National Agricultural and Fisheries Policy

The National Agricultural and Fisheries Policy was an act of Seychellois law passed in 2002 which was intended to set out the boundaries of fishing policy in the country between 2002 and 2013.

The policy aims toward “the promotion of sustainable and responsible fisheries development and optimising the benefits from this sector for the present and future generations.” ^[1]

The policy focuses principally on the promotion of sustainable exploitation in fishing practices, and a degree of responsibility for fishing in the islands whilst providing for food, employment, income, and foreign revenue.

Objectives

The specific objectives of the fisheries sector are:

• To promote conservation and management of marine resources in order to ensure the sustainability and long-term viability of the industry,
• To generate the maximum amount of employment,
• To maximize revenue from fisheries and other related activities,
• To promote an integrated economy,
• To enhance food supply and food security,
• To promote safety at sea,
• To maintain Port Victoria as the major tuna landing–transshipment port in the western Indian Ocean.

The responsibility of enacting the fisheries policies lies with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in the Seychelles. The Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA) works in cooperation with the government to ensure policy is conducted as the law has been implemented.

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