The IT Section and Statistics & Economic Department held a Validation Workshop on Tuesday 03^rd June 2025 at Olympic House to present and review the new Fisheries Economics Module under the Fisheries Information Management System (FIMS).

The online module is designed to simplify and digitalize services for boat owners and fisheries companies, including applications for tax concessions, fuel subsidies, and vessel insurance, as well as providing access to a central registry of people, companies, and vessels.

Stakeholders were given the opportunity to test the system’s first version and offer feedback ahead of its planned rollout in the fourth quarter of 2025.

The workshop, facilitated by FIMS lead consultant Mr. Kenneth Katafono, also brought together representatives from fishers’ associations, who shared feedback on current challenges in service delivery. Timeliness of approvals emerged as a key concern, with participants expressing strong support for the module’s potential to address this issue. Suggestions for additional features were also welcomed, with many praising SFA’s efforts toward digital transformation in the sector.

Mr. Katafono also presented a Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) data management system developed for the Pacific region, which could be adapted for future phases of FIMS in Seychelles. The system includes components for permits, catch documentation, vessel inspections, and trade processes.

Representatives from SFA’s IT, MCS, Fuel Claim, and Statistics teams were in attendance, underscoring the Authority’s commitment to modernizing fisheries services through integrated digital solutions.