspection, conducted by a U.S. TEDs Inspection Team on September 12 and 13, 2024, marked a 100% compliance rate, a notable improvement from the previous evaluation which yielded a 98% compliance score.
The inspections were part of Nigeria’s efforts to enhance its shrimp exports to the U.S. and E.U. markets, thereby boosting foreign exchange earnings.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, under the leadership of Adegboyega Oyetola, who emphasized the importance of sustainable fishing practices in aligning with global conservation efforts.
The inspections involved collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Nigerian Institute for Marine and Oceanography and Marine Research, the Nigerian Trawler Owners Association, and fisheries inspectors.
The successful compliance is expected to open new market opportunities for Nigerian shrimp, enhancing the country’s reputation as a leader in marine conservation and sustainable fishing practices.
