The Aquaculture Department launches its second National Aquaculture Policy guiding the industry for the next 4 years.

22-05-2024 – The Aquaculture Department of the Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA) has launched its second ‘Seychelles National Aquaculture Policy’ (SNAP) 2023-2027. The launch ceremony took place at the Seychelles Maritime Academy (SMA) on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. The event was attended by the Minister for Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Minister Jean Francois Ferrari, the European Union Ambassador to Seychelles and Mauritius, Mr. Oskar Benedikt, the French Ambassador to Seychelles, Mrs. Olivia Berkeley-Christmann, the Chief Executive Officer of the SFA, Dr. Jan Robinson, other SFA staff, investors of the aquaculture sector, SMA students and lecturers, and other partners.

The main aim of the policy is to guide and comprehensively support an effectively managed and environmentally responsible aquaculture industry that contributes to food security and the creation of wealth in the Seychelles.

The first SNAP was for 2018-2022 and with the launch of the Aquaculture industry in October 2021, there was a need to update the policy after a few years. A consultant was recruited with funding from the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) through GOPA to review, evaluate, and update the aquaculture policy. The new policy was presented to the Cabinet of Ministers and accepted in August 2023.

The European Union was instrumental in the review of this policy by providing funding under the EPA and it helped fast-track its completion. As the sector develops the European Union has been showing increasing support in helping Seychelles’ strategic objectives to diversify its socio-economic activities which are linked with not just fisheries but the blue economy as well.

In his remarks, Minister Ferrari thanked the European Union through Ambassador Benedikt for their support in developing the policy. Minister Ferrari highlighted the importance of such policies marking the advancement in the country’s sustainable aquaculture, reflecting the government’s commitment to fostering a thriving blue economy, “Our position to prioritize marine aquaculture stands from our clear understanding of the immense potential our marine environment holds.” “This policy is designed to foster a competitive and diversified Aquaculture Industry capable of meeting both local and global seafood demands while ensuring the preservation of our marine ecosystem,” said Minister Ferrari.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Benedikt, Ambassador Berkeley-Christmann, CEO Robinson, and Minister Ferrari were presented with a copy of the Aquaculture policy booklet.

The Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy will review the SNAP every five years to remain relevant and adequately focused on the sustainable development of the sector.