Validation workshop on the Seychelles Sustainable Tuna Fishery Management Plan.

26-03-2024 – The Seychelles Fishing Authority and the Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy are coordinating the process for the development of a Sustainable Tuna Fishery Management Plan for the Seychelles. Following initial stakeholder consultation in 2023, a validation workshop was organised on Wednesday 20^th March 2024, at Eden Bleu Hotel, for stakeholders to objectively review the draft management plan and if necessary, propose conclusive changes or validate the plan.

The workshop was also to provide feedback on the comments that were received as part of the plan’s previous review process, highlighting how these comments have been integrated in the latest version.

The fundamental goal of the Sustainable Tuna Fishery Management plan is to promote the effective and holistic development, management, conservation, and equitable use of tuna resources in the Seychelles, in line with the Fisheries Policy and Strategy 2019, as well as with international agreements which Seychelles is party to. The planning will provide clear guidance and structure at all levels of the tuna industry to ensure the long-term sustainable growth of the tuna industry.

In its effort to develop that long-term roadmap, the Government (SFA) engaged IOS PARTNERS, INC., as consultants and Dr. Jude Bijoux as local Team Leader to assist in developing the management plan. During the process, the IOS PARTNERS, INC identified gaps and shortcomings in the country’s management approach, developed a 10-year development pathway aligned with the existing fisheries policies and international standards and shared the 5-year Seychelles sustainable tuna management plan considering stock status, IOTC Conservation, and Management Measures.

“This occasion marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to safeguard our precious marine resources and the livelihoods that depend on them.”, said the Chief Executive Officer of the SFA, Dr. Jan Robinson in his opening statement.

Dr. Robinson also highlighted the government’s commitment to safeguard tuna stocks and to promote the viability of the industry, “Our commitment to sustainable fisheries is unwavering, and the Seychelles Tuna Fishery Management Plan is a vital tool to realize that commitment. Through patient planning and collaboration with stakeholders, we are crafting a roadmap that we hope will not only contribute to safeguarding the health of our tuna stocks but will also promote the long-term economic and social viability of our tuna fishing industry.”

The workshop also presented an opportunity to discuss any outstanding issues and to agree on the way forward to finalize the plan, obtain government endorsement, and start its implementation.