The Seychelles Fisheries Authority (SFA) is working on finalizing draft harvest strategies for both the spanner crab and lobster fisheries. These strategies are clear, science-based plans that guide the management of these fisheries each year, ensuring the sustainability of fish stocks and supporting livelihoods and food security for future generations.

The draft strategies are the result of nearly five years of collaboration, developed by the SFA team in partnership with The Nature Conservancy’s FishPath team and CSIRO. This is an achievement, as it is the first time that SFA has developed harvest strategies for any fishery.

These drafts represent a significant milestone in a multi-year partnership under the project “Strengthening the Blue Economy of the Western Indian Ocean, ” which is funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Government of Germany.

Since 2021, this project has steadily enhanced scientific expertise within SFA through practical training and national workshops, including specific sessions dedicated to spanner crab and lobster fisheries. Increasingly, this work is being led by Seychellois experts.

The most critical step lies ahead, involving engagement with the people who know these waters best. In the coming months, the SFA will formally consult with fishers and stakeholders to share the draft strategies, gather their feedback, and refine the plans collaboratively. This approach ensures that the best decisions regarding our fisheries are made in partnership with the communities that rely on them.