VICTORIA, Seychelles — Seychelles yesterday joined the global community to mark World Tuna Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the vital role of tuna in the oceans, economies, and communities. The theme for World Tuna Day 2025, ‘Steering tuna sustainability: A driver of socio-economic prosperity’, resonates deeply with Seychelles’ vision for its fisheries. The Seychelles Fisheries Authority (SFA) is leading the charge through an inclusive co-management approach, guided by the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF), a strategy that recognises the intricate connections between marine ecosystems, human well-being, and economic development.
Globally, significant strides have been made in tuna conservation since the United Nations General Assembly designated May 2 as World Tuna Day nine years ago. In 2017, only 75 percent of tuna catches came from healthy stocks free of overfishing; today, that figure exceeds 90 percent. The recovery of species like the Atlantic Bluefin tuna, now commonly sighted again in southern England and Ireland, underscores the impact of coordinated efforts by governments through the five tuna regional fisheries management organisations, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) led Common Oceans Programme.
The UNCLOS Common Oceans Tuna project has set an ambitious goal to ensure all major tuna stocks are fished at sustainable levels by 2027. According to the latest data, only two of the 23 major tuna stocks are still being overfished, a testament to the progress made. However, vigilance is critical. Bycatch incidents, where seabirds, sharks, whales, and turtles are accidentally caught in nets or on hooks, persist, and many species, including the iconic albatross, remain threatened. In a statement, Minister of Fisheries and the Blue Economy Jean-François Ferrari said that, ‘Tuna is more than a commercial commodity – it is a cornerstone of our nation’s blue economy, providing jobs, generating revenue, and contributing significantly to food security.’
