Achieving the goals of the 2022-2027 strategic plan

The Seychelles are considering transforming their aquaculture facilities into a regional center of excellence. The opening of the first containerized echinoderm hatchery, a state-of-the-art facility, earlier this year marks the latest milestone in advancing the country’s progress toward this strategic objective.

Aubrey Lesperance, head of aquaculture at the Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA), informed SNA that the inauguration of the hatchery signifies the commencement of an ambitious project aimed at transitioning from research-oriented aquaculture to commercialization, aligning with the organization’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan.

The containerized echinoderm hatchery signifies a significant stride towards commercializing aquaculture in Seychelles. By integrating cutting-edge research facilities with practical and scalable solutions like the hatchery, Seychelles is positioning itself to emerge as a global leader in sustainable aquaculture practices. Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Jean François Ferrari, remarked during the hatchery’s inauguration, « Our vision is to establish ourselves as a marine center of excellence in fishing and aquaculture within the blue economy sector. Facilities like this one propel us closer to realizing that strategic objective ».

In addition to bolstering infrastructure, the Seychelles Fishing Authority has initiated a new generation of aquaculture technicians and scientists by forging a robust partnership with the Seychelles Maritime Academy (SMA). The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program, in collaboration with SMA, aims to train a significant portion of the 70 % workforce required in Seychelles’ aquaculture sector by 2040, underscoring the government’s dedication to cultivating a skilled and knowledgeable workforce to drive sectoral expansion.