The Seychelles and the European Union (EU) signed Monday in Brussels a new protocol implementing their Partnership Agreement for Sustainable Fisheries (SFPA), to relaunch the activities of the European fleet in the Seychelles waters after several months of interruption.
The new agreement, concluded for a period of four years, guarantees the continuity of fishing operations while increasing the economic impact on the Seychelles.
An agreement of 23 million euros for access to Seychelles waters
The protocol authorizes up to 30 European tuna and eight European longliners to operate in the Seychelles’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
In return, the European Union will make a total financial contribution of €23 million, or about 373 million Seychelles rupees, over the duration of the agreement.
An envelope of 12 million euros, representing 3 million euros per year, will be devoted to the development of the Seychelles fisheries sector, in particular to the strengthening of national capacities.
European shipowners will also have to pay access fees set at 90 euros per ton of tuna caught, with an advance of 72,000 euros per tuna senneur paid to the Seychelles Fisheries Authority (SFA).
Port Victoria and the tuna industry at the heart of economic benefits
The new agreement guarantees the maintenance of Port Victoria as the main operation and transhipment center of the European tuna fleet in the Indian Ocean.
This activity supports several sectors of the local economy, including port handling, supplies, fuel supplies and logistics services.
The agreement also ensures a regular supply of tuna for the Indian Ocean Tuna (IOT) plant as well as for companies specializing in the processing of accessory catches, contributing to the maintenance of jobs and the development of exports.
Increased support for artisanal fishing and maritime training
A significant part of the sectoral support funds will be allocated to artisanal fishing, with planned investments in infrastructure, safety equipment and the modernization of facilities for Seychel fishermen.
The protocol also provides support for the Seychelles Maritime Academy (SMA) to train future sailors, captains and technicians according to the international standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Employment opportunities for Seychel fishermen on board European vessels are also planned.
Fishing, the second pillar of the Seychelles economy
Fishing remains the second pillar of the Seychelles economy after tourism. The sector represents an important source of export revenue, generates thousands of direct and indirect jobs and occupies a central place in the country’s blue economy.
The Minister of Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Wallace Cosgrow, stressed that this agreement is more than a financial partnership. According to him, it helps to protect jobs related to port activities, fish processing facilities and to strengthening the capacities of artisanal fishermen as well as the training of young Seychelles.
The protocol has been provisionally applied since July 27, 2026, in order to ensure the continuity of port activities and supply chains, pending its final ratification by both parties.
Source: Seychelles news agency
