The Seychelles sea cucumber fishery recorded a decline in both catch and fishing effort during the 2024/2025 fishing season, according to the latest assessment by SFA’s Fisheries Research Department. The eight-month season ran from 1 October 2024 to 30 June 2025.

A total of 173,873 sea cucumbers were harvested during the season, representing a 25.4% decrease compared to the 233,285 recorded in 2023/2024. Flower Teatfish remained the dominant species, with 141,627 individuals harvested, although this was a 29.1% decline from the previous season. Prickly Redfish catches increased slightly by 1.9%, while Golden Sandfish recorded a small decrease.

Fishing activity also decreased, with 121 fishing trips recorded, compared to 133 in the previous season. Total dive time fell by 14.2%, from 1.19 million to 1.02 million dive minutes, while total diver days declined by 20.3% to 5,354.

The assessment also found a continued decline in Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE), an important indicator used to monitor fishery performance. Overall CPUE stood at 39 pieces per diver day, with Flower Teatfish accounting for the highest rate at 30 pieces per diver day. CPUE measured in pieces per dive minute also continued its downward trend.

Quota utilisation remained relatively low during the season, with 60% of the Flower Teatfish quota, 56% of the Prickly Redfish quota and only 4% of the Golden Sandfish quota being utilised. Overall quota utilisation averaged 45%, the lowest recorded over the past five seasons.

The findings highlight the importance of continued monitoring and effective management of the fishery. The decline in catch and CPUE, together with reduced fishing effort and under-utilisation of quotas, may indicate changes in resource availability and potential pressure on some stocks, particularly Flower Teatfish.

The report recommends further investigation into the factors influencing these trends, including stock availability, environmental conditions and operational or economic factors affecting fishing activity.