VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Ministry of Environment has handed over two new patrol boats to the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) and the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles (MCSS) to boost maritime surveillance around Aldabra and other marine protected areas. The boats, which were procured through funding from the Blue Grants Fund, will be used to patrol the country’s expansive marine territory and to deter illegal fishing and other activities.
The handover ceremony, held at the Seychelles Maritime Academy, was attended by senior officials from the ministry, SIF, MCSS, and the Blue Grants Fund. Speaking at the event, the principal secretary for environment said the boats represent a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to protect its marine biodiversity and to ensure that its marine protected areas are effectively managed. He noted that the country’s EEZ covers an area of 1.37 million square kilometres, and that effective patrolling requires modern equipment and well-trained personnel.
The chief executive of SIF, Dr Fleischer-Dogley, said the boats will be used primarily around Aldabra, where SIF manages a strict no-take zone. She thanked the ministry and the Blue Grants Fund for their support and said the boats will enable SIF to detect and respond to incursions more quickly. The MCSS also welcomed the donation, saying it will help to strengthen the organisation’s capacity to patrol the marine parks around Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, and to work with the community to promote sustainable use of marine resources.
