Turtle Safe Shrimp CampaignTurtle Safe Shrimp CampaignShrimp fishermen who agree to use TEDs (Turtle Exluder Devices) properly and agree to monitoring on their shrimp boats and on the way to the marketplace can affix the Turtle-Safe Certified seal to their products. The goal of the Turtle-Safe Shrimp (TSS) program is simple. By giving shrimp fishermen every reason to comply with laws protecting sea turtles, these gentle mysterious creatures can be saved from extinction.
The Turtle-Safe Shrimp program is growing rapidly with 3 million pounds
of shrimp shipped annually from Georgia docks caught by 125 fishermen who
have joined TSS. The Sea Turtle Restoration Project of Earth Island Institute
has expanded the TSS program through restaurants and major retailers. Although
consumers may not be able to find Turtle-Safe shrimp at their local market
or restaurant, they need to ask for it. Grocers and restaurant owners need
to know that their consumers will buy only shrimp that do not contribute
to the demise of endangered sea turtles.
Consumers should spread the word among family and friends to look for the Turtle-Safe Shrimp certification and tell grocers and chefs that no other product is acceptable. The more people who demand Turtle-Safe shrimp, the sooner the slaughter of sea turtles in nets of shrimp fishermen who break the law will stop.