Seychelles and the European Union (EU) have signed a new Implementing Protocol to the EU-Seychelles Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA) in Brussels.
Under the terms of the four-year agreement, up to 30 EU purse seiner vessels and eight longliners will be granted access to Seychelles’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), with a total EU financial contribution of €23 million, approximately R373 million over the four-year period.
Of this amount, €3 million per year (€12 million total) is specifically dedicated as sectoral support to enhance and develop Seychelles’ local fisheries industry. The funding managed by Seychelles Fisheries Authority (SFA) will support key initiatives channelled directly toward the artisanal and small-scale fishing sector, including upgrading fisheries infrastructure, improving facilities and safety equipment for artisanal fishers, and investing in capacity building across the industry.
SFA will also continue to receive fishing access fees paid by EU vessel owners.EU vessel owners will pay fishing access fees (€90 per tonne) with an advance payment of €72,000 per purse seiner vessel directly to Seychelles through SFA, alongside dedicated fees reserved for environmental management and marine ecosystem observation.
The agreement reinforces Port Victoria’s role as the regional hub for the EU tuna fleet, supporting employment in port services, fish processing and other fisheries-related industries. It also creates opportunities for Seychellois fishers to work aboard EU vessels and provides funding to strengthen training at the Seychelles Maritime Academy.
Minister Wallace Cosgrow described the agreement as an important investment in Seychelles’ fisheries sector, highlighting its role in supporting local livelihoods, strengthening sustainable fisheries management and creating long-term opportunities for Seychellois fishers.
The protocol has been applied provisionally since 27 July 2026, ensuring uninterrupted fishing operations while both parties complete the formal ratification process.