Fishermen Demand Fair Trade Policies as Indian Ocean Tensions Rise
Local fishing communities are calling on the government to renegotiate international fishing agreements that they say disadvantage Seychellois fishermen.
Alain Dupont
Fishing communities across Mahé and Praslin are calling on the government to urgently renegotiate international fishing agreements, arguing that current arrangements allow foreign fleets to deplete Seychellois waters while local fishermen struggle to compete.
A delegation of artisanal fishermen met with the Minister of Fisheries this week, presenting data showing a 31% decline in their average catch over the past five years. They attribute the decline to the presence of large industrial vessels from foreign nations operating under bilateral agreements.
"We have been fishing these waters for generations," said fishermen's association president Marcel Larue. "Our children should be able to do the same. But at this rate, there will be nothing left for them."
The government has acknowledged the concerns and promised a review of existing agreements, though no timeline has been given. Environmental groups have also weighed in, calling for stronger enforcement of existing marine protected area regulations.
