Mahé Plateau Line and Trap Fishery Co-Management Plan |27 May 2023.

Nation Seychelles

Committee holds its 20th session

The committee for the Mahé Plateau Line and Trap Fishery Co-Management Plan (ICCP) met once again on Thursday after their meeting earlier this year to review the policies discussed in the previous meeting.

Thursday’s meeting, which was attended by representatives from different fishing associations and organisations, was a chance for the participants to voice their concerns and also seek clarifications over some points on the agenda.

The meeting, its 20th session, was held at the Seychelles Trading Company (STC) conference hall.

In his opening statement, the vice-chairperson of the committee and also representative of Praslin Fisheries Association, Darrel Green, expressed his disappointment with many fishermen who were not attending the meeting; a meeting which he said would greatly benefit their own future.

“How do we expect to achieve things for us fishermen when people are not taking their responsibility to come together and deliver,” he said.

He also added that the lack of interest from fishermen was the reason why many of them complain about not being part of or even being aware of the decisions taken.

“All fishing representatives should make a special effort to attend these meetings,” he stated.

At the last ICCP meeting – it’s 19th session, the chairperson noted that there was no quorum, and said that although the meeting would proceed, decisions made would be pending. Its recommendations were reviewed for the approbation of the ICCP members. There were no inquiries from the ICCP about the decisions and recommendations such as fishing licences which should include co-management plan regulations when issued and for fish traders to be registered and made public.

Since the last meeting a few developments have occurred. Frank Volcère, the Liaison officer, has been visiting different schools around Mahé with the aim of sensitising the youth on the need for sustainability of marine resources. More schools will be visited before the end of June 2023.

After agreeing on the specifications for the release ruler, which is to be used by fishers, to abide by the measures of the Mahé Plateau Line and Trap Fishery Co-management Plan, which include the release of undersized Job fish and Red Snapper, the specimens have been provided for approval, for final production. It has been agreed that a total of 1000 rulers will be purchased.

Albert Napier, representing the Seychelles Apostleship of the Sea, said that although he is ready to adopt the plan, he is concerned about the future of fishing in the education system.

“It is very important to teach students about the fishing industry, and fishing being the second pillar of the economy plus the fact that most fishermen nowadays are getting old it would be very good to really enforce this subject in school,” he said.

Thursday’s meeting also included the presentation of findings of a study on the economic and social importance of the sport and recreational fisheries.

Diane Larame

Photo by Joena Meme