Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, no. 3 of 2025

This Act, divided into 14 Parts and consisting of 146 Sections, provides a framework for the conservation, management and development of fisheries and aquaculture within all maritime areas under the country's jurisdiction and for the control of activities by Seychelles' vessels beyond national jurisdiction. The Act aims at ensuring the long-term conservation, management and development of fisheries and aquaculture in Seychelles, while safeguarding marine resources, biodiversity, environment and ecosystems, for sustainability and for the benefit of the people of Seychelles. The Act applies to: all areas and persons over which Seychelles exercises sovereignty jurisdiction or sovereign rights; all fish, fishing and related activities, utilisation of fish and genetic material derived from fish and any other activity or matter falling within the scope of this Act; all persons, vessels, vehicles, aircraft, fish processing facilities, export or import facilities or other craft or place engaged in or otherwise connected with any activity falling within the scope of this Act; all Seychelles vessels and all persons on them, associated with them or dealing with or having any relevant relationship to them. The application of this Act is guided by the following principles: sustainable use; science-based management; international commitment and governance; precautionary approach; ecosystem-based management; biodiversity protection; data collection and transparency; monitoring, control and enforcement; reduction of waste and environmental impact; minimisation of pollution and environmental degradation; sustainable fishing practices; prevention of overfishing and excess capacity; inclusive stakeholder participation; social and economic welfare; regional and international cooperation.
The Act provides the following definitions of relevant terms: endangered species; bycatch; Exclusive Economic Zone; exploratory fishing; fish aggregating device; fish product; fishery resource; fish stock; foreign vessel; fishing vessel; gear; illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing (IIU); international conservation and management measure; landing site; local fisheries; marine mammal; maritime zones; recreational fishing; transhipment; use of port. Part II of the Act concerns conservation, management and environmental protection measures and focuses on the following: fishery management plans; closed seasons and other management measures; research for effective management and conservation measures; prohibitions or restrictions on protected, threatened or endangered species of fish; designation of zones for conservation, management, protection or restoration of fisheries resources; marine environmental quality; management of bycatch and genetic resources; marking of vessels and gears and prohibition and limitations concerning nets and other fishing tools; prohibition of use of harmful fishing methods and sale of fish caught using such methods; prohibition to trade in fish and fish products taken or obtained in contravention of the laws of another State. Part III concerns general requirements for fishing and related activities and includes: transhipment in Seychelles ports, waters, and areas beyond national jurisdiction; prohibitions of fishing, transshipment, or any related activity in prohibited zones. Part IV concerns requirements for fisheries access. Part V concerns management and development of aquaculture and focuses on: introduction, transfer, export and release of live fish; inspection of fish; aquaculture waste; information on wild, genetically modified species.
Further Parts covered by this Act concern: licensing, monitoring, enforcement and sanctions; issuance of permissions and registration; information, data and statistics; monitoring, control and surveillance; port state measures; IUU fishing and fishing in contravention of conservation and management measures; procedure upon seizure forfeiture and disposal; jurisdiction, procedures and liabilities; offences and penalties.