The Seychelles Fisheries Authority (SFA) celebrated over 40years of dedicated service, innovation, and commitment to the sustainable development of the nation’s fisheries sector with a Scientific Symposium held on Thursday, 30th April 2026, at the Savoy Resort & Spa.
Bringing together lecturers, students, entrepreneurs, stakeholders, and partners, the symposium created a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration on the future of fisheries and marine science in Seychelles. The gathering reflects the SFA’s enduring role in advancing research and fostering partnerships within the sector.
At the opening of the event, the European Ambassador, Mr. Oskar Benedikt, emphasized the importance of the milestone, highlighting four decades of research and commitment to ocean stewardship. He reaffirmed the EU’s ongoing support for Seychelles in marine research and sustainable fisheries.
The CEO of SFA Dr. Jan Robinson, highlighted the symposium as both a celebration of achievements and a platform to tackle challenges like climate change and evolving markets. He encouraged participants to engage and collaborate to shape a sustainable future for the fisheries sector.
The morning’s scientific session delivered a rich exchange of knowledge, with presentations addressing key areas shaping the future of Seychelles’ fisheries. Topics included advancing the sustainable management of drifting Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) in the Indian Ocean, as well as findings from the Fishery Independent Survey of Spanner Crab (Ranina ranina), locally known as ‘Krab Ziraf’, on the Mahé Plateau (Zones 2 and 3).
Participants also gained insights into the sea cucumber fishery in Seychelles and were introduced to the FAO Weight of Evidence Framework, highlighting its application in strengthening fisheries decision-making at the national level. The session concluded with a presentation on assessing demersal fish communities along the drop-off of the Mahé Plateau using dropline surveys, offering new perspectives on deep-water ecosystems.
The symposium continued into the afternoon with presentations focusing on enhancing fisheries management through data integration and exploring different aspects of aquaculture development in Seychelles, including Finfish larval rearing, and optimizing aquaculture protocols for Tripneustes gratilla.
The interactive sessions throughout the day allowed participants to ask questions and share perspectives on the various topics presented, further enriching the discussions. The event concluded with a viewing of an exhibition, showcasing the research work and sciences of the sector.
The Scientific Symposium 2026 stands as both a celebration of the SFA’s legacy and a renewed commitment to science-driven decision-making and the sustainable management of marine resources for generations to come.
