Due to climate change impacts, Seychelles’ fisheries sector is largely affected, with the exception of artisanal fishing, which continues to experience increased fish catches.
Minister Jean-Francois Ferrari addressed this issue during a National Assembly session in response to a query from Waven William, the elected representative of Grand Anse Mahe in the western Mahe district.
Ferrari mentioned that the ongoing rise in ocean temperatures and the influence of El Nino and La Nina disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem.
He further explained that these phenomena significantly alter sea temperatures and ocean currents, potentially affecting the distribution of pelagic fish across the Indian Ocean.
Here’s another paraphrase:
“In 1998, El Nino had a profound impact on our fisheries sector, forcing our purse seiners to search for fish in other locations,” Ferrari stated. He explained that the increase in ocean temperature has affected tuna fishing, as purse seiners target fish near the surface, necessitating their movement to cooler waters.
“Last year, these vessels experienced a decline in tuna catch in the Indian Ocean region, decreasing by 10 percent from 403,000 tonnes to 373,000 tonnes. In Seychelles’ waters, the decline was even more significant, dropping from 113,566 tonnes to 69,000 tonnes, a decrease of about 40 percent,” he shared.
“This situation has a direct impact on our marine resources and poses a threat to the livelihoods of our fishermen and those who rely on these resources,” the minister explained.
Fisheries is the second-largest contributor to Seychelles’ economy, an archipelago located in the western Indian Ocean.
Ferrari noted, however, that studies on the local fisheries sector indicate that artisanal fishermen have maintained or even increased their catches over the past 20 years.
“Regarding fish traps, scientists from the Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA) noted that many coral reefs affected by bleaching have transitioned to micro-algae-dominated states, which are conducive to herbivorous fish, the primary catch for traps,” Ferrari remarked.
He added that recent data reveals a significant rise in fish caught through this fishery method, increasing from about 2,500 tonnes in 2016 to 5,700 tonnes in 2023.
