Safeguarding Seychelles’ Marine Resources Through Effective Oversight
The Monitoring Control & Surveillance Department consists of three key sections: Monitoring, Enforcement, and Licenses and Permits. It supports the implementation of the fisheries management policies, plans, and strategies, by ensuring compliance with fishing conditions, management measures and fisheries legislation through effective flag state, coastal state, market state, and port state controls.
Fisheries Monitoring Centre
The Monitoring Section oversees MCS Department duties, including validating catch documents, issuing and validating port landing and transshipment permits, and validating advance notifications. It ensures enforcement of Fisheries Port State Measures through four specialized units:
In 2023, the SFA advanced its implementation of the Electronic Monitoring System (EMS) to enhance compliance efforts. The second phase involves installing EMS on Seychelles-flagged longliners, requiring active stakeholder consultation. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) continues to support the SFA with funding and technical assistance to develop the EMS program for longline fleets operating in Seychelles waters.
In January 2023, the Seychelles Fisheries Authority (SFA) invited proposals for sea cucumber exploratory fishing in the Joint Management Area (JMA) with Mauritius. Two operators were authorized in June, and the first fishing trip occurred in September. The MCS monitored landings, which included 96% White teatfish and 4% Flower teatfish. From September to December, six trips resulted in a total of 30,013 pieces weighing 16,183.1 kg
In 2023, the MCS developed the National Plan of Action for Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported fishing (NPOA-IUU). This process involved an intensive gap analysis, the creation of a comprehensive work plan, and extensive stakeholder consultations. The project is set to conclude in early 2024.
In 2023, the IOTC introduced two systems to enhance compliance: e-MARIS for automatic data integration and the Record of Authorized Vessels (RAV) to ensure only registered vessels fish in the IOTC area. Resolution 19/04 mandates that unregistered vessels cannot fish. Two MCS officers were trained on these systems in Mauritius.
The Seychelles signed the Charter for the SADC Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre (MCSCC), which will coordinate regional fisheries data sharing, maintain a vessel register, provide surveillance and observer services, support port state measures, and enhance national MCS systems. Additionally, in July 2023, the SFA and Seychelles Police Force signed a two-year MOU to enhance cooperation in protecting Seychelles’ fisheries and aquaculture industry by detecting and deterring illegal fishing activities. This partnership will focus on enforcing the Mahé Plateau Trap and Line regulations, which impose minimum size limits on key species.
License and Permit Section
The License and Permit Section, part of the Monitoring Control and Surveillance Department, is responsible for issuing authorizations, licenses, and permits. The team is made up of an Assistant Manager, Senior License Officers, and License Officers who process and issue all the relevant documentation.
Authorizations, licenses, and permits are authorized by the Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Head and Manager of the Monitoring Control and Surveillance Department, and the Section’s Assistant Manager.
For inquiries, please contact us at license@sfa.sc.