Seychelles Sea Cucumber Survey 2021/2022

The final report on the 2021/22 Sea Cucumber stock assessment field survey by the Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA) has officially been published. Based on the survey, the Seychelles sea cucumber fishery is at an important crossroads where some species appear to be somewhat resilient to heavy fishing pressure; however, there are clear signs of over-exploitation. The field survey was carried out with participants from the commercial fishing industry; and Tim Skewes Consulting provided sample design, data analysis and management recommendations. The main objectives of the project were; to conduct a fisheries independent survey to assess the abundance of all sea cucumber resources; provide information on the stock status of the main commercial species; collect biological and ecological information on sea cucumber species; understand the effect of exploitation on sea cucumber population and distribution, and; provide management advice to guide the future management of the sea cucumber fishery. Read more