VICTORIA, Seychelles — On June 5, Seychelles joined the international community in commemorating the International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2017. The day also marks the entry into force of the Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA), the first binding international agreement specifically aimed at preventing, deterring, and eliminating IUU fishing through enhanced port controls.
“IUU fishing is not just illegal; it is a direct assault on the rule of law, marine biodiversity, and the sustainability of our fisheries,” said the chief executive of the Seychelles Fisheries Authority (SFA), Mr Robinson. He said the SFA takes a firm and proactive stance, with its Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) department working tirelessly to detect illegal activities, enforce regulations, and protect the maritime domain from illicit fishing operations.
A key milestone in the country’s effort is the recent acquisition of ‘Surveillance 2’, a state-of-the-art patrol vessel that significantly expands operational reach across the exclusive economic zone. Equipped with advanced technology, the vessel enables officers to conduct efficient patrols, gather real-time intelligence, and respond rapidly to suspicious activity at sea. “It is a tangible reflection of our investment in maritime security and good fisheries governance,” Mr Robinson said. Minister for Fisheries and the Blue Economy Jean-François Ferrari also thanked responsible fishermen across Seychelles for their integrity in following the rules, and called for united action from government, enforcement agencies, fishers, consumers, and international partners.
