Fisheries Comprehensive Plan.

The Fisheries Comprehensive Plan (Plan) aims to guide the future actions and spearhead the development for the fisheries sector in Seychelles. The vision of the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture is to have a resilient and sustainable fisheries sector that enhances food and nutrition security, contributes to socio-economic development and respects the natural environment. It also contains the guiding principles which include a shared partnership approach with involvement of individuals, communities, civil society and private sector. The plan discusses the current situation, issues and action plan for capture fisheries as well as aquaculture.
The Plan recommends revision of the vessel classification system and proposes to classify vessels artisanal and semi-industrial vessels as small-scale fisheries. It also introduces a new marking scheme for identification of vessels and coding system for commercial fishing vessels. The Plan lays down the new procedure for registration of fishing vessels and actions include amendment of legislation, database development, licensing and accreditation system for masters and skippers. It also introduces a new procedure for the transfer of ownership of fishing vessels. The licensing for fishing activities is stated to be in accordance to the revised classification of vessels. The Plan proposes actions for better management of fuel concessions such as introduction of fuel card system and other measures to mitigate abuse of the system.
With regards to Monitoring, Control and Surveillance, the Plan proposes to undertake certain actions including development and implementation of a National Plan of Action against IUU fishing and a Vessel Monitoring System management plan. The Plan then proceeds to recommend actions for industrial fishing in respect of Purse Seine Fishery; Longline Fishery; Seychelles Flagged Vessels; and Bycatch. The Plan recommends establishment of a national structure to increase unity and cooperation among the fisheries associations. It further states actions relating to insurance, access to finance, employment and processing. The Plan proposes a comprehensive revision and gap analysis of the current fisheries legislations including transposition of Indian Ocean Tuna Commission resolutions and other international fisheries instruments into the Fisheries Act and Regulations.