These devices are made of metal bars and mesh that fit inside the neck of a trawl net. While shrimp pass between the bars to the back of the net, turtles and other larger animals bump against the metal grid and escape through a flap in the mesh.

How effective are Turtle Excluder Devices?

Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) are specialized metal grates inserted in trawl nets that allow captured sea turtles to escape. They are 97 percent effective at reducing the number of sea turtles killed.

How does the turtle excluder work?

Turtle excluder devices (also known as TEDs) are designed to help turtles swim out of fishing nets if they are accidentally caught. They contain a rigid barrier grid, which is attached to the circumference of the net and guides turtles towards an escape hole either above or below the grid.