Aquaculture Within the Seychelles: A review on challenges within the sector

It is well established that global fish resources are under immense pressure due to a growing human population and demand for food security. Aquaculture, and especially marine aquaculture, has and is being hailed as the solution to both reducing pressure on wild caught fisheries, and ensuring food security worldwide. Within the Western Indian Ocean some progress within aquaculture development has been made. Several factors, however, such as sound regulatory frameworks, lack of investment, market access, lack of knowledge and skills, and high operational costs, have prevented most enterprises from progressing beyond the experimental phase. These challenges have hindered progress in the development of aquaculture in Seychelles. However, strong government backing, and through the Blue Economy platform, support has been garnered for the development of a Mariculture Master Plan that provides a strategic plan towards developing the sector. Inroads have been made through the formulation of policies and regulations, skills development and training, and engagement with key stakeholders and the public. The completion of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and the granting of environmental authorisation has ensured that the construction of a brood stock, acclimation and quarantine facility has started. The success of this facility could influence the drive and ultimate realization of the sector in Seychelles. Consequently, research and development must remain the focus during this initial phase, together with procedural development and skilled training. Aquaculture development in Seychelles will be a long term process and will require a champion to ensure that support is maintained over the lifetime of the project from government, investors and the public in general. The momentum that has been created must be maintained through continued research, engagement and the active pursuit of investment and markets.