Ministry of Fisheries becomes custodian of maritime academy |28 February 2024

Seychelles Nation

The Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy is pleased to announce its new role as the custodian of the Seychelles Maritime Academy.

Effective immediately, the academy will be transferred from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy, aligning it with the ministry’s mission of achieving sustainable transformation and diversification of the ocean’s economy.

As a tertiary education institution, the Seychelles Maritime Academy (SMA) has played a crucial role in providing quality education and training in the maritime sector. Recognising its significance, the Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy will assume direct oversight and involvement in the strategic planning and decisions of the academy. This integration aims to ensure that the academy’s programmes and initiatives are designed to address the specific needs and challenges of the Seychelles’ marine sector, thus enhancing its overall effectiveness and relevance.

Furthermore, the administrative transfer presents an opportunity for the Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy to expand the academy’s capacity and capabilities. This, in turn, will nurture a skilled workforce equipped with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the complexities of the maritime industry, contribute to sustainable fisheries management, and drive innovation within the sector.

The strategic decision to transfer the academy to the Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy reflects the government’s commitment to promoting research and modernism in the marine industry. It also signifies the ministry’s aspiration to explore new ways and opportunities in the sector beyond traditional fisheries activities, as well as to initiate early engagement with the students, nurturing their interest in the fisheries sector and the blue economy from a young age. 

Designated Minister Jean François Ferrari, Minister for Fisheries and the Blue Economy, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration between the ministry and the academy.

He stated, “My ministry looks forward to working closely with the management, staff, and students of the Seychelles Maritime Academy. Together, we will raise the standards of the academy, create more opportunities, and contribute to the growth and prosperity of the sector.”

Minister Ferrari also emphasised the importance of private sector partnerships, encouraging shipping companies, yacht charters, and other maritime businesses to provide input on industry needs and help shape the academy’s programmes to meet industry standards. 

The synergy between the Ministry of Fisheries and the SMA also holds promise for fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the maritime community, as well as facilitating partnerships that promote knowledge sharing, joint research initiatives, and capacity building. Such collaborations can enhance the Seychelles’ standing as a hub for maritime excellence and attract investments, expertise, and opportunities that contribute to the sustainable development of the sector.

Overall, the administrative transfer of the SMA to the Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy signifies a pivotal moment in the Seychelles’ commitment to sustainable development and effective management of its marine resources. By harnessing the academy’s expertise, expanding its capacity, and fostering collaboration, the government sets the stage for a prosperous future where the fisheries sector and the blue economy continue to thrive.

Contributed