Fisheries Research - SFA

This year, we set out to explore potential spawning aggregations and nursery areas of red emperor snapper on the Mahé Plateau. A recent cruise has been completed to identify potential regions, which will be further investigated through a series of field trips scheduled throughout the year. These surveys will target key areas across the plateau and allow for seasonal comparisons.

🐟Stay tuned!

Deep-sea exploration is gaining momentum globally, and has been part of this journey since the 1970s through collaborative initiatives. In Seychelles, exploration has evolved over more than four decades, reflecting a growing commitment to understanding these complex ecosystems.

At the recent Deep Sea Think Tank, we showcased the progression of this work, from early fisheries surveys in the 1970s to the use of advanced deep-sea technologies today. Discussions focused on identifying priority research areas to strengthen knowledge and support the protection of the deep sea.

𝐅𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 & 𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐄 𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐘: 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰’𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐬

• Why fish size matters for the future of Seychelles’ fisheries

Charged with safeguarding the country’s fisheries resources, the Seychelles Fisheries Authority undertakes targeted scientific research to improve understanding of fish stocks.

To read the story in full, please buy a copy of the newspaper or subscribe to Seychelles Nation app or e-nation on www.seychellesnation.com
Contact: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] , [email protected]

🔵The latest edition of 'Dan Nou Kazye' Newsletter is out. Catch up on our latest activities, events and development in the field.

Available on the link below:
https://www.sfa.sc/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SFA-Newsletter-Dan-Nou-Kazye-February-2026.pdf

Happy reading!!!😊

🦞Did you know? There are regulations for the lobster fishery in Seychelles.

These rules help protect lobster stocks, ensure sustainable fishing, and keep the fishery legal.

• Season: 08 January – 07 April 2026
• Valid licence required for commercial fishing
• Maximum divers per licence: 4
• Approved gear only: Traps, snorkelling, or scuba
• No fishing in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
• Minimum size: 75 mm (7.5 cm) carapace length
• Undersized lobsters: Release immediately
• Egg-bearing (berried) females: Release immediately
• Catch reporting and compliance checks are mandatory
• Fishing outside the season or without a licence is illegal
Fish responsibly and help protect our lobster stocks! 🦞

Seychelles Fisheries Authority

🦀 Spanner crab monitoring is ongoing.

The fishery operates year-round, from November to November of the following year, and we are currently working with 10 licensed fishers. We can be seen at Providence and Victoria Fishing Ports, sampling a proportion of the catch to support monitoring and the sustainable management of the fishery.

Seychelles Fisheries Authority